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Topics Covered
Background
Applications of 6063 Aluminium
Alloy Designations
Chemical Composition of 6063/6063A Aluminium
Tempers for 6063 Aluminium
6063 Aluminium Mechanical Properties
6063A Aluminium Mechanical Properties
Physical Properties of 6063 Aluminium
Fabrication of 6063 Aluminium
Welding of 6063 Aluminium
Supplied Forms
Applications of 6063A Aluminium
Background
Aluminium alloy 6063 is a medium strength alloy commonly referred to as an architectural alloy. It is normally used in intricate extrusions.
It has a good surface finish, high corrosion resistance, is readily suited to welding and can be easily anodised. Most commonly available as T6 temper, in the T4 condition it has good formability.
Applications of 6063 Aluminium
Aluminium alloy 6063 is typically used in:
- Architectural applications
- Extrusions
- Window frames
- Doors
- Shop fittings
- Irrigation tubing
In balustrading the rails and posts are normally in the T6 temper and formed elbows and bends are T4. T4 temper 6063 aluminium is also finding applications in hydroformed tube for chassis.
Alloy Designations
Aluminium alloy 6063/6063A also corresponds to the following standard designations and specifications:
|
AA6063 |
Al Mg0.7Si |
|
GS10 |
AlMgSi0.5 |
|
A-GS |
3.32206 |
|
ASTM B210 |
ASTM B221 |
|
ASTM B241 (Pipe- Seamless) |
ASTM B345 (Pipe- Seamless) |
|
ASTM B361 |
ASTM B429 |
|
ASTM B483 |
ASTM B491 |
|
MIL G-18014 |
MIL G-18015 |
|
MIL P-25995 |
MIL W-85 |
|
QQ A-200/9 |
SAE J454 |
|
UNS A96063 |
HE19 |
Chemical Composition of 6063/6063A Aluminium
Table 1. Typical chemical composition for aluminium alloy 6063 and 6063A
| Element |
6063
% Present |
6063A
% Present |
| Si |
0.2 to 0.6 |
0.3 to 0.6 |
| Fe |
0.0 to 0.35 |
0.15 to 0.35 |
| Cu |
0.0 to 0.1 |
0.1 |
| Mn |
0.0 to 0.1 |
0.15 |
| Mg |
0.45 to 0.9 |
0.6 to 0.9 |
| Zn |
0.0 to 0.1 |
0.0 to 0.15 |
| Ti |
0.0 to 0.1 |
0.1 |
| Cr |
0.1 max |
0.05 |
| Al |
Balance |
Balance |
Tempers for 6063 Aluminium
The most common tempers for 6063 aluminium are:
- Annealed wrought alloy
- T4 – Solution heat treated and naturally aged
- T6 – Solution heat treated and artificially aged
6063 Aluminium Mechanical Properties
Table 2. Typical mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063
| Temper |
O |
T4 |
T6 |
| MinimumProof Stress 0.2% (MPa) |
50 |
65 |
160 |
| Minimum Tensile Strength (MPa) |
100 |
130 |
195 |
| Shear Strength (MPa) |
70 |
110 |
150 |
| Elongation A5 (%) |
27 |
21 |
14 |
| Hardness Vickers (HV) |
25 |
50 |
80 |
6063A Aluminium Mechanical Properties
Table 3. Typical mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A.
| Temper |
T4 |
T6 |
| MinimumProof Stress 0.2% (MPa) |
90 |
190 |
| Minimum Tensile Strength (MPa) |
150 |
220 |
| Elongation A5 (%) |
10 |
5 |
Physical Properties of 6063 Aluminium
Table 4. Typical physical properties for aluminium alloy 6063.
| Property |
Value |
| Density |
2700 kg/m3 |
| Melting Point |
600°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity |
69.5 GPa |
| Electrical Resistivity |
0.035x10-6 Ù.m |
| Thermal Conductivity |
200 W/m.K |
| Thermal Expansion |
23.5 x 10-6 /K |
Fabrication of 6063 Aluminium
- Process Rating
- Workability - Cold Average
- Machinability Average
- Weldability – Gas Excellent
- Weldability – Arc Excellent
- Weldability – Resistance Excellent
- Brazability Excellent
- Solderability Good
Welding of 6063 Aluminium
- 6063 is suitable for all conventional welding methods.
- Welding wire generally should be alloy 5183 or alloy 4043.
- When maximum electrical conductivity is required use alloy 4043.
- For strength and conductivity use alloy 5346 and increase the size of the weld to compensate for the lower conductivity.
Supplied Forms
6063 aluminium extrusions are available from Aalco in the following forms with a T6 temper:
- Square Box Section
- Rectangular Box Section
- Channel
- Equal Angle
- Unequal Angle
- Flat Bar
- Tube
Aluminium alloy 6063A is a variation of 6063 aluminium with greater strength but retains the same good surface finish qualities and affinity for anodising.
Applications of 6063A Aluminium
Aluminium alloy 6063A is used in the same applications as 6063 aluminium. It is also used in:
- Road transport
- Rail transport
- Extreme sports equipment
Source: Aalco
For more information on this source, please visit Aalco.