Aluminium Alloys - Aluminium 6063/6063A Properties, Fabrication and Applications

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 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:

Chemical Composition of 6063/6063A Aluminium

Table 1. Chemical composition for aluminium alloy 6063 and 6063A

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 (a). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 Soft O

*Properties above are for material in the Soft O condition

Table 2 (b). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 Soft O

*Properties above are for material in the Soft O condition

Table 2 (c). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 T4

*Properties above are for material in the T4 condition

Table 2 (d). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 T6

*The Properties listed above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 2 (e). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 T6

*The Properties listed above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 2 (f). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 T6

*The Properties listed above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 2 (g). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 T6

*The Properties listed above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 2 (h). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063 T6

*The Properties listed above are for material in the T6 condition

6063A Aluminium Mechanical Properties

Table 3 (a). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T4

*Properties above are for material in the T4 condition

Table 3 (b). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T4

*Properties above are for material in the T4 condition

Table 3 (c). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T4

*Properties above are for material in the T4 condition

Table 3 (d). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T4

*Properties above are for material in the T4 condition

Table 3 (e). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T4

*Properties above are for material in the T4 condition

Table 3 (f). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T6

*Properties above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 3 (g). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T6

*Properties above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 3 (h). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T6

*Properties above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 3 (i). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T6

*Properties above are for material in the T6 condition

Table 3 (j). Mechanical properties for aluminium alloy 6063A T6

*Properties above are for material in the T6 condition

Physical Properties of 6063 Aluminium

Table 4. Physical properties for aluminium alloy 6063.

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

DISCLAIMER

This Data is indicative only and must not be seen as a substitute for the full specification from which it is drawn. In particular, the mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. The information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. However, no liability will be accepted by the Company is respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.

As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose.

Any advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without liability on the part of the Company. Any contract between the Company and a customer will be subject to the company’s Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company’s liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available on request.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.

For more information on this source, please visit Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.