When pressures were applied, the material failed almost immediately. Aluminum 6061 and aluminum 6063 are popular alloys of aluminum that offer a wide range of benefits for manufacturing industries. So, if the aluminum is needed for purposes that will be exposed to the elementsparticularly salt and water6063 still makes for an excellent choice. Find and evaluate OEMs, Custom Manufacturers, Service Companies and Distributors. 0000004673 00000 n Aluminum alloys are metals formed by adding percentages of metallic elements, known as alloying elements, into pure aluminum to create a new, more useful metal. The simple answer when comparing 6063 vs 6061 aluminum properties and purposes is the former for aesthetics (architectural) and the latter for structures (structural). 6060 aluminum is the national standard aluminum alloy for doors and windows, while 6063 aluminum is the aviation aluminum alloy. Aluminum 6061 provides a robust tensile strength at 290 MPa, or 42,060 psi. For most products, T5 is enough, and T6 is better. If you have finished prototyping and ready to move forward to the next step. Alloy 6063, or architectural aluminum, can be soft anodized to create an aesthetically pleasing, colored finish for visual architectural and building applications. Kloeckner Metals combines a national footprint with the latest fabrication and processing technologies and most innovative customer service solutions. 6061 aluminum alloyis often strengthened using the heat treatment process to produce various ranges of tempers like 6061-T4 and 6061-T6. It can be formed into complex shapes with great surface finishes that do not weather easily, and these advantages make 6063 the most popular alloy to extrude. 0000003736 00000 n Both 6061 and 6063 aluminumcome from the same series, and they, therefore, have the same chemical compositions. They share many similar properties, making it difficult for some designers to determine which is right for their purposes. Rocheindustry specializes in high quality rapid prototyping, rapid low-volume manufacturing and high-volume production. 6061 and 6063 aluminum do not differ significantly. 0000004850 00000 n AA 6063-T5 is another aluminum alloy which containing the same alloying elements as AA 6061-T6. The material properties, strengths, and applications of these alloys will be highlighted in this article to help designers choose the right alloy for their projects. What is the Melting Point of Aluminum, and Why is it Significant? Aluminium 6061 is a hard metal that is difficult to weld. When an application requires a higher level of strength, most people will select 6061 over 6063. 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloysare not significantly hard. It cannot be work hardened, but is commonly heat treated to produce tempers with a higher strength but lower ductility. Differences in Practice: Use Cases for 6061 vs. 6063 Aluminum As described above, alloy 6063 is more suited for architectural purposes and when corrosion resistance is an application priority. Youll typically find 6061 in the following applications: Youll typically find 6063 in the following applications: 6061 aluminum tube, aluminum sheet, aluminum bar, and aluminum plate offer high- to moderate strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior machinability and weldability while 6063 aluminum tube offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, superior corrosion resistance, and a fine appearance and finish. 6063 aluminum alloycan also be machined, but it does not perform as well as 6061. 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. The bearing yield strength is a measure of how a material will respond in joining arrangements; think when two metal plates are joined by a screw drilled through both plates. 6063 is a common grade used for custom extrusions. Our website uses cookies. Kloeckner Metals is a full-line aluminum supplier and service center. For all products, it would have a risk of a worse . The Process in 10 Steps, Aluminum or Aluminium? This alloy is often used to make components for boats, firearms and medical equipment. 6063 can be similarly heat-treated, with 6063-T6 being the most common temper. 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. 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. Expands Footprint to Northern California, Industrial Metal Supply Co. Approved for ISO 9001:2015 Standards, Industrial Metal Supply Co. Celebrates 70 years of Making Metal Easy, Industrial Metal Supply to Carry Range of Premium Shooting Targets, April, 2015, Industrial Metal Supply Promotes 4130 Tube And Other Products at SoCal Off-Road Tradeshows, September, 2012, Industrial Metal Supply Co. to Open Sixth Store in Tucson, July, 2012, Industrial Metal Supply Co. We also offer our customers the ability to effectively and regularly outsource prototyping services to China. Aluminium is a popular choice of metal for many applications due to its lightweight nature, durability, and versatility. Alloy 6061s good workability and machinability also make it a desirable candidate for extruded products. 