Aluminium 6063 Pipes & Tubes

Q: What is the difference between 6063 and 6061 aluminium?

Aluminium 6063 has a leaner chemistry with copper capped at 0.10 percent, giving superior extrudability and anodising performance but lower strength. Aluminium 6061 contains 0.15 to 0.40 percent copper, providing higher strength and better machinability. Choose 6063 for architectural appearance and extrusion, and 6061 for higher-load and machining applications.

Q: What is the difference between 6063-T5 and 6063-T6?

6063-T5 is cooled directly from the extrusion press and artificially aged, reaching approximately 186 MPa tensile strength. 6063-T6 is separately solution heat treated before ageing and reaches approximately 241 MPa tensile strength. T6 provides higher strength and generally costs more than T5.

Q: Is 6063 aluminium good for anodising?

Yes. Aluminium 6063 is widely used for anodising because its low copper and iron content helps produce a uniform, bright finish with less streaking and colour variation. For exterior architectural applications, a minimum 20 micron anodic coating is generally specified per AAMA 611 Class I.

Q: What is the tensile strength of 6063-T6?

Aluminium 6063-T6 has approximately 241 MPa tensile strength and 214 MPa yield strength, with approximately 8 to 12 percent elongation and a Brinell hardness of around 73 HB. In T5 temper, 6063 has approximately 186 MPa tensile strength and 145 MPa yield strength.

Q: Can 6063 aluminium be welded?

Yes. Aluminium 6063 can be welded using TIG and MIG processes with suitable fillers such as 4043 or 5356. Welding locally reduces the strength of the heat affected zone. For anodised applications, the weld may produce a different anodised shade unless suitable filler and preparation procedures are used.

Q: Is 6063 aluminium suitable for structural use?

Aluminium 6063 is suitable for light structural applications such as railings, framing, glazing bars and partitions. For heavy load-bearing structures, trusses or pressure applications, higher-strength alloys such as 6061 or 6082 are generally more appropriate. The design should always be based on the actual alloy and temper supplied.

Q: Can you produce custom 6063 extruded profiles?

Yes. Aluminium 6063 is well suited to custom extrusion because it can fill intricate dies efficiently. Custom profiles require a dedicated extrusion die, which involves a one-time die cost and usually a minimum order quantity. A drawing or DXF file and estimated annual volume can be provided for quotation.

Q: What anodising thickness should I specify for outdoor use?

For exterior architectural applications, a minimum anodising thickness of 20 micron is generally specified, consistent with AAMA 611 Class I requirements. Interior and general decorative applications commonly use 10 to 15 micron. The required coating should be confirmed according to the project specification and exposure conditions.

Aluminium 6063 Pipe & Tube Manufacturer, Supplier & Stockist in India

Amardeep Steel Centre supplies aluminium 6063 pipes, tubes and extruded sections from Mumbai in T5 and T6 tempers to ASTM B221, B241 and B429. We supply architectural, curtain walling, railing, electrical conduit, furniture and general fabrication projects across India and to more than 40 export markets. Request a quote with your temper, section, size and finish requirement.

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Specifying 6063: Temper, Finish and Profile

On this alloy the finish and the profile are usually a bigger part of the order value than the metal itself. Three decisions settle it.

T5 or T6
- T5 is cooled directly from the extrusion press and artificially aged, achieving approximately 186 MPa tensile strength.
- T6 is solution heat-treated before aging and reaches approximately 241 MPa tensile strength, although at a higher cost.
- Always specify T5 or T6 when ordering Aluminium 6063, as omitting the temper is one of the most common issues seen in enquiries for this alloy.
Finish and micron class
- Available finishes include mill finish, clear anodised (10–15 micron), architectural anodised (20–25 micron), colour anodised, and powder coated.
- Finishing costs are generally based on surface area rather than weight.
- For exterior applications, specify a minimum 20-micron anodised coating in accordance with AAMA 611 Class I.
Standard section or custom die
- Aluminium 6063 flows easily through intricate dies, allowing the production of multi-void hollows, integral fins, snap-fit channels, and screw ports in a single extrusion.
- Custom profiles require a one-time die charge and are subject to minimum order quantities.
- Provide a technical drawing or DXF file along with your estimated annual volume to obtain an accurate quotation.

Why 6063 Extrudes and Anodises Better Than 6061

This is the whole commercial case for the alloy and it comes down to two capped elements.

Element	6063 limit	6061 limit	Why it matters
Copper	0.10 percent max	0.15 to 0.40 percent	Copper causes batch-to-batch colour variation in the anodic film
Iron	0.35 percent max	0.70 percent max	Iron-bearing intermetallics show as streaks after anodising
Magnesium	0.45 to 0.90 percent	0.80 to 1.20 percent	Lower magnesium reduces extrusion pressure, allowing thinner walls and faster speed

The consequences are practical rather than theoretical. 6063 is available in profile geometries that are simply not producible in 6061, and it anodises to a consistent colour across an entire facade order. The trade-off is roughly 22 percent lower strength in the same temper. For a window frame, a handrail or a conduit run that is ample. For a load-bearing truss it is not.

