Ultimately, choosing between these two alloys comes down to understanding what type of application will best suit your needs, so make sure to do your research before making a decision! While its commonly used for extrusions, its properties are especially suited for machining and computer numerical control (CNC) purposes. Tags: 6063 aluminum alloycan also be machined, but it does not perform as well as 6061. Haomei Aluminum always follow the highest international standards in an industry where nothing less than the best is tolerated. And how can one determine the best one for a specific project? Although not as corrosion-resistant as 6063, the more substantial presence of chromium in 6061 provides decent corrosion protection. Table 1 (below) summarizes the parameters that are most striking when compared, and the brief explanation that follows will show why these two alloys are not simply interchangeable. In this article, well take a look at the differences between two popular types of aluminum 6060 and 6063 to help you decide which one is best for your project. 0000011490 00000 n What are the Pros and Cons of Aluminums Material Properties? For each property being compared, the top bar is 6061 aluminum and the bottom bar is 6060 aluminum. Properties & Most Common Uses of Aluminum. 0000016098 00000 n AA 6063-T5 is another aluminum alloy which containing the same alloying elements as AA 6061-T6. Both these alloys are weldable, but it should be noted that . Alloy 6061, or structural aluminum, comes in two variations, or tempers, T4 and T6, which have slightly different properties caused by processing after extrusion. The ultimate strength is only preferred in projects that require plastic deformation. They have applications in aerospace, construction, transportation, recreational products, and numerous other industries. They share many similar properties, making it difficult for some designers to determine which is right for their purposes. 0000014857 00000 n Welcome to leave message below to inquire what you need. 0000017795 00000 n Find materials, components, equipment, MRO supplies and more. Table: Ratings for mechanical properties, surface quality and roughness, and extrudability for the 6000 series of alloys. While this alloy does not differ from 6061 aluminum in many ways, its lower strength and better corrosion resistance make 6063 aluminum a better choice for extrusion projects. This data comes from the 2013Aluminum Standards & Data. Easy to process and good wear resistance. Aluminum 6061 vs Aluminum 6063 - Custom Tube Bending For the same product, aluminum 6061 is stronger than 6063. Aluminum alloys are metal compounds that are manufactured by the addition of a certain percentage of other metallic elements into pure aluminum. 52 pieces of 8 x 4 x 1/4 Rectangular Aluminum 6061-T6 tubing was called to be bent to an 18-0 inside radius. Highly versatility, mainly because of its surface finish and easy extrusion. For this reason, 6061 aluminumis mostly preferred for projects that require machining procedures. Our website uses cookies. When pressures were applied, the material failed almost immediately. Below is a list of some typical applications for each of these alloys. Additionally, the differing strength of 6061 and 6063 aluminummake a good point for the comparison. 401 County Road 22 NW Since the aluminum 6061 and 6063 come from the 6xxxx series they share similar elemental composition and mechanical properties. 0000017717 00000 n 0000029317 00000 n A quick answer is that while 6063 is slightly better suited to the extrusion process, 6061 tends to be stronger. However, for applications in which higher strength and a finer finish are needed, 6063 may be a more suitable choice. Applications for Aluminum 6061 vs Aluminum 6063 Applications for 6061 Aluminum Automotive components Bicycle frames Couplers Valves Protective structures Framework Expands Arizona Footprint with Larger Warehouse and Enhanced Services, Industrial Metal Supply Opens Seventh Store in San Jose, Industrial Metal Supply Co. Celebrates 10 Years in Tucson, Industrial Metal Supply Co. Grade 6082 is the most common grade of commercial aluminium sections & plates, and T6 is the most common temper. All Rights Reserved. For example, in comparing aluminum alloy 6061 t6 vs 6063 t6, we know that 6061 t6 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 42,000 psi and yield strength of at least 35,000 psi. 0000013565 00000 n Select From Over 500,000 Industrial Suppliers. [1] The Difference Between 6061 Aluminum Alloy and 6063 Aluminum Alloy - CHAL Lastly, aluminum 6060 has good thermal conductivity, so it works well in heat transfer applications. Kloeckner Metals is a full-line aluminum supplier and service center. As a leading national supplier of extruded aluminum products offering more than 1000 SKUs, we can help find the best alloy for youincluding custom options for extrusion profiles! The 6063 aluminumis commonly called architectural aluminum because its widely used as a structural material. This alloy is designed to accept bright-dip anodizing to achieve a highly reflective, mirror-like finish as seen in decorative trims, light frames, shower doors and reflectors. