Aluminum 6063A-T6
Temper · default condition
AA 6063A · EN AW-6063A
T6 = solution heat treated and artificially aged
Default structural temper: highest strength of the grade for load-bearing window, curtain-wall and frame profiles.
Values for the T6 condition
Other 6063A tempers and conditions
6063A is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at 6063A.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest condition for maximum bending/forming before heat treatment; not a structural condition. | 50 | 105 | 26 | 27 HB | 56 % 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. | 85 | 140 | 18 | 45 HB | 47 % 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. | 100 | 165 | 16 | 50 HB | 44 % IACS |
T5, stress relieved by compression | T5 with a stabilising age for dimensional stability and reduced distortion during machining of profiles. | 165 | 205 | 11 | 68 HB | 52 % 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. | 175 | 215 | 10 | 70 HB | 51 % IACS |
T6DefaultThis page Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Default structural temper: highest strength of the grade for load-bearing window, curtain-wall and frame profiles. | 205 | 245 | 10 | 80 HB | 49 % IACS |
T6 with improved mechanical properties | European architectural temper giving a further step in strength over T6 by tightly controlled quench and age. | 220 | 260 | 8 | 85 HB | 48 % IACS |
What is 6063A-T6?
6063A-T6 is 6063A in the T6 temper — default structural temper: highest strength of the grade for load-bearing window, curtain-wall and frame profiles. 6063A-T6 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). 6063A-T6 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).
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-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6063A-T6; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 6063A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
6063A-T6 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).
Mechanical13
6063A-T6 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).
Thermal6
6063A-T6 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
6063A-T6 conducts electricity at 49 % IACS, better than 89% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6063A-T6 takes about 205 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability8
6063A-T6's machinability is fair (48/100, worse than 68% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability fair (45/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 6063A-T6
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).
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.
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.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Fe | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.2 | 0.05 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.15 | 0.05 |
| MgHigher than 6063 — source of the extra strength | 0.6 – 0.9 | 0.75 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 | 0.02 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
6063A-T6 — frequently asked
What is 6063A-T6 used for?
6063A-T6 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-T6?
6063A-T6 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-T6 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-T6 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-T6?
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-T6 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-T6?
6063A-T6 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.
Sources
- EN 573-3 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Chemical composition — CEN (2019)
- EN 755-2 Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles — Mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- EN 1999-1-1 Eurocode 9: Design of aluminium structures — CEN (2007)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.