Overview
Al6063 (AA6063) is one of the most popular aluminum extrusion alloys in the 6000 series aluminum family. Alloyed primarily with magnesium and silicon, Al6063 is widely recognized for its excellent extrudability, superior surface finish, outstanding corrosion resistance, and exceptional anodizing performance.
Often referred to as the “Architectural Aluminum Alloy,” Al6063 is extensively used in architectural profiles, window and door systems, curtain walls, furniture, solar mounting systems, transportation equipment, and decorative applications.
Compared with Al6061, Al6063 offers better surface quality and extrusion characteristics but lower mechanical strength.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Alloy Designation | AA6063 |
| Alloy Series | 6000 Series |
| Main Alloying Elements | Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si) |
| Material Type | Heat-Treatable Extrusion Aluminum Alloy |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Standard Forms | Extrusions, Profiles, Tubes, Bars, Rods |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.45–0.90 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20–0.60 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.35 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤0.10 |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤0.10 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤0.10 |
| Others | ≤0.15 Total |
Mechanical Properties
Typical T5 Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 145–186 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 110–145 MPa |
| Elongation | 8–12% |
| Hardness | 60 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 69 GPa |
Typical T6 Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 205–245 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 170–215 MPa |
| Elongation | 8–12% |
| Hardness | 73 HB |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 615–655°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 200–218 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 50–55% IACS |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23.5 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 900 J/kg·K |
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Exposure | Excellent |
| Outdoor Environment | Excellent |
| Marine Environment | Good |
| Industrial Environment | Excellent |
| Chemical Environment | Good |
Al6063 develops a durable oxide layer that provides excellent corrosion protection in most architectural and outdoor applications.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| AA (USA) | AA6063 |
| EN (Europe) | EN AW-6063 |
| DIN (Germany) | AlMg0.7Si |
| JIS (Japan) | A6063 |
| ISO | AlMg0.7Si |
| GB/T (China) | LD31 |
| UNS | A96063 |
Available Tempers
| Temper | Description |
|---|---|
| T4 | Solution Heat Treated & Naturally Aged |
| T5 | Artificially Aged After Extrusion |
| T52 | Stress Relieved |
| T6 | Solution Heat Treated & Artificially Aged |
| T66 | High Strength Artificially Aged |
Typical Applications
Architectural Industry
- Window Frames
- Door Frames
- Curtain Wall Systems
- Facade Profiles
- Handrails
- Balustrades
Solar Industry
- Solar Panel Frames
- Solar Mounting Systems
- Solar Rail Profiles
Furniture Industry
- Furniture Frames
- Office Partitions
- Display Systems
- Shelving Structures
Transportation Industry
- Vehicle Trim Components
- Bus Interior Profiles
- Railway Interior Structures
Electronics Industry
- LED Lighting Housings
- Electronic Enclosures
- Heat Sink Profiles
General Manufacturing
- Aluminum Tubes
- Decorative Extrusions
- Mechanical Profiles
- Structural Components
Machining Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Good |
| CNC Turning | Good |
| Drilling | Good |
| Tapping | Good |
| Extrusion | Outstanding |
| Bending | Excellent |
| Welding | Excellent |
| TIG Welding | Excellent |
| MIG Welding | Excellent |
| Anodizing | Outstanding |
Advantages
Excellent Extrusion Performance
Ideal for complex cross-sections and thin-wall profiles.
Superior Surface Finish
Produces smooth surfaces suitable for decorative applications.
Outstanding Anodizing Quality
One of the best aluminum alloys for anodized finishes.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Performs well in outdoor and architectural environments.
Lightweight Construction
Reduces weight while maintaining adequate structural performance.
Heat Treatable
Strength can be enhanced through artificial aging.
Limitations
Lower Strength Than Al6061
Not recommended for heavily loaded structural applications.
Moderate Fatigue Resistance
Less suitable for dynamic load-bearing components.
Limited Aerospace Applications
Generally not used for aerospace structural parts.
Lower Machinability Than Al2011
Not optimized for high-speed precision machining.
Comparison with Other Aluminum Alloys
| Property | Al6063 | Al6060 | Al6061 | Al5052 | Al6082 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Medium | Medium | High | Medium-High | High |
| Extrudability | Outstanding | Excellent | Good | Poor | Good |
| Surface Finish | Outstanding | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Anodizing Quality | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Cost | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium-High |
Comparison with Common Engineering Metals
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Corrosion Resistance | Strength | Architectural Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al6063 | 2.70 | Excellent | Medium | Outstanding |
| Al6061 | 2.70 | Good | High | Good |
| Stainless Steel 304 | 7.93 | Excellent | Medium | Excellent |
| Carbon Steel 1018 | 7.85 | Poor | Medium | Poor |
| Brass C360 | 8.47 | Good | Medium | Good |
| Copper C110 | 8.94 | Excellent | Low | Good |
Recommended Surface Finishes
- Clear Anodizing
- Black Anodizing
- Bronze Anodizing
- Champagne Anodizing
- Gold Anodizing
- Color Anodizing
- Hard Anodizing
- Powder Coating
- PVDF Coating
- Polyester Coating
- Brushing
- Polishing
- Sandblasting
- Laser Marking
- Silk Screen Printing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Al6063 aluminum?
Al6063 is a heat-treatable aluminum extrusion alloy widely used for architectural and decorative applications due to its superior surface finish and anodizing performance.
What is Al6063 used for?
Typical applications include:
- Window Systems
- Door Systems
- Curtain Walls
- Solar Panel Frames
- Furniture Profiles
- Decorative Aluminum Products
Is Al6063 better than Al6061?
It depends on the application.
| Property | Al6063 | Al6061 |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Finish | Better | Good |
| Extrudability | Better | Good |
| Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Structural Applications | Medium | Excellent |
Al6063 is preferred for architectural profiles, while Al6061 is preferred for structural and machined parts.
What is the difference between Al6063 and Al6060?
| Property | Al6063 | Al6060 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Slightly Higher | Slightly Lower |
| Surface Finish | Outstanding | Excellent |
| Architectural Applications | Excellent | Excellent |
| Extrusion Complexity | Excellent | Excellent |
Both alloys are commonly used for architectural extrusions.
Is Al6063 suitable for anodizing?
Yes. Al6063 is considered one of the best aluminum alloys for anodizing and decorative finishes.
Can Al6063 be welded?
Yes. Al6063 offers excellent weldability using TIG and MIG welding processes.
Is Al6063 suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes. Its excellent corrosion resistance makes it ideal for long-term outdoor use.
Why is Al6063 called architectural aluminum?
Because it combines:
- Excellent Surface Finish
- Outstanding Anodizing Quality
- Good Corrosion Resistance
- Excellent Extrudability
making it the preferred alloy for architectural systems worldwide.
Is Al6063 suitable for CNC machining?
Yes. Al6063 can be CNC machined effectively, although Al6061 is generally preferred for high-strength precision components.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for Al6063?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- Aluminum Extrusion Manufacturing
- CNC Machining
- CNC Turning
- Cutting & Fabrication
- Welding & Assembly
- Surface Finishing
- Anodizing
- Powder Coating
- Prototype Development
- Mass Production