Difference & Similarity Between Aluminium 6061-T6 & Aluminium 6063-T5

by Aditya Pandit

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Posted on July 16, 2021 at 3:00 PM

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AA (Aluminium Alloy) 6061-T6 is an aluminium alloy which is precipitation-hardened. Precipitation hardening is a heat treatment technique which increases the yield strength of the malleable materials, including most alloys of aluminium. AA 6061-T6 contains magnesium and silicon as the alloying elements which occupy a major stake in its making.

AA 6063-T5 is also an aluminium alloy having the same alloying elements of magnesium and silicon. So the to find the key difference between the two, we must first take a look at the chemical composition of both.

The Chemical Composition for 6061-T6 is as follows:

• Magnesium minimum 0.8%, maximum 1.2%
• Zinc no minimum, maximum 0.25%
• Titanium no minimum, maximum 0.15%
• Silicon minimum 0.4%, maximum 0.8% by weight
• Iron no minimum, maximum 0.7%
• Copper minimum 0.15%, maximum 0.4%
• Manganese no minimum, maximum 0.15%
• Other elements no more than 0.05% each, 0.15% total
• Remainder aluminium (95.85–98.56%)

The Chemical Composition for 6063-T5 is as follows:

• Silicon minimum 0.2%, maximum 0.6% by weight
• Iron no minimum, maximum 0.35%
• Copper no minimum, maximum 0.10%
• Manganese no minimum, maximum 0.10%
• Magnesium minimum 0.45%, maximum 0.9%
• Chromium no minimum, maximum 0.10%
• Zinc no minimum, maximum 0.10%
• Titanium no minimum, maximum 0.10%
• Other elements no more than 0.05% each, 0.15% total)
• Remainder Aluminium(97.6%-99.30%)

Alloying Elements – Percent
Alloy	Mn	Fe	Mg	Si	Cu	Zn	Ti	Cr	Other (Each)	Others (Total)	Al
6061	0.0 – 0.15%	0.0 – 0.70%	0.80 – 1.20%	0.40 – 0.80%	0.15 – 0.40%	0.0 – 0.25%	0.0 – 0.15%	0.04 – 0.35%	0.0 – 0.05%	0.0 – 0.15%	Balance
6063	0.0 – 0.10%	0.0 – 0.35%	0.45 – 0.90%	0.20 – 0.60%	0.0 – 0.10%	0.0 – 0.10%	0.0 – 0.10%	0.0 – 0.10%	0.0 – 0.05%	0.0 – 0.15%	Balance

6061 Aluminum or 6063 Aluminum: Which is Best for Your Project?

Mechanical Properties of 6061 Aluminum & 6063 Aluminum

	6061	6063
Tensile strength	124-290 MPa	145–186 MPa
Yield strength	276 MPa/40000 psi	214 MPa/31000 psi
Fatigue strength	96.5 MPa/14000 psi	68.9 MPa/10000 psi
Hardness (Brinell)	95	73
Machinability	Good	Fair
Thermal conductivity	151-202 W/(m·K)	201-218 W/(m·K)

Performance Characteristics of 6061 vs 6063 Aluminum

Alloy & Temper	Resistance to Corrosion					Weldability
	General	Stress – Corrosion Cracking	Workability (Cold)	Machinability	Brazeability	Gas	Arc	Resistance Spot & Seam
6061-O	B	A	A	D	A	A	A	B
6061-T4, T451, T4510, T4511	B	B	B	C	A	A	A	A
6061-T6, T651, T652, T6510, T6511	B	A	C	C	A	A	A	A
6063-T1	A	A	B	D	A	A	A	A
6063-T4	A	A	B	D	A	A	A	A
6063-T5, T452	A	A	B	C	A	A	A	A
6063-T6	A	A	C	C	A	A	A	A
6063-T83, T831, T832	A	A	C	C	A	A	A	A

Applications of 6061 VS 6063

6061 and 6063 are both popular alloys of aluminum that are used in a variety of applications. While they have some similarities, they also have some key differences that make them better suited for certain applications. Here are some of the applications of 6061 and 6063:

6061:

• Structural applications:6061 is a high-strength alloy that is ideal for structural applications such as building frames, bridges, and aircraft structures.
• Automotive components: 6061 is also used in the manufacturing of automotive components such as wheels, suspension components, and chassis parts.
• Marine components: Due to its corrosion-resistant properties, 6061 is often used in marine applications such as boat hulls and decks.
• Electrical components:6061 is a good conductor of electricity and is often used in the manufacturing of electrical components such as heat sinks and busbars.

6063:

• Architectural applications: 6063 is commonly used in architectural applications such as window frames, door frames, and curtain walls due to its aesthetic appeal and good corrosion resistance.
• Furniture:The alloy's strength and corrosion resistance make it ideal for furniture applications such as chairs and tables.
• Piping and tubing:6063 is often used in piping and tubing applications due to its excellent formability and extrudability.
• Solar panel frames: The alloy's lightweight properties and good corrosion resistance make it ideal for the manufacturing of solar panel frames.

Conclusion

Both are strong and more ductile than other alloys. However, the most important property that distinguishes these materials is their ability to handle high temperatures. High-temperature durability is critical to producing ductile alloys while simultaneously being durable enough to be used in applications where metal melting temperatures do not reach the limits of steel.

Because both aluminum and magnesium are fairly easy to produce, there is no clear-cut choice when it comes to identifying the best 6061 or 6063 aluminum extrusion for your next project. A lot of factors need to be considered when making this decision such as your intended use of the extrusion if it will be used on a product, the design requirements for the product is intended as an ingredient in another product or used on an assembly line, and any other factors that may come into play when extruding metal such as swelling, softening or porosity.

If you wish to buy 6061- T6 or 6063- T5 you need to first identify the product that suits your requirement and can help you in your project. We at Amardeep steel help you best in identifying the right product that fits your needs. In such fields, one should always take advice from someone who can be trusted and is experienced. We cater to your needs and make them our own.

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