6061 and 6063 both share the same alloying elements. Lets dive a little deeper into the different use cases for these alloys. What are Aluminum Extrusions Used For? While the ductility of aluminum makes it well-suited to bending for Extruding aluminum offers the ability to create a wide array of profiles to meet your needs, ranging from simple to complex. There are always project-specific considerations to account for when choosing the right aluminum alloy, and Orange Aluminum is here to simplify that choice. Lastly, aluminum 6060 has good thermal conductivity, so it works well in heat transfer applications. AL 6061-T6 has a higher yield strength and fatigue strength when compared to AL-T6 6063. On average, there is up to 3.5% greater aluminum content in the latter. Both 6061 and 6063 aluminumhave a density of 2.7g/cm3. For more information on different aluminum alloys for extrusion, or if you want more help choosing the most suitable alloy for your project, see our aluminum extrusion design guide. This is the performance of a material when it is being milled, turned, or die-casted. Properties with values for just one material (1, in this case) are not shown. Both 6061 and 6063 aluminum have a density of 2.7g/cm3 or 0.0975 lb/in3). 6061 can be strengthened using the heat-treatment process, with some common tempers being 6061-T4 and 6061-T6. 0000001706 00000 n Thanks to that contrast, alloy 6061 is more found in structural and weight-bearing usages. As described above, alloy 6063 is more suited for architectural purposes and when corrosion resistance is an application priority. It also offers good weldability, brazeability, and workability. Youll find more information about alloy 6063 here. 6060 alloy is very good for anodizing. 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. The services of rapid prototype we providing are professional Engineering, CNC Machining including CNC Milling and Turning, Sheet Metal Fabrication or Sheet Metal Prototyping, Die casting, metal stamping, Vacuum Casting, 3D printing, SLA, Plastic and Aluminum Extrusion Prototyping, Rapid Tooling, Rapid Injection Moulding, Surface Treatment finish services and other rapid prototyping China services please contact us now. Welcome to leave message below to inquire what you need. AL 6063 has a better surface finish than AL 6061 and is preferrable for architectural purposes. While its commonly used for extrusions, its properties are especially suited for machining and computer numerical control (CNC) purposes. There are 31 material properties with values for both materials. 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). 0000004872 00000 n In contrast, Aluminum 6063 is softer, making it more malleable. Since there are many beneficial alloying elements to add to aluminum metal, there are also many potential alloys that each possess their own advantages based on composition. One significant material property to factor in is that 6063and all 6xxx series alloysis heat treatable, making annealing more challenging and less repeatable when working it into complex shapes or more severe deformations. As a big aluminum alloy supplier, Haomei Aluminum has both. It offers a slightly better strength-to-weight ratio between the two. 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. Like 6061, this alloy is very popular for extrusions. Aluminum alloy composition. 6061 -T4 6061 -T6, T6511 6463 -T5 1Rating: A=Excellent B=Good C=Fair D=Poor For further details of explanation . 0000018901 00000 n They have applications in aerospace, construction, transportation, recreational products, and numerous other industries. Thomasnet Is A Registered Trademark Of Thomas Publishing As a member of the 6000 series, it is primarily alloyed with magnesium and silicon. They share many similar properties, making it difficult for some designers to determine which is right for their purposes. Applications for Aluminum 6061 vs Aluminum 6063 Applications for 6061 Aluminum Automotive components Bicycle frames Couplers Valves Protective structures Framework Properties with values for just one material (1, in this case) are not shown. After all, its not, Plasma arc machining (PAM) is an advanced cutting process used in various industries since its invention in the 1950s. But which metal is more cost-effective? Commons uses for aluminum include transportation components, recreation products, machinery and equipment, and consumer durables. Note that these strengths vary based on heat-treatment method, so this article compares the same method for both alloys (6061-T6 and 6063-T6) to avoid confusion. 4. And it provides moderately good tensile strength and fair machinability. Anodizing the alloy further increases corrosion resistance. Another popular alloy for aluminum extrusion is 6060. These pros make 6063 aluminuma popular alloy for extrusion. This makes it more suitable for applications where strength isnt as important, but corrosion resistance is important such as outdoor uses or architectural elements like window frames or door frames. Alloy 6063 is the most popular aluminum alloy for extrusions. 6061 Aluminum vs. 6060 Aluminum Both 6061 aluminum and 6060 aluminum are aluminum alloys. Both alloys contain magnesium for increased strength and silicon to reduce the melting temperature. In this section, 6063 aluminumhas the lowest ultimate strength and is therefore used for extrusion projects that require plastic deformation. Youll generally find alloy 6063 in applications where exposure to weather or water is expected. A quick answer is that while 6063 is slightly better suited to the extrusion process, 6061 tends to be stronger. That said, the specifics of your project will help you narrow down which is better suited for your applications. 6061 aluminum and 6063 aluminum are similar in composition and mechanical properties. The ultimate strength is only preferred in projects that require plastic deformation. You can deduce the first difference between 6061 and 7075 aluminum from their names. And while the differences between the alloys are subtle, its essential to understand them before making a decision. While 6063 is not as strong as 6061, it is more resistant to corrosion and provides a finer surface finishdeeming it the superior choice where aesthetics are concerned. If the alloy has a C, D, or E rating, it is recommended to protect the alloy, at least wherever there are surfaces with joints. For more information, please refer to theAluminum Association. 