Full comparison on the Aluminium 6061 page and in our guide to 6061-T6 versus 6063-T5.

Aluminium 6063 Pipes & Tubes Chemical Composition

Element	Si	Fe	Cu	Mn	Mg	Cr	Zn	Ti	Al
6063 (percent)	0.20 to 0.60	0.35 max	0.10 max	0.10 max	0.45 to 0.90	0.10 max	0.10 max	0.10 max	Balance

Per ASTM B221 and EN 573. Every element other than magnesium and silicon is held to a low residual limit. That purity is what delivers the extrusion speed and anodising consistency the alloy is bought for.

Aluminium 6063 Tubes Mechanical Properties by Temper

Temper	Condition	Tensile (MPa)	Yield 0.2% (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HB)
O	Annealed	Approx. 90	Approx. 48	Above 20	Approx. 25
T1	Cooled from extrusion, naturally aged	Approx. 152	Approx. 90	12 to 20	Approx. 42
T4	Solution treated, naturally aged	Approx. 172	Approx. 90	14 to 22	Approx. 46
T5	Cooled from extrusion, artificially aged	Approx. 186	Approx. 145	8 to 12	Approx. 60
T6	Solution treated, artificially aged	Approx. 241	Approx. 214	8 to 12	Approx. 73
T66	Enhanced ageing, European practice	Approx. 245	Approx. 200	8 to 12	Approx. 75

Aluminium 6063 Pipes Physical Properties and Equivalents

Property	Value	vs 6061
Density	2,700 kg/m3	Same
Melting range	615 to 655 C	Slightly higher
Modulus of elasticity	68.9 GPa	Same
Thermal expansion 20 to 100 C	23.4 micrometre per m per C	Marginally lower
Thermal conductivity, T6	200 W/m.K	20 percent higher
Electrical conductivity, T6	53 percent IACS	23 percent higher
Electrical conductivity, T5	55 percent IACS	Higher still

Worth noting: 6063 conducts both heat and electricity noticeably better than 6061. That is why it appears in busbar tube, heat sink and LED housing extrusions as well as architectural work, and it is a selling point no competitor page mentions.

UNS	EN AW	EN chemical	Werkstoff	JIS	BS	AFNOR	IS
A96063	6063	AlMg0.7Si	3.3206	A6063	HE9	A-GS	63400 / 64430

Aluminium 6063 Size Chart and Section Range

6063 is supplied predominantly as extruded tube and section rather than nominal bore pipe, because the alloy is chosen for profile geometry. Round tube is ordered by exact outside diameter and wall.

Round tube OD (mm)	Common wall (mm)	Square section (mm)	Rectangular section (mm)
6 to 12	0.8, 1.0, 1.5	12.7 x 12.7	10 x 20
15 to 20	1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0	19 x 19	20 x 40
25 to 32	1.5, 2.0, 3.0	25 x 25	25 x 50
38 to 50	1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0	38 x 38	40 x 80
63 to 75	2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0	50 x 50	50 x 100
100 to 125	3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0	75 x 75	60 x 120
150 and above	3.0 to 10.0	100 x 100 and above	100 x 200

Where 6063 is supplied as nominal bore pipe, dimensions follow ASME B36.10M as on the aluminium pipe size chart. Use our steel weight calculator at 2,700 density for any section not listed.

Anodising and Finish Specification for 6063

Finish is why most buyers choose this alloy, so it deserves detail rather than a bullet. All anodic and coated finishes are priced by surface area, not by weight.

Finish	Thickness	Standard	Application
Mill finish	As extruded	–	Concealed sections, subsequent coating
Clear anodised	10 to 15 micron	AAMA 611 Class II	Interior architectural, general decorative
Architectural anodised	20 to 25 micron	AAMA 611 Class I	Exterior facades and curtain walling
Colour anodised	15 to 25 micron	AAMA 611	Bronze, black, champagne, gold finishes
Hard anodised	25 to 50 micron	MIL-A-8625 Type III	Wear surfaces, though 6061 suits better
Powder coated	60 to 100 micron	Qualicoat or AAMA 2604	RAL matched facades and railings
Polished or brushed	Mechanical	–	Feature sections, furniture, retail display
PVC filmed	Protective film	–	Transit and site protection on finished sections

The specification error that costs most: ordering exterior architectural work at 10 micron rather than 20. Thin anodic coatings chalk and fade within a few years in coastal or high-UV conditions, and the failure cannot be repaired in place once the facade is installed.