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It is widely used for trucks, tower buildings, ships, pipelines and other building applications that require strength, weldability and corrosion resistance. This is the measure of the maximum stress that can be obtained during permanent deformation. There are always project-specific considerations to account for when choosing the right aluminum alloy, and Orange Aluminum is here to simplify that choice. Both 6061 and 6063 aluminum have a density of 2.7g/cm3 or 0.0975 lb/in3). mm2 / m. The relatively high thermal conductivity is 154 to 180 WM-1K-1. It offers slightly better corrosion resistance and a very appealing surface finish that is exceptional for anodizing. A Comparison Of 6063 vs. 6061 In Aluminum Extrusions Aluminum Alloy 6061-T6 is a precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy containing magnesium and silicon as its major alloying elements, which are originally called "Alloy 61S". Thats because it resists corrosion better than 6061. Since many alloying elements can be added to pure aluminum, there are equally various alloys of aluminum. These pros make 6063 aluminuma popular alloy for extrusion. The elemental composition of aluminum 6061 is: Notably, the chemical composition breakdown shows that 6061 contains a greater amount of magnesium silicide for optimal heat treatability. If you want to take on a DIY project involving the melting of aluminum, you may feel intimidated by the task. There are many rumors of how the Kloeckner dog logo originated but let our employees tell you the real Kloeckner Dog Story! Aluminum 6061 vs. Aluminum 6063 Aluminum 6061 and Aluminum 6063 are similar in composition and mechanical properties. And while the differences between the alloys are subtle, its essential to understand them before making a decision. Especially in the construction industry, it is the most promising alloy. Youll generally find alloy 6063 in applications where exposure to weather or water is expected. 6061 and 6063 aluminumdo not differ significantly. Increasing the mechanical properties has an impact on the ability to produce a thin, lightweight extrusion. 0000003775 00000 n To enhance them for a broader range of applications, you can heat treat both materials. Strength vs. Weight vs. Costs - Alexandria Industries 6063 is primarily used for applications that are exposed because it suffers weather better than 6061, making it more corrosion resistant. Both alloys contain magnesium for increased strength and silicon to reduce the melting temperature. They have applications in aerospace, construction, transportation, recreational products, and numerous other industries. These alloys are ductile enough to be formed yet strong enough to resist deformation, but 6061 aluminum is a better choice if hardness is a major concern. Alloy 6060 allows for more intricate extrusion profiles with slightly better heat transfer making it a good alternative alloy for heat sink profiles. Thomas Register and Pipingmart is a B2B portal that specializes in metal, industrial and piping items. AL 6061 is ideal for structural applications and construction projects that require high strength aluminum extrusions. 6061 aluminum is used in all kinds of applications ranging from electronics to welded assemblies. trailer << /Size 55 /Info 11 0 R /Encrypt 15 0 R /Root 14 0 R /Prev 38905 /ID[<5a0cc430e141a60bc20811bdfdde484c><5a79f2b947a30b2b668bdafba25b08c9>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 14 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 10 0 R /PageLabels 9 0 R /Metadata 12 0 R >> endobj 15 0 obj << /Filter /Standard /R 2 /O ( UV.`Dz-#_m_}g) /U (95'f85i?B]CXPj) /P -20 /V 1 /Length 40 >> endobj 53 0 obj << /S 88 /L 185 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 54 0 R >> stream let us help you create and source 6061 aluminumhas the best response to machining than 6063 aluminum. Find out if aluminum or stainless steel is best for retail displays. Properties with values for just one material (1, in this case) are not shown. Thomasnet Is A Registered Trademark Of Thomas Publishing This quality is useful in scaffolding. Receive $50 off your first order of $500. If your project requires light but heavy-duty metal, the 6061 aluminumshould be your alloy of choice. 0000003736 00000 n 6061 vs 6063 Aluminum: What is the difference? - DEK The Process in 10 Steps, Aluminum or Aluminium? It offers a uniform sheen and no surface markings for extrusion, manufacturing, shaping or handling left visible. What are Aluminum Extrusions Used For? It has an excellent response to extrusion, where 6063 aluminum is easily drawn into constant-cross-sectional shapes such as bars and tubing. They have a very high 99% of their average alloy composition in common. 0000002179 00000 n For the brevity of this article, the Brinell scale will be used, which is a common measurement system for metals. 6061 aluminum bar and 6061 aluminum plate is used primarily for its increased strength over other alloys in the 6xxx series. For other applications, alloy 6063 is rated as follows: CHARACTERISTICS RATINGS TEMPERS Excellent -0 . 0000001296 00000 n 0000008890 00000 n Consider it for applications where its strength will be sufficient, but you want improved corrosion resistance. This article uses a qualitative measure (excellent/good/fair/poor) to grasp the overall response to machining which is most useful when specifying between alloys. Good workability, weldability, brazeability, and machinability. Aluminium 2014 is more ductile than 6061. 6061 can be strengthened using the heat-treatment process, with some common tempers being 6061-T4 and 6061-T6. The items that are added to aluminum are called alloying elements, and they determine the quality of the new metal formed. As one of the stronger and more reliable aluminum alloys, 6061 is known for its structural and load-bearing applications in construction and similar industries. Youll find more information about alloy 6063 here. Your alloy choice also can restrict the extrusions final shape. Aluminium 6000 Series Information Guide | 1st Choice Metals Once the outer surface of the aluminum begins oxidizing, the chromium will help reinforce its passivity and decrease further creep. All rights reserved. 6082T6 is the strongest of the 6000 grade alloys, which is particularly suitable for structural applications and also for welding & machining. They share many similar properties, making it difficult for some designers to determine which is right for their purposes. In the design phase, OEM engineers often choose the most cost effective aluminum alloy available. 6061 aluminum has a density of 2.7g/cm3with the main alloying elements used to make it being magnesium and silicon. To decide whether 6061 or 6063 is right for your project, contact our qualified team now. