6061 Aluminum VS. 6063 Aluminum

Aluminum alloys 6061 and 6063 are two of the most common extruded alloys. They can be used in aerospace, construction, transportation, recreational products, and many other industries.
They have many similar properties, which makes it difficult for some designers to determine which is right for their purposes. While the differences between the alloys are subtle, it is crucial to understand them before making a decision.
This article will help you understand the pros and cons of each alloy so you can decide which alloy is best for your project.

Alloy 6061, commonly referred to as "structural aluminum," is a common and reliable alloy. A member of the 6000 series, it is alloyed primarily with magnesium and silicon. Magnesium increases its strength, while silicon lowers its melting point.

International guidelines dictate that for an aluminum alloy to be considered 6061, its magnesium content must be between 0.8% and 1.2%, and its silicon content must be between 0.4 and 0.8%.

Equivalent names for 6061 aluminum

Design engineers use alloy 6061 in many different products because of its well-rounded physical properties. Applications range from structural and building products to recreational and sports equipment to aerospace engineering.

This alloy has good relative corrosion resistance, weldability, and tensile strength. Its tensile strength can be further improved by tempering, which involves artificial aging in an aging furnace. Alloy 6061's good workability and machinability also make it an ideal candidate for extruded products.

In addition, 6061 is widely available and relatively low cost compared to more specialized aluminum alloys. It does not rank first in any physical property chart. The alloy is versatile and easy to manufacture using most metal forming techniques.

Often referred to as "architectural aluminum," 6063 alloy has been optimized for extrusion properties. It has a high-quality surface that is easily anodized.

6063 alloy is also in the 6000 series. As such, its primary alloying components are also magnesium and silicon, albeit in lower amounts than 6061. Chemical composition guidelines dictate that to classify an aluminum alloy as 6063 alloy, the magnesium content must be between 0.45% and 0.9%, and the silicon content must be between 0.2% and 0.6%.

Equivalent names for 6063 aluminum

This alloy shares many properties with 6061 alloy, but there are some key differences. 6063 alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, especially when the proper surface preparation is applied. It also has good weldability, brazing, and machinability. It also has fairly good tensile strength and good machinability.

Like 6061, this alloy is very popular for extrusions. Designers use it in a variety of applications, including architecture, recreational equipment, furniture, and more. Alloy 6063 is often used in applications where exposure to weather or water is required. This is because it has better corrosion resistance than Alloy 6061.