Applications of Aluminium 6063 Pipes & Tubes

Curtain walling, window and door frames, glazing bars and structural glazing systems
Handrails, balustrades, balcony railings and stair systems in anodised or powder coated finish
Electrical conduit and cable management, using the non-magnetic, corrosion-free bore
Busbar tube, heat sinks and LED housings, using the higher thermal and electrical conductivity
Furniture frames, retail display systems and exhibition stands
Shop fronts, partitions, louvres and sunshade systems
Irrigation pipe and portable pipework where weight and corrosion matter more than pressure
Signage frames, canopies, architectural trim and machine guarding

Standards, Price, Stock and Export

Standard	Covers
ASTM B221 / SB221	Extruded bars, rods, wire, profiles and tubes, the primary standard for 6063
ASTM B241 / SB241	Seamless pipe and seamless extruded tube
ASTM B429 / SB429	Extruded structural pipe and tube
ASTM B483	Drawn tube for general purpose applications
EN 755 and EN 12020	Extruded profiles and precision extruded profiles
IS 1285	Wrought aluminium extruded round tube and hollow sections
AAMA 611	Anodic finish specification for architectural aluminium

Because 6063 extrudes faster and with lower die wear than 6061, standard 6063 sections generally carry the lowest conversion premium in the 6xxx family, which is one reason it dominates volume architectural work. Finish adds cost per square metre, so thin-wall sections carry proportionally more finishing cost than heavy ones. Custom die profiles are quoted separately including die cost and minimum order quantity.

Ex stock Mumbai across standard round, square and rectangular sections in T5 and T6, with custom profiles and non-standard sizes produced to order in three to five weeks depending on die availability. Every consignment ships with an EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate covering composition, tensile and yield strength, elongation and hardness in the supplied temper, plus dimensional and straightness inspection. Anodic coating thickness is measured and certified where a finish is specified. Exports FOB, CIF and EXW worldwide.

Get a Quote for Aluminium 6063 Pipes & Tubes

See our quality certifications and testing capabilities. Send your temper, section, size, finish and quantity for a same-day quotation. Request a quote.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Aluminium 6063 Pipes & Tubes

What is aluminium 6063?

Aluminium 6063 is a heat-treatable magnesium-silicon alloy under UNS A96063, often called architectural or anodising quality aluminium. Copper is held to 0.10 percent maximum and iron to 0.35 percent, which allows fast extrusion into thin, complex profiles and produces a uniform anodised finish without batch colour variation.

What is the difference between 6063 and 6061 aluminium?

6063 has a leaner chemistry with copper capped at 0.10 percent, giving superior extrudability and anodising but around 22 percent lower strength. 6061 contains 0.15 to 0.40 percent copper for higher strength and better machinability. Choose 6063 for appearance, 6061 for load and machining.

What is the difference between 6063-T5 and 6063-T6?

T5 is cooled directly from the extrusion press and artificially aged, reaching around 186 MPa tensile. T6 is separately solution heat treated before ageing and reaches around 241 MPa. T6 costs more. Always state which temper you require on the purchase order.

Is 6063 aluminium good for anodising?

Yes, it is the industry standard for anodising. The low copper and low iron content prevent the streaking and batch colour variation that copper-bearing alloys show, giving a uniform bright finish. For exterior architectural work specify a minimum 20 micron anodic coating per AAMA 611 Class I.

What is the tensile strength of 6063-T6?

Approximately 241 MPa tensile with 214 MPa yield and 8 to 12 percent elongation, at a Brinell hardness of around 73. In T5 the same alloy gives approximately 186 MPa tensile and 145 MPa yield, adequate for most architectural and light structural applications.

Can 6063 aluminium be welded?

Yes, by TIG and MIG using 4043 or 5356 filler. As with all 6xxx alloys, welding locally anneals the heat affected zone and reduces strength there. For anodised work, note that the weld will anodise to a different shade unless matching filler and careful preparation are used.

Is 6063 aluminium suitable for structural use?

For light structural work such as railings, framing, glazing bars and partitions, yes. For load-bearing structure, trusses or pressure applications, 6061 or 6082 offer substantially higher strength and are the correct specification. Always design to the actual temper being supplied.

Can you produce custom 6063 extruded profiles?

Yes. 6063 is the alloy of choice for custom extrusion because it fills intricate dies at speed. Custom profiles require a die, which carries a one-off cost and a minimum order quantity. Send a drawing or DXF with your annual volume and we will quote both.

What anodising thickness should I specify for outdoor use?

A minimum of 20 micron, per AAMA 611 Class I. Interior and general decorative work is normally 10 to 15 micron. Thinner coatings chalk and fade within a few years in coastal or high-UV environments, and the failure cannot be repaired once the section is installed.

Which standards cover 6063 pipe and tube?

ASTM B221 is the primary standard for extruded 6063 profiles and tube, with ASTM B241 for seamless pipe and B429 for structural pipe and tube. European supply follows EN 755 and EN 12020 for precision profiles, and Indian supply follows IS 1285.