6063 aluminum alloy is a heat-treatable, strengthened aluminum alloy with magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements. It is well known for outstanding extrudability, excellent corrosion resistance, and an attractive surface finish. With medium mechanical strength and excellent anodizing performance, 6063 is one of the most widely used materials for architectural and industrial aluminum profiles.
1. Equivalent Designations of 6063
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| UNS | A96063 |
| ASTM (AA) | AA6063 |
| DIN | AlMgSi0.5 (material number 3.3206) |
| EN | EN AW-6063 |
| JIS | A6063 |
| GB/T | 6063 |
| BS | HE9 |
| ISO | AlMg0.7Si |
2. Key Properties of 6063 Aluminum Alloy
2.1 Strength
The strength of 6063 is classified as medium, slightly lower than higher-strength alloys such as 6061. It is not intended for heavy-duty load-bearing structures, but it provides sufficient strength for architectural profiles and light-to-medium industrial applications. Its balanced strength and formability make it ideal for extrusions with complex shapes.
2.2 Corrosion Resistance
6063 exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, especially after anodizing: the anodized layer forms a dense protective oxide film that effectively resists oxidation and atmospheric corrosion. This makes 6063 highly suitable for long-term outdoor use in windows, doors, curtain walls, railings and building facades.
2.3 Weldability and Brazability
6063 supports a wide range of standard welding methods and is easy to fabricate. Common filler wires are: ER4043, preferred when electrical conductivity is required, and ER5356 (or the equivalent ER5183), recommended for higher weld strength. Because 6063 has relatively lower conductivity than pure aluminum, weld size may need to be increased to maintain electrical performance.
2.4 Workability and Machinability
One of the strongest advantages of 6063 is superior workability: it can be extruded into intricate and customized profiles and performs well in bending, forming and stamping. It can also be machined by turning, drilling and milling, though its machinability is slightly lower than harder alloys such as 6061 or 2024 - proper tooling and optimized cutting parameters achieve better surface quality and machining efficiency.
3. Applications of 6063
6063 is the most commonly used extrusion alloy in the construction industry and is often referred to as architectural aluminum. Typical applications include: window and door frames; railings, fences and curtain-wall systems; roofing and sign frames; store fixtures and display systems; irrigation pipes and plumbing components; electrical equipment housings; marine and ship components; recreational equipment and tanks; and truck frames and trailers.
4. Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (% by weight) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (about 97.5% min) |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.45 - 0.90 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 - 0.60 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0 - 0.35 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0 - 0.10 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0 - 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0 - 0.10 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0 - 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0 - 0.10 |
| Other (each / total) | 0.05 / 0.15 max |
The high aluminum content ensures low weight and excellent processing performance; magnesium and silicon enhance strength, corrosion resistance, extrudability and anodizing quality; trace elements optimize structural stability and manufacturability.
5. Common Tempers of 6063
| Temper | Description |
|---|---|
| O (Annealed) | Softest state, highest ductility and formability, lowest strength |
| T1 | Naturally aged after extrusion; low strength, suitable for light structural parts |
| T4 | Solution heat-treated and naturally aged; good machinability and weldability |
| T5 | Artificially aged after extrusion; increased strength, widely used in building profiles |
| T6 | Solution heat-treated and artificially aged; highest strength for 6063 |
| T52 / T53 | Stress-relieved by stretching or compressing after quenching; improved dimensional stability and resistance to stress-corrosion cracking in service |
| T54 | Controlled cooling and aging for precision components |
| T55 | Higher strength than T5 with good machinability |
| T832 | Special treatment for enhanced reliability and long service life |
6. Mechanical Properties (Typical Minimums)
| Temper | Thickness | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6063-O | All | ≤ 130 MPa | ≥ 49 MPa | 18% |
| 6063-T1 | ≤ 12.7 mm | ≥ 120 MPa | ≥ 62 MPa | 12% |
| 6063-T1 | 13 - 25 mm | ≥ 110 MPa | ≥ 55 MPa | 12% |
| 6063-T5 | ≤ 13 mm | ≥ 140 MPa | ≥ 97 MPa | 8% |
| 6063-T5 | 13 - 25 mm | ≥ 130 MPa | ≥ 90 MPa | 8% |
| 6063-T6 | ≤ 3.15 mm | ≥ 190 MPa | ≥ 160 MPa | ≥ 8% |
7. Why 6063 Is Ideal for Anodizing
6063 belongs to the Al-Mg-Si alloy series and contains balanced levels of magnesium and silicon. This composition prevents rough or uneven surfaces during anodizing and enables the formation of a uniform, fine oxide layer. With an aluminum content above 97.5% and very low impurity levels (especially iron and copper), 6063 ensures stable color, consistent film thickness and excellent surface quality after anodizing. Originally designed for architectural applications, 6063 delivers outstanding results after anodizing, coloring, electrophoresis and powder coating. The anodized surface provides enhanced weather resistance and corrosion protection, making it ideal for exterior environments such as balconies, curtain walls and window systems.
8. Example Anodized 6063 Products
Anodized 6063 products commonly include sheet, round tube, square tube, angle, U-channel and T-bar profiles - each of which benefits from the alloy's uniform anodizing response and stable color development.
Read More:6063 Aluminum Pipe
If you have any requirements for 6063 aluminum alloy products, please contact GNEE for specifications, pricing, and technical support.
