Aluminum–magnesium–silicon · 6xxx series
6063 Aluminum Alloy
6063 is the magnesium-silicon alloy built for extrusion. Its balanced composition lets it fill thin, complex die sections at high speed and it takes a brighter, more even anodic film than 6061, which is why architectural window, door and curtain-wall profiles are almost all 6063.
Quote within 24 working hours · Certificate type stated on the quote
6xxx series · 5 tempers quoted · 2.700 g/cm³
At a glance
6063 Aluminum — The Short Version
| Alloy family | Aluminum–magnesium–silicon (6xxx) |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.700 g/cm³ |
| Tempers quoted | T4 · T5 · T52 · T6 · T66 |
| Heat treatable | Yes — strength comes from solution treatment and ageing |
| Standards | ASTM B221 · EN 755 · GB/T 5237 · GB/T 6892 |
| Forms supplied | Aluminum Extrusion Profile · Aluminum Tube & Pipe · Aluminum Bar & Rod |
Chemistry
6063 Chemical Composition Limits
Percent by weight. These are the registered limits, not a typical analysis — a heat that sits anywhere inside them is still 6063.
| Element | Limit (% wt) | Element | Limit (% wt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.20 – 0.60 | Fe | 0.35 max |
| Cu | 0.10 max | Mn | 0.10 max |
| Mg | 0.45 – 0.90 | Cr | 0.10 max |
| Zn | 0.10 max | Ti | 0.10 max |
| Other, each | 0.05 max | Other, total | 0.15 max |
| Al | Remainder |
Composition limits are the Aluminum Association registered ranges, which is what ASTM B209 and EN 573-3 both refer back to. Mechanical values are typical for the temper shown, not acceptance minima — the minima are set by the product standard, and the mill certificate reports the measured values for your heat.
Mechanicals
Typical Mechanical Properties by Temper
Room temperature, longitudinal direction. Use these to compare grades and tempers — the acceptance figures for your order come from the product standard and are reported on the mill certificate for the actual heat.
| Temper | Tensile (MPa) | Yield (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T5 | 180 | 140 | 11 | 210 |
Other tempers in the 6063 range — T4 · T5 · T52 · T6 · T66 — are available to order. Values for those are quoted with the offer rather than assumed from this table.
Forms
6063 in the Forms We Supply
The same alloy behaves differently as coil, plate and extrusion because the rolling or extrusion route sets the temper and the surface. Pick the form first, then the temper.
Aluminum Extrusion Profile
Custom die extrusions — the section is drawn, not bought.
Wall 0.8 – 20 mm · Circumscribed Ø up to 400 mm
Aluminum Tube & Pipe
Seamless extruded, cold-drawn, and welded tube.
Wall 0.5 – 20 mm · OD 6 – 400 mm
Aluminum Bar & Rod
Round, square, hexagonal and flat bar; rolled or extruded.
— · Ø 5 – 400 mm
Where it is used
Typical End Uses for 6063
Building & Curtain Wall
Facade work is a coating problem first and a metal problem second. PVDF film thickness and anodizing class are what the specifier checks.
Transport & Automotive
Weight reduction per body panel is the entire business case. Formability and weldability decide the grade.
Electronics & Heat Management
Heat sinks are an extrusion geometry problem: fin height, fin pitch and flatness tolerance. 6063-T5 holds fine fins that 6061 cannot.
Selection
Choose 6063 When — and When Not To
Choose 6063 when
Architectural profiles — windows, doors, curtain wall, handrail — and anything with a thin wall or a decorative anodized finish. T5 for sections that will be assembled; T6 where the profile also carries load.
Think again if
Machined structural parts. 6063 is roughly 40% weaker than 6061-T6 in tensile, so a machined bracket or shaft should be 6061 or 6082. Also avoid where the part is welded and must keep full strength.
Before you ask
6063 — Questions Buyers Ask
6063 or 6061 for an extrusion?
6063 for shape complexity and surface finish — it extrudes faster, fills thin walls better and anodizes brighter. 6061 for strength — it is about 40% stronger in T6 and machines better. Most architectural work is 6063; most structural and machined work is 6061.
What is the difference between 6063-T5 and T6?
T5 is cooled from the press and artificially aged; T6 is solution heat treated, quenched and then aged. T6 gives higher strength (about 205–240 MPa tensile against 180 MPa for T5) and is what you specify when the profile carries load.
Does 6063 anodize better than 6061?
Yes. Its lower copper and iron give a clearer, more colour-stable film, so 6063 is the default for architectural anodizing where the tint has to match across a facade. 6061 anodizes acceptably for protection but duller for decoration.
Is 6063 available as plate?
Rarely. 6063 is an extrusion alloy; it is normally supplied as bar, tube and profile, not flat-rolled sheet and plate. For sheet work use 6061 or 5052.
Also compare
Other Grades in 6xxx
- 6061 AluminumAluminum–magnesium–silicon · O · T4 · T451
- 6082 AluminumAluminum–magnesium–silicon · O · T4 · T6
- All seven series →The full alloy map, from 1xxx to 8xxx
Often specified instead
- 6061 AluminumAluminum–magnesium–silicon · Machined parts, jigs and fixtures, structural brackets, truck and rail components, and anything that needs strength plus a decent anodized finish.
- 6082 AluminumAluminum–magnesium–silicon · Crane and lifting structures, truck frames, machine frames, bridge and rail components — anywhere a European drawing calls up 6082 and the strength budget is tight..
Quote on 6063 Aluminum
Send grade, temper, thickness and quantity. You get price, lead time, MOQ and certificate type in one reply — and a straight answer if the grade is wrong for the job.