Aluminum 6063
AA 6063 · UNS A96063 · AISI/SAE H9 · EN AlMg0.7Si, AW-6063 · JIS A6063, A6063P
6063 is the most widely used heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloy (A96063 / EN AW-6063 / AlMg0.7Si), with a lean Mg-Si chemistry tuned for press performance rather than strength.
6063 tempers and conditions
6063 is supplied in 13 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 13 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for maximum ductility in bending, deep drawing or tube forming, then age-harden to T4/T6 if strength is needed. | 48 | 90 | 25 | 25 HB | 58 % IACS |
Solution heat treated by user and naturally aged | 6063 re-solution treated from O/F stock by the fabricator and naturally aged to a stable, moderately soft T4-like condition with good formability. | 83 | 152 | 22 | 46 HB | 50 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Choose when parts must be bent, spun or drawn after heat treatment and then artificially aged to T6 for final strength. | 90 | 172 | 22 | 50 HB | 50 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and naturally aged | Low-cost as-extruded-and-aged condition for non-structural profiles that must still be bent or roll-formed. | 90 | 152 | 20 | 42 HB | 55 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | The volume architectural/industrial profile temper: good strength with excellent as-extruded surface and low distortion, no separate solution treatment. | 145 | 186 | 12 | 60 HB | 55 % IACS |
T5, stress relieved by compression | Use for straight, low-residual-stress tube and bar that must hold tight tolerance during machining. | 145 | 180 | 14 | 58 HB | 55 % IACS |
Solution treated, lightly drawn and aged | Lightly drawn tube temper: between T5 and T6 in strength, better bendability than T83 for tube fittings. | 186 | 205 | 10 | 70 HB | 53 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard full-strength temper for structural profiles, tube, railings and machined parts where 6063's surface quality is wanted at maximum strength. | 214 | 241 | 12 | 73 HB | 53 % IACS |
T6, heat treated by the user | 6063 re-solution treated from O/F stock by the fabricator and peak-aged, giving full T6-level strength in parts formed or welded before heat treatment. | 214 | 241 | 12 | 73 HB | 53 % IACS |
T6 with improved mechanical properties | European high-strength variant of T6 (tighter process control) used for structural window/curtain-wall profiles to EN 755-2. | 215 | 255 | 10 | 78 HB | 53 % IACS |
Solution treated, cold worked (drawn) and aged | Drawn tube temper giving higher yield strength than T6 with a tight tolerance, bright drawn surface. | 241 | 255 | 9 | 82 HB | 53 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked and artificially aged | 6063 solution treated, cold worked (drawn or stretched) and then peak-aged — the strongest common 6063 condition, used for precision drawn tube and rod. | 248 | 262 | 9 | 82 HB | 55 % IACS |
Solution treated, heavily drawn and aged | Highest-strength 6063 condition, from heavily cold-drawn tube/rod; ductility is limited so avoid post-forming. | 270 | 290 | 12 | 95 HB | 53 % IACS |
What is 6063?
6063 is the most widely used heat-treatable Al-Mg-Si extrusion alloy (A96063 / EN AW-6063 / AlMg0.7Si), with a lean Mg-Si chemistry tuned for press performance rather than strength. It is chosen for outstanding extrudability, high as-extruded surface quality and consistent anodizing and colour response, and is supplied as architectural window, door and curtain-wall profiles, industrial profile, heat sinks and tube. Strength is moderate and below 6061, while corrosion resistance, weldability and electrical/thermal conductivity are good. Limits: machinability is only fair (the alloy tends to smear), T5/T6 service should stay below about 150 °C, and it is not intended for heavily loaded structural parts — move to 6061 for those. 6063 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 615°C (1,139 °F). 6063 has a yield strength of 214 MPa (31 ksi) and a tensile strength of 241 MPa (35 ksi) — stronger than 57% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 68.9 GPa (9.99 Msi).
What is 6063 used for?
