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6063 – 'O' Extrusions

6063 – 'O' Extrusions

Aluminium alloy 6063 is a medium-strength alloy, widely known as an architectural alloy and commonly used for intricate extrusions. It offers an excellent surface finish, high corrosion resistance, and is readily weldable. The alloy is easily anodised. While most commonly supplied in T6 temper, the T4 condition provides good formability, making it suitable for bending and shaping applications.

Aluminium Alloy 6063A

  • 6063A is a higher-strength variant of 6063, retaining the same superior surface finish and excellent anodising characteristics.

APPLICATIONS

  • 6063 is typically used in:
  • • Architectural applications
  • • Extrusions
  • • Window frames and doors
  • • Shop fittings
  • • Irrigation tubing
  • • Balustrading (rails and posts generally in T6 temper; elbows and bends in T4 temper)
  • • Hydroformed tubes for chassis (T4 temper)
  • 6063A is used in the same applications as 6063 and additionally in:
  • • Road transport
  • • Rail transport
  • • Extreme sports equipment

Chemical Composition

Alloy 6063

Spec: BS EN 573-3:2009

Chemical Element% Present
Manganese (Mn)0.0 – 0.10
Iron (Fe)0.0 – 0.35
Magnesium (Mg)0.45 – 0.90
Silicon (Si)0.20 – 0.60
Zinc (Zn)0.0 – 0.10
Copper (Cu)0.0 – 0.10
Aluminium (Al)Balance
Other (Each)0.0 – 0.05
Others (Total)0.0 – 0.15

Physical Properties

PropertyValue
Density2.70 g/cm³
Melting Point600 °C
Thermal Expansion23.5 × 10⁻⁶ /K
Modulus of Elasticity69.5 GPa
Thermal Conductivity200 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity0.035 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m

Mechanical Properties

Rod & Bar – Up to 200 mm Dia.

Spec: BS EN 755-2:2008

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength130 MPa (Max)
Elongation A50 mm16% (Min)
Hardness (Brinell)25 HB
Elongation A18% (Min)

Mechanical Properties

Tube – Up to 25 mm Wall Thickness

Spec: BS EN 755-2:2008

PropertyValue
Tensile Strength130 MPa (Max)
Elongation A50 mm16% (Min)
Hardness (Brinell)25 HB
Elongation A18% (Min)

Alloy Designations

Aluminium alloy 6063/6063A corresponds to the following designations (may not be direct equivalents):

  • 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

Temper Types

Common tempers for 6063 aluminium:

  • O – Soft
  • T4 – Solution heat treated and naturally aged to a substantially stable condition
  • T6 – Solution heat treated and artificially aged

Supplied Forms

  • Extrusions (tee, channel, angle, flat bar)
  • Box section and tube

Weldability

6063 is suitable for all conventional welding methods. Recommended welding wires: Alloy 5183 or 4043 for general welding 4043 for maximum electrical conductivity 5346 for strength and conductivity (increase weld size for lower conductivity)

Welding MethodRating
GasExcellent
ArcExcellent
ResistanceExcellent
BrazingVery Good
SolderingGood

Fabrication Characteristics

  • Cold Workability: Average
  • Machinability: Average