Aluminum material is highly valued across industries due to its incredible durability and versatility. There are many different types of aluminum alloys, so it’s important to conduct thorough research before investing in a particular option. Choosing an aluminum grade for your specific project can be challenging, as aluminum is available in a variety of shapes and grades. The grade you select will depend on several factors, including the level of corrosion resistance you require, the overall strength of the aluminum, the formability and weldability, and more. Determining how these factors rank among each other will help you best determine which aluminum to choose.
Two of the most popular options when it comes to aluminum are 6061 aluminum and 6063 aluminum. But which is better 6061 or 6063 aluminum? Read on to learn about aluminum 6061 vs 6063, its properties, benefits, and uses, and to determine which is right for your aluminum extrusion project.
Aluminum Alloy 6061
Aluminum 6061 is a precipitation-hardened alloy, which means it is strengthened during a heat treatment process that causes particles within the metal to be spread evenly throughout the metal’s grain structure. Once the particles are dispersed, they prevent any further displacement of the grain, effectively increasing strength and durability. Among its major alloying elements are silicon and magnesium, in addition to elements such as iron, copper, and zinc. Developed in 1935, aluminum 6061 is one of the most versatile aluminum alloy options, offering great workability and a range of mechanical properties. It can be fabricated by many of the common fabrication techniques such as casting, extrusion, rolling, and forging. Further, 6061
exhibits a high level of corrosion resistance and is highly weldable. Aluminum 6061 is available in numerous versions including tempered 6061-T6 and 6061-T651 grades, as well as pre-tempered 6061-O grade.
Overall, aluminum 6061 is a good alloy choice for projects requiring a stronger material strength or structural support. Structural angles, which are often used in heavy-duty structures such as scaffolding, railroad cars, truck and marine components, floor framing, roof trusses, pipelines, and wire products, are usually made from 6061 aluminum. Aluminum products such as channels, rectangular tubing, and round tubing made from 6061 are used for the construction of items like small utility boats and bicycle frames.
Aluminum Alloy 6063
Aluminum 6063 is widely recognized for its weldability and heat treatability, as well as for its corrosion resistance. Although similar to aluminum 6061 with silicon and magnesium as its alloying elements, the uses of aluminum 6063 are typically not as general as 6061. The surface finish of 6063 is much smoother, however, it is best suited for applications where visual appeal is more important than structural strength, with its primary uses falling within the interior and exterior architectural application fields. Another valuable characteristic of aluminum 6063 is its successful use for
custom aluminum extrusions. This alloy is the preferred material in custom product solutions, making possible the creation of complex shapes with smooth surfaces, that can be used for visible elements of premium casework, angles, corners, coves, out corners, bar & face nosing, and architectural trim. In addition to being used for window frames, door frames, roofs, and signage, aluminum 6063 is also used for the fabrication of pipes and tubing, as well as for furniture applications. The specific mechanical properties of aluminum 6063 vary depending on the alloy temper.
Comparing Alloy 6061 vs 6063
In comparing the two options of 6061 or 6063 aluminum, it generally depends on what is more important for the use of the extrusion- strength or finishing options.
Aluminum alloy 6063 is commonly used for custom extrusions and has better characteristics for forming, machine-ability, and acceptance of anodized finishing options. When an application requires a higher level of strength, most people will select 6061 over 6063. 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. This is compared to the 6063 T6 ultimate tensile strength of at least 28,000 psi and yield strength of 23,000 psi.
How To Choose Between 6061 or 6063 Aluminum
When evaluating 6061 versus 6063 aluminum for your application, it is ultimately determined by the factors that matter most to the integrity and longevity of the product you’re producing. While both score highly in terms of formability, workability, and heat treatability, there are a couple of areas in which one or the other has a slight favor. For example, when it comes to strength, alloy 6061 has an advantage over 6063. On the other hand, 6063’s use of aluminum extrusion makes it the clear choice for visible architectural aluminum trims and profiles.
Need help determining which alloy is right for you? Contact the specialists at Eagle Aluminum today to discuss the properties of 6061 or 6063 aluminum, and which option makes the most sense for your aluminum extrusion needs. Eagle Aluminum is a manufacturer, stocking warehouse, and supplier of custom and OEM aluminum extrusions. If we don’t have the extruded aluminum part that meets your specifications, our professionals will help you create and engineer a custom extrusion to match your project requirements.
