FabDigit

Aluminum 6063A

AA 6063A · EN AW-6063A

6063A is a higher-strength variant of 6063 in the 6000 series Al-Mg-Si (heat-treatable Mg2Si) family, covered as EN AW-6063A / AlMg0.7Si(A), with a tighter alloying range that permits greater extrusion speed and higher mechanical strength.

Standard cost $$

Reference datasheet — 6063A is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.

Values for the T6 condition

6063A tempers and conditions

6063A is supplied in 7 conditions, soft to hard. T6 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.

Compare all 7 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Annealed
Softest condition for maximum bending/forming before heat treatment; not a structural condition.501052627 HB56 % IACS
Cooled from hot working and naturally aged
As-pressed profiles left to age naturally; used where mild strength and easy subsequent bending are wanted.851401845 HB47 % IACS
Solution heat treated and naturally aged
Choose when profiles must be bent, roll-formed or drawn after extrusion and then aged to T6 in service parts.1001651650 HB44 % IACS
T5, stress relieved by compression
T5 with a stabilising age for dimensional stability and reduced distortion during machining of profiles.1652051168 HB52 % IACS
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged
Standard economical architectural temper: press-quenched thin-wall profiles with good strength and best surface for anodizing.1752151070 HB51 % IACS
T6Default
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
Default structural temper: highest strength of the grade for load-bearing window, curtain-wall and frame profiles.2052451080 HB49 % IACS
T6 with improved mechanical properties
European architectural temper giving a further step in strength over T6 by tightly controlled quench and age.220260885 HB48 % IACS

What is 6063A?

6063A is a higher-strength variant of 6063 in the 6000 series Al-Mg-Si (heat-treatable Mg2Si) family, covered as EN AW-6063A / AlMg0.7Si(A), with a tighter alloying range that permits greater extrusion speed and higher mechanical strength. Default values are 205 MPa yield, 245 MPa tensile, 10% elongation and 80 HB, with 200 W/m·K thermal conductivity and 49% IACS; it is supplied mainly as extruded profiles, tube and bar in O, T1, T4, T5, T52, T6 and T66. Welding is straightforward, but the heat-affected zone falls back to roughly T4 strength unless post-weld aged, and service is limited to about 150 °C. 6082 is the nearest higher-strength option. 6063A has a density of 2.69 g/cm³ (0.0972 lb/in³), lighter than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 615°C (1,139 °F). 6063A has a yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) — stronger than 54% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 69.5 GPa (10.1 Msi).

What is 6063A used for?

  • Architectural window and door extrusions
  • Solar module mounting frames
  • Curtain wall and facade profiles
  • Handrail and railing sections
  • Anodized trim and furniture tube
  • Structural extruded framing profiles

Advantages

  • Conducts heat well — 200 W/m·K (115.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 91% of aluminum grades
  • High electrical conductivity — 49 % IACS, better than 89% of aluminum grades
  • Polishes to a fine finish — 70/100, better than 87% of aluminum grades
  • Tough — resists crack growth — 32 MPa·√m (29.1 ksi·√in), better than 83% of aluminum grades
  • Readily welded — 85/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades

6063A properties

Typical room-temperature values for 6063A-T6; bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

6063A has a density of 2.69 g/cm³ (0.0972 lb/in³), lighter than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 615°C (1,139 °F).

Density2.69 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)615°C1,139 °F
Liquidus Temperature655°C1,211 °F

Mechanical13

6063A has a yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) — stronger than 54% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 69.5 GPa (10.1 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus69.5 GPa10.1 Msi
Shear Modulus26 GPa3.8 Msi
Bulk Modulus69 GPa10 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)245 MPa35.5 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)205 MPa29.7 ksi
Elongation at Break10%
Compressive Strength205 MPa29.7 ksi
Shear Strength150 MPa21.8 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)75 MPa10.9 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)32 MPa·√m29.1 ksi·√in
Hardness, Brinell80 HB
Hardness, Vickers88 HV

Thermal6

6063A 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).