- Extruded heat sinks
- Architectural trim and window/door profiles
- Curtain-wall and framing sections
- Industrial T-slot and machine-build profiles
- Handrails and enclosure frames
- Tube and pipe fittings
- LED and lighting extrusions
Advantages
- High electrical conductivity — 53 % IACS, better than 92% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 200 W/m·K (115.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 75/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 70/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
6063 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6063 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 615°C (1,139 °F).
Mechanical12
6063 has a yield strength of 214 MPa (31 ksi) and a tensile strength of 241 MPa (35 ksi) — stronger than 57% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 68.9 GPa (9.99 Msi).
Thermal6
6063 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 200 W/m·K (115.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6063 conducts electricity at 53 % IACS, better than 92% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 79% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6063 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability7
6063's machinability is good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability fair (40/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 6063 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 6063
Is 6063 easy to machine?
Machines easily but is gummy in soft tempers — use sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high surface speed, positive rake and generous coolant/lubricant to avoid built-up edge; T6/T83 give the cleanest chips.
Can 6063 be welded?
Excellent GTAW/GMAW weldability with 4043 (general) or 5356 (higher strength/anodizing match); the HAZ drops to roughly T4 strength unless re-solution-treated and aged.
Can 6063 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding extrudability — thin walls and intricate hollow dies are routine; bend and roll-form in O/T4/T1, keep bend radii generous in T5/T6 to avoid cracking.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 6063. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better55 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 360 / 430 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 0.8 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / 0.4 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Better40 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Excellent90 / 100 |
| Bendable | No |
| Minimum bend radius | 1.5× thickness |
| Sheet thickness range | 1 – 6 mm |
| Spring-back | Moderate |
6063 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.2 – 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.35 | 0.2 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Mg | 0.45 – 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Alremainder, ~98.9 % nominal | balance |
What surface finishes work on 6063?
Best-in-class anodizing alloy: clear, bright-dip, electrolytic bronze/black and powder coating all give uniform streak-free finishes; mechanical polishing and chemical brightening also respond well.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 6063 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A96063
- AISI / SAE
- H9
- Aluminum Association
- AA6063
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AlMg0.7SiAW-60633.3206AlMg0,7Si
- GB (China)
- LD31
- JIS
- A6063A6063P
How much does 6063 cost?
6063 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 82% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
6063 — frequently asked
What is 6063 used for?
6063 is typically used for extruded heat sinks, architectural trim and window/door profiles, curtain-wall and framing sections, industrial T-slot and machine-build profiles, handrails and enclosure frames and tube and pipe fittings. In short: best surface finish; architectural trim.
What is the yield strength of 6063?
6063 has a typical yield strength of 214 MPa (31 ksi) and a tensile strength of 241 MPa (35 ksi) — stronger than 57% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 13 listed tempers.
Is 6063 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades). Machines easily but is gummy in soft tempers — use sharp polished-flute carbide tools, high surface speed, positive rake and generous coolant/lubricant to avoid built-up edge; T6/T83 give the cleanest chips.
Can 6063 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent GTAW/GMAW weldability with 4043 (general) or 5356 (higher strength/anodizing match); the HAZ drops to roughly T4 strength unless re-solution-treated and aged.
What surface finishes work on 6063?
Best-in-class anodizing alloy: clear, bright-dip, electrolytic bronze/black and powder coating all give uniform streak-free finishes; mechanical polishing and chemical brightening also respond well.
Can 6063 be formed, bent or molded?
Outstanding extrudability — thin walls and intricate hollow dies are routine; bend and roll-form in O/T4/T1, keep bend radii generous in T5/T6 to avoid cracking.
What is the maximum service temperature of 6063?
6063 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 6063 cost?
6063 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 82% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 6063?
Yes — 6063 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- Aluminum Standards and Data (Teal Sheets) — alloy 6063 registration and temper limits — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B221 — Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles and Tubes — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM B241/B429 — extruded/drawn aluminum tube — ASTM International (2020)
- EN 755-2 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys, extruded rod/bar/tube/profiles: mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys, wrought 6000-series data — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Specialty Handbook: Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (1993)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.