What Is 6060 T6 Aluminum Tube
6060 is a European-developed Al-Mg-Si alloy (EN AW-6060, also designated AlMgSi0.5, UNS A96060, WNR 3.3206). It is part of the 6xxx family and sits at the moderate-strength end, slightly lower than 6063 in some tempers but with very good extrusion behavior and a smooth, bright finish after anodizing.
The T6 temper means the tube is solution heat-treated and then artificially aged. In this condition it reaches the highest strength of the common 6060 tempers while keeping good dimensional stability and surface quality. That combination is why 6060 T6 is widely used for window and door systems, curtain walls, railings, furniture tubing, lighting tracks, and light structural frames.
A point that matters for specification: a 6060 T6 aluminum tube is a structural and architectural extrusion, not a pressure-rated piping product. Its service capability in a fluid or load-bearing system depends on wall thickness, alloy, temper, temperature, and the applicable design code and must be established by the design rather than read from a fixed pressure class.
Specifications Of 6060 T6 Aluminum Tube
|
Item |
Detail |
|
Product |
6060 T6 aluminum tube (round, square, rectangular) |
|
Alloy |
6060 (EN AW-6060 / AlMgSi0.5 / UNS A96060 / WNR 3.3206) |
|
Temper |
T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged); also available O, T4, T5, T64, T66 |
|
Standards |
EN 573-3, EN 755-1, EN 755-2; ASTM B221; GB/T 6892; JIS H4000 |
|
Shapes |
Round tube, square tube, rectangular tube |
|
Outside diameter |
Round tube typically 6 mm to 350 mm (custom sizes available) |
|
Wall thickness |
0.5 mm to 40 mm depending on shape and method |
|
Length |
1000 mm to 6000 mm standard; cut-to-length and longer lengths available |
|
Surface finish |
Mill finish, anodized (clear or colored), powder coated, electrophoretic |
|
Density |
2.70 g/cm³ |
|
Modulus of elasticity |
approx. 69 GPa |
Mechanical properties
The values below are minimum mechanical properties for extruded 6060 tube per EN 755-2 (wall thickness up to 15 mm). Actual results vary with wall thickness, temper, and production route; the mill test certificate confirms the values for each order.
|
Temper |
Tensile strength Rm (min) |
Yield strength Rp0.2 (min) |
Elongation A (min) |
|
T4 |
120 MPa |
60 MPa |
16% |
|
T5 |
160 MPa |
120 MPa |
8% |
|
T6 |
190 MPa |
150 MPa |
8% |
|
T66 |
215 MPa |
160 MPa |
8% |
For 6060 T6, typical measured tensile strength is about 190 to 220 MPa and yield is about 150 to 170 MPa, with elongation around 8 to 11 percent. These are material strength values, not a pressure rating.
Chemical composition
Composition of EN AW-6060 per EN 573-3, in weight percent:
|
Element |
Si |
Fe |
Cu |
Mn |
Mg |
Cr |
Zn |
Ti |
Others (each) |
Others (total) |
Al |
|
% |
0.30 to 0.60 |
0.10 to 0.30 |
0.10 max |
0.10 max |
0.35 to 0.60 |
0.05 max |
0.15 max |
0.10 max |
0.05 max |
0.15 max |
Remainder |
Common stock sizes
The table below shows representative round tube sizes commonly supplied in 6060 T6. Other diameters, wall thicknesses, and square or rectangular sections are available to drawing or specification.
|
Outside diameter (mm) |
Wall thickness (mm) |
Typical length (mm) |
Temper |
|
20 |
2.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T5 / T6 |
|
25 |
1.5 |
1000 to 6000 |
T5 / T6 |
|
30 |
2.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T5 / T6 |
|
40 |
2.5 |
1000 to 6000 |
T5 / T6 |
|
50 |
3.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T6 |
|
60 |
3.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T6 |
|
80 |
4.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T6 |
|
100 |
4.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T6 |
|
120 |
5.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T6 |
|
140 |
5.0 |
1000 to 6000 |
T6 |
Applications
6060 T6 aluminum tube is used where a clean surface, light weight, and moderate strength matter more than maximum load capacity:
Window, door, and curtain-wall frames
Railings, handrails, and balustrades
Furniture tubing and decorative trim
Lighting tracks and display structures
Lightweight equipment frames and enclosures
Heat sinks and thermal management parts
Transport interiors, retail fittings, and irrigation pipe
Electrical conduit and distribution supports
For a higher structural load, a 6061 or 6082 tube is usually preferred. 6060 remains the default choice when surface finish and extrusion detail are the priority.