Thermal Conductivity200 W/m·K116 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion393 J/g169 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)150°C302 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

6063A conducts electricity at 49 % IACS, better than 89% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity49 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity3.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.38 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.78 V
Corrosion ResistanceGood68/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryGood in neutral atmospheres, fresh water and mild marine air thanks to a stable oxide film; attacked by strong acids and by alkalis (pH >9, e.g. wet concrete, caustic cleaners) and prone to pitting in chloride-rich stagnant water.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 6063A takes about 205 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content35%

Manufacturability8

6063A's machinability is fair (48/100, worse than 68% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability fair (45/100).

MachinabilityFair48/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)45%
WeldabilityExcellent85/100
Formability (cold)Fair45/100
CastabilityFair35/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityGood55/100
PolishabilityVery good70/100
Anodizing Responseexcellent — 6063A is a classic architectural anodizing alloy; gives clear, uniform decorative and hard-anodic films, though the higher Mg2Si can slightly darken bright-dip finishes versus 6063.

Common Calculations5

Specific Strength (UTS / density)calculated91 kN·m/kg
Specific Stiffness (E / density)calculated25.8 MN·m/kg
Modulus of Resiliencecalculated302 kJ/m³
Thermal Diffusivitycalculated82.6 mm²/s
Thermal Shock Resistance Indexcalculated30

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. 6063A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale6063A

Working with 6063A

Is 6063A easy to machine?

Cuts easily but is gummy — use polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed and flood/mist lubricant to avoid built-up edge; T6 chips better than T4/O.

Can 6063A be welded?

Readily MIG/TIG welded with 4043 (better fluidity/appearance) or 5356 (higher strength); HAZ drops to roughly T4 strength unless post-weld aged.

Can 6063A be formed, bent or molded?

Extrudes fast with good die life; bend and roll-form in O or T4 and age afterwards, since T5/T6 tolerate only generous bend radii (≥3–4 t).

6063A 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Si0.3 – 0.60.45
Fe0.15 – 0.350.25
Cu≤ 0.20.05
Mn≤ 0.150.05
MgHigher than 6063 — source of the extra strength0.6 – 0.90.75
Cr≤ 0.05
Zn≤ 0.15
Ti≤ 0.150.02
Others (each)≤ 0.05
Others (total)≤ 0.15
Albalance

What surface finishes work on 6063A?

Excellent for clear, coloured and hard anodizing and for powder coating after chromate-free pretreatment; brush or bright-dip polishing gives good architectural surfaces.

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).

Equivalent designations

Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 6063A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.

EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
AW-6063A

How much does 6063A cost?

6063A is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.

6063A — frequently asked

What is 6063A used for?

6063A is typically used for architectural window and door extrusions, solar module mounting frames, curtain wall and facade profiles, handrail and railing sections, anodized trim and furniture tube and structural extruded framing profiles. In short: stronger than 6063; fast-extruding architectural alloy; excellent anodizing response.

What is the yield strength of 6063A?

6063A has a typical yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) — stronger than 54% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.

Is 6063A easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, worse than 68% of aluminum grades). Cuts easily but is gummy — use polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed and flood/mist lubricant to avoid built-up edge; T6 chips better than T4/O.

Can 6063A be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Readily MIG/TIG welded with 4043 (better fluidity/appearance) or 5356 (higher strength); HAZ drops to roughly T4 strength unless post-weld aged.

What surface finishes work on 6063A?

Excellent for clear, coloured and hard anodizing and for powder coating after chromate-free pretreatment; brush or bright-dip polishing gives good architectural surfaces.

Can 6063A be formed, bent or molded?

Extrudes fast with good die life; bend and roll-form in O or T4 and age afterwards, since T5/T6 tolerate only generous bend radii (≥3–4 t).

What is the maximum service temperature of 6063A?

6063A 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.

What is the difference between 6063A-T6 and 6063A-O?

T6 is the default condition — default structural temper: highest strength of the grade for load-bearing window, curtain-wall and frame profiles. O: softest condition for maximum bending/forming before heat treatment; not a structural condition. Yield strength is 205 MPa in T6 versus 50 MPa in O.

How much does 6063A cost?

6063A is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 71% 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.

Sources

  1. EN 573-3 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Chemical composition — CEN (2019)
  2. EN 755-2 Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles — Mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
  3. EN 1999-1-1 Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures — CEN (2007)
  4. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  5. ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
  6. International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)

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.