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); For the past many years, Roche Industry provides on-demand manufacturing services using processes like 3D printing, CNC machining, vacuum casting, injection molding, and much more. 6061 vs. 6063 Aluminum: Which Alloy Should You Select? - Gabrian These alloys are ductile enough to be formed yet strong enough to resist deformation, but 6061 aluminum is a better choice if hardness is a major concern. While this alloy does not differ from 6061 aluminum in many ways, its lower strength and better corrosion resistance make 6063 aluminum a better choice for extrusion projects. But which metal is more cost-effective? Architectural trims, framework, brackets, and structural supports, Home goods aluminum furniture and recreational equipment, General construction pipes, tubing, stair rails, window frames, door frames, roofs, and signage. Aircraft aluminum sheet features lightness, strength and workability,used in commerical aircraft,military airplane,spacecraft,etc. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It is actually favorable that 6061 and 6063 aluminum are not especially hard, as materials that rank high on the Brinell scale tend to be brittle and shatter easily (think glass). Commons uses for aluminum include transportation components, recreation products, machinery and equipment, and consumer durables. It is essential to understand that each alloy is best suited for specific projects because they compare differently. 0000011468 00000 n For hollow products, it would have a risk of out-of-shape when you insist on T6. Today, well compare two of the most widely applicable aluminum alloysaluminum 6061 vs. 6063to help you determine which is best for your project based on their different material properties and characteristics. Its also possible that either one might fit your product needs. Accordingly, you can find its use in irrigation pipes and outdoor storage tanks alongside architectural designs and other exterior applications. For many applications, 6063 is one of the most cost-effective alloys available. This is the measure of response to cyclical loading. Find and evaluate OEMs, Custom Manufacturers, Service Companies and Distributors. But defaulting to lowest price without considering how the material reacts to extruding and surface finishing can jeopardize the final product. Previously, she was the Founder and CEO of Fraction Marketing, a marketing agency providing fractional support to scaling startups with a focus on acquisition marketing and demand generation. At the same time, they can resist deformation because of their strength. Forgings 6061 is an alloy that is suitable for hot forging. Aluminum Extrusion Bending: An Overview for Design Engineers, 10 Effective Ways of Joining Aluminum Extrusions: A Guide for Product Designers, Medium-to-high tensile strength of between. Alexandria, MN 56308. 0000001934 00000 n 4. It also has excellent thermal conductivity, so it can be used in heat transfer applications as well as electrical conductivity applications like wiring or circuit boards. 6063 is a common grade used for custom extrusions. . See the table below for the percentage of alloying elements in each common alloy. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 0000004782 00000 n It is equally essential to note that the strength is based on the heat-treatment method. Applications range from structural and building products to recreation and sports equipment to aerospace engineering. Properties with values for just one material (1, in this case) are not shown. They have a very high 99% of their average alloy composition in common. 6061 aluminum is better machined than 6063 aluminum and is the preferred option if these kinds of procedures are needed for a project. The elemental composition of aluminum 6063 is: Aluminum 6063 provides a decent tensile strength (i.e., maximum stress load), rated for up to 186, or 26,977 psi. 6061 aluminum is a great choice for applications where this kind of loading is common (marine application, aircraft, etc. For reference, copper has a Brinell hardness value of 55 and glass has a hardness value of 1550; these examples should give an idea as to the relative hardness of these two alloys (95 and 73, respectively). And it provides moderately good tensile strength and fair machinability. 6061 -T4 6061 -T6, T6511 6463 -T5 1Rating: A=Excellent B=Good C=Fair D=Poor For further details of explanation . However, there are a few different types of aluminum that you should be aware of before making your choice. However, 6063 aluminumhas lower strength and better resistance to corrosion which makes it a perfect choice for extrusion projects. ), as it has a much higher fatigue strength than 6063 aluminum. However, it doesn't always give you the best performance in regard to weight vs. strength. It is given as the minimum amount of stress that will permanently deform (bend, stretch, squish) a material; in simpler terms, its "yielding" point. Certifications, Licenses and Registrations. This article presented a brief comparison of the properties, strength, and applications between 6061 and 6063 aluminum. Grade Guide: Aluminum 6061 vs 6063 | Metal Supermarkets 6061 aluminum alloyis often strengthened using the heat treatment process to produce various ranges of tempers like 6061-T4 and 6061-T6. Shop with an image and shop products on our mobile app, download today. 6061 vs 6063 Aluminum: What are the Differences? - wordpress Privacy Statement and Notice that 6061 aluminums yield strength is significantly higher than 6063; for this reason, 6061 is usually specified over 6063 aluminum when strength is concerned, such as in bike frames and firearm parts. The fatigue strength is a measure of how a material responds to cyclical loading, and is useful to know if the material will experience this kind of stress. On the left, center webs have been added as a load point of the extrusion. For example, aluminum pieces for retail displays and organizing are commonly made from 6063, including: Because of 6063s extrudability, its compatible with far more shapes that require fine details, such as 90o angles and T-slot quad tracks.