Surface finish options
Mill finish: as-extruded, suitable for painting or further treatment
Anodizing: clear or colored; produces a uniform, durable, decorative surface
Powder coating: color-matched architectural protection
Electrophoretic and wood-grain transfer: for design-led interiors and facades
6060 vs 6063 vs 6082
|
Property |
6060 T6 |
6063 T6 |
6082 T6 |
|
Strength |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Higher |
|
Extrudability |
Very good |
Very good |
Good |
|
Anodizing response |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Good |
|
Typical use |
Architectural, decorative |
Architectural, decorative |
Structural, machining |
|
Relative strength ranking |
1 |
2 |
4 |
All three are 6xxx Al-Mg-Si alloys and are weldable by TIG and MIG. Choose 6060 or 6063 when finish and form are key, and 6082 when the part must carry higher load.
Packaging
6060 T6 aluminum tube is packed for long-distance sea and air freight:
Each bundle wrapped in waterproof or anti-rust paper
Bundles strapped with steel or polyester strapping, at least three bands per bundle
Wooden cases or wooden pallets for heavy or mixed shipments
End caps and corner protectors supplied on request
Clear labels with alloy, temper, size, lot, and standard
Inspection and quality control
GNEE applies the following checks before shipment:
Raw material verification: mill certificate reviewed against EN 573-3 composition and the ordered temper.
Dimensional inspection: outside diameter, wall thickness, length, straightness, and squareness checked against EN 755 dimensional tolerances.
Surface inspection: visual check for scratches, dents, oxidation, and anodizing defects.
Mechanical testing: tensile and yield confirmed from the mill test certificate; independent testing available on request.
Coating check: anodizing or powder thickness is measured where applicable.
Documentation: EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate issued with the order; third-party inspection by SGS or BV is available on request.
Why buy 6060 T6 aluminum tube from GNEE
18 years of aluminum export experience since 2008
Flexible MOQ based on order quantity and size, suitable for both trial and volume orders
Multiple specifications, tempers, finishes, and sizes can be combined in one shipment
Stock and custom extrusion supported, with cut-to-length service
EN 10204 3.1 MTC provided; SGS or BV inspection available on request
Standard lead time about 15 to 35 days; custom items about 25 to 45 days (confirm at order)
FAQ
What is the difference between 6060 T6 and 6063 T6 aluminum tube?
Both are moderate-strength architectural alloys with excellent anodizing response. 6060 is common in European specifications (EN AW-6060) and is widely used for the same window, door, and decorative work as 6063. The choice often depends on the standard your project calls for and the extrusion section required.
Is 6060 T6 aluminum tube pressure rated?
No. It is a structural and architectural extrusion. Any pressure or load capability must be determined by the design from wall thickness, alloy, temper, temperature, and the applicable code, not from a fixed pressure class.
What sizes can GNEE supply?
A round tube is typically available from 6 mm to 350 mm outside diameter with wall thicknesses from 0.5 mm, in lengths up to 6000 mm standard. Square and rectangular sections and custom sizes are available to drawings.
What surface finishes are available?
Mill finish, anodized (clear or colored), powder coated, and electrophoretic or wood-grain transfer are available depending on the project.
What documents come with the order?
Each order ships with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate. Third-party inspection by SGS or BV can be arranged on request.
Can I order several sizes or tempers together?
Yes. GNEE supports combined shipments of multiple sizes, tempers, and surface finishes in one order, with the minimum quantity set by the total order and the sizes selected.
What is the typical lead time?
Standard items are usually about 15 to 35 days; custom extrusion or finishing is about 25 to 45 days. Confirm the exact schedule when placing the order.
Request a quote
Tell GNEE your required alloy temper (for example, 6060 T6), shape, outside diameter, wall thickness, length, surface finish, quantity, and destination. Our team will confirm availability, provide a quote, and advise on lead time and combined shipment options.
Contact GNEE to discuss your 6060 T6 aluminum tube requirements.
Hot Tags: 6060 t6 aluminum tube, China 6060 t6 aluminum tube manufacturers, suppliers, factory
