Why Aluminium Alloy 6063?
AA 6063 is an aluminium alloy, with magnesium and silicon as the alloying elements, it is an architectural aluminum alloy.
There are two reasons why 6063 aluminum alloy is called architectural aluminum alloy.
First, it has a surface finish that is far smoother than the other commercially available alloys. It has high corrosion resistance, is readily suited to welding and can be easily anodized. It is normally used in intricate extrusions. 6063 aluminum is rated as “Good” for forming and cold working operations, “Excellent” for anodizing, and “Fair” for machining.
Second, its strength is significantly less than most other aluminum alloys. 6063 alloy has roughly half the strength of 6061 aluminum, making it suited for applications where strength is not the foremost consideration.Applications requiring higher strength typically use 6061 or 6082 instead.
6mm thick 6063 aluminum plate
Chemistry Information
| Al | Mg | Si | Fe | Cr | Cu | Mn | Ti | Zn | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97.5% – 99.35% | 0.45 – 0.90% | 0.20 – 0.60% | 0.35% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% | 0.10% | Max 0.05% Each; Max 0.15% Total |
Data reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6063_aluminium_alloy/
Physical Properties of 6063
The mechanical properties of 6063 depend greatly on the temper, or heat treatment, of the material.
| T52 | T6 | |
| Density | 0.098 lb/in3 | 0.098 lb/in3 |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 27 ksi | 35 ksi |
| Yield Tensile Strength | 21 ksi | 31 ksi |
| Fatigue Strength | 9.7 ksi | 10 ksi |
| Shear Strength | 15 ksi | 22 ksi |
| Shear Modulus | 3,700 ksi | 3,770 ksi |
| Hardness Rockwell | Brinell | B17 | 60 | B27 | 65 |
| Elongation at Break Percentage | 12% | 22% |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 10,000 ksi | 10,000 ksi |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Machinability Percentage | N/A | 50% |
| Melting Point | 1,140-1,210 °F | 1,140-1,210 °F |
| Specific Heat | 2.15 x 10^-1 BTU/lb-°F | 2.15 x 10^-1 BTU/lb-°F |
| Thermal Conductivity | 1,450 BTU-in/hr-ft^2-°F | 1,390 BTU-in/hr-ft^2-°F |
| Electrical Conductivity | 53% IACS | 53% IACS |
Detailed description
6063-O
Un-heat-treated 6063 has maximum tensile strength no more than 130 MPa (19,000 psi), and no specified maximum yield strength. The material has elongation (stretch before ultimate failure) of 18%.
6063-T1
T1 temper 6063 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 120 MPa (17,000 psi) in thicknesses up to 12.7 mm (0.5 in), and 110 MPa (16,000 psi) from 13 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 in) thick, and yield strength of at least 62 MPa (9,000 psi) in thickness up to 13 millimetres (0.5 in) and 55 MPa (8,000 psi) from 13 mm (0.5 in) thick. It has elongation of 12%.
6063-T4/6063-T5
T5 temper 6063 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 140 MPa (20,000 psi) in thicknesses up to 13 millimetres (0.5 in), and 130 MPa (19,000 psi) from 13 mm (0.5 in) thick, and yield strength of at least 97 MPa (14,000 psi) up to 13 millimetres (0.5 in) and 90 MPa (13,000 psi) from13 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 in). It has elongation of 8%.
6063-T6
T6 temper 6063 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 190 MPa (28,000 psi) and yield strength of at least 160 MPa (23,000 psi). In thicknesses of 3.15 millimetres (0.124 in) or less, it has elongation of 8% or more; in thicker sections, it has elongation of 10%.
Other tempers
6063 is also produced in tempers T52, T53, T54, T55, and T832, with various improved desired properties.
Application
6063 aluminium alloy is widely used in framework of architectural aluminium windows and doors, curtain wall, in order to keep the doors and windows, curtain walls with high wind pressure resistance, assembling performance, corrosion resistance, and decorative performance, the requirement of the comprehensive performance of aluminium alloy profile is much higher than standard of industrial profiles. It also used in pipe, railing, furniture, and decorative materials.
What is the difference between 6063 aluminum and 6061?
Both 6061 and 6063 are made up of magnesium and silicon as their primary alloying elements, meaning they exhibit many of the same properties.
The difference between 6061 and 6063 is mainly in the end use. 6063 is a common grade used for custom extrusions. Its high corrosion resistance and good formability make it one of most joinable alloys. 6061 features higher strength (tensile strength range is 20 to 42 KSI) than 6063.