Aluminum Alloy 6063 (UNS A96063)
Aluminum 6063 is a popular aluminum alloy that is primarily composed of aluminum, with magnesium and silicon as the main alloying elements. It is commonly used in various applications due to its favorable combination of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Aluminum | 97.5% | 99.35% |
| Chromium | —— | 0.1% |
| Copper | —— | 0.1% |
| Iron | —— | 0.35% |
| Magnesium | 0.45% | 0.9% |
| Manganese | —— | 0.1% |
| Silicon | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Titanium | —— | 0.1% |
| Zinc | —— | 0.1% |
| Residuals | —— | 0.15% |
The following table provides a list of aluminum 6063 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 2700 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength | 110 - 300 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 50 - 270 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 70 - 190 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 68 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 26 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 12% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.33 |
| Brinell Hardness | 25 - 95 HB |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 620 - 650 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 200 - 220 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 900 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 2.34×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 3.7×107 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 3.3×10-8 Ω·m |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Aluminum 6063
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Limited weldability |
| Good strength-to-weight ratio | Susceptible to scratches and surface damage |
| Excellent formability | High cost |
| Corrosion resistance |
Applications of Aluminum 6063
Aluminum 6063 is a versatile alloy with a wide range of applications. Here are some common applications where Aluminum 6063 is frequently used:
- Architectural Applications: Aluminum 6063 is extensively used in architectural applications due to its excellent combination of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance. It is used for window frames, door frames, curtain walls, roofing systems, and various structural components in buildings.
- Extruded Profiles: The formability of Aluminum 6063 makes it an ideal choice for extrusion processes. It is commonly used to produce extruded profiles for various industries, including construction, transportation, electronics, and furniture. These profiles can be found in window and door systems, framing structures, heat sinks, and decorative trims.
- Furniture: Aluminum 6063 is popular in the furniture industry due to its lightweight nature, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It is used for manufacturing frames, legs, handles, and other components in furniture such as tables, chairs, and shelving units.
- Electrical Enclosures: The electrical industry utilizes Aluminum 6063 for fabricating enclosures and housings for electrical components. Its electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and ease of fabrication make it suitable for applications such as electrical cabinets, control panels, and junction boxes.
- Heat Sinks: Aluminum 6063’s good thermal conductivity makes it an excellent choice for heat sinks. Heat sinks are used in various electronic devices to dissipate heat generated by components such as CPUs, power transistors, and LED lighting. The extrudability of Aluminum 6063 allows for the creation of intricate heat sink designs.
- Automotive Components: Aluminum 6063 finds application in the automotive industry, particularly in components that require a balance between strength and weight reduction. It can be used in radiator tubes, trim pieces, door handles, and structural parts like roof rails and body panels.
- Display Systems: Aluminum 6063 is utilized in display systems for commercial and residential purposes. It can be found in frameworks for signage, trade show exhibits, shelving, and display stands.
- Solar Panel Frames: Aluminum 6063 is commonly used for the frames of solar panels. Its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties make it suitable for supporting and protecting the solar cells.