0000010472 00000 n The main alloying elements in 6xxx series aluminum alloys are magnesium and silicon, and the elemental breakdown for 6061 aluminum is 0.6% Si, 1.0%Mg, 0.2%Cr, 0.28% Cu, and 97.9% Al (note that these numbers have allowable tolerances, and can vary with natural impurity levels). Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Required fields are marked *. It is also used for electrical components and conduit, pipe and tube for irrigation systems, architectural & building products, railings, furniture, appliances, boats, and motor vehicles. Whether you are a designer, engineer, industrial design agency, or a startup technology company, Roche Industry is the perfect fit for your prototyping needs. It is much easier to see the differences by examining what makes these alloys useful in their respective applications, namely their differing strengths. This material is produced for structural applications and can't be found in any temper other than T6. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. However, this sometimes varies due to other conditions, as 6063 has been used for bridges, and 6061 has been used for aerospace applications. Download our aluminum spec sheet and check what Kloeckner Metals routinely stocks. Additionally, 6063 aluminum can be heat-treated to give the most common temper, which is 6063-T6 aluminum. Aluminum 6061 vs. Aluminum 6063 Aluminum 6061 and Aluminum 6063 are similar in composition and mechanical properties. 0000014857 00000 n Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In fact, one of the major benefits of choosing from different metals for your projects is matching material and chemical properties to specific use cases. It provides a high-quality surface that can be easily anodized. 0000008912 00000 n 10+ million models from leading OEMs, compatible with all major CAD software systems. They have applications in aerospace, construction, transportation, recreational products, and numerous other industries. With strong corrosion resistance, formability and weldability, it is designed for maximum extrudability. 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. The main difference between the two is the strength. |, Applications for the 6061 and 6063 Aluminum Alloys. ), as it has a much higher fatigue strength than 6063 aluminum. However, there are a few different types of aluminum that you should be aware of before making your choice. The density of type 6061 aluminum is 2.7 g/cm3 (0.0975 lb/in3). 6061 aluminumis the perfect choice for projects that require cyclical loading such as in making aircraft and marine vehicles since it has higher fatigue strength compared to 6063 aluminum. However, 6063 aluminum has lower strength and better resistance to corrosion which makes it a perfect choice for extrusion projects. In conclusion, both aluminium 6060 and 6063 have their own unique benefits depending on your application needs. Aluminum alloys are metal compounds that are manufactured by the addition of a certain percentage of other metallic elements into pure aluminum. 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. Its density is the same as 6061 aluminum (2.7 g/cm3, 0.0975 lb/in3), and it can be similarly heat-treated with 6063-T6 being the most common temper. Aluminum 6060 is known to be stronger than 6063, and is also slightly harder, making it ideal for applications where strength and durability are important, such as in the construction of window frames and door frames. This article will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each alloy so you can decide which one is the best fit for your project. 6063 aluminum is a top choice for architectural materials, so much so that it is often referred to as architectural aluminum. Customs Broker vs. Freight Forwarder: Whats the Best Choice for Your Shipment? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Below is a list of some typical applications for each of these alloys. Unfortunately, your browser doesn't support those technologies. Properties & Most Common Uses of Aluminum. 6061 aluminumis, however, the perfect choice for applications that require hardness. For information on other products, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform to locate potential sources of supply or view details on specific products. Additionally, 6063 aluminumcan be heat-treated to give the most common temper, which is 6063-T6 aluminum. Both 6061 and 6063 aluminum have a density of 2.7g/cm 3. Website Last Modified May 2, 2023. But if youre still not sure which is the clear winner for your project, an expert can always illuminate the way to success. This factor makes it difficult to distinguish between the two aluminum alloysfrom a materials properties viewpoint. Given its extrudability, aluminum 6063 is also widely available for all types of applications and in all kinds of shapes. Aluminum 6061 provides good workability. Furthermore, anodizing aluminum allows color pigments to be added to the chemical bond, which wont chip like paint. This post has presented a comparison between 6061 and 6063 aluminum alloys based on their strength, properties, and applications. Alloy 6060 allows for more intricate extrusion profiles with slightly better heat transfer making it a good alternative alloy for heat sink profiles.