Aluminum 6063A-O vs 6063A-T6
Aluminum · 6063A temper comparison
6063A-O and 6063A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6063A: O (annealed) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 6063A-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for 6063A-O, about 4.1 times as much; tensile strength follows at 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) vs 105 MPa (15.2 ksi). In exchange, 6063A-O is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 10% for 6063A-T6, and 6063A-T6 is harder (80 HB vs 27 HB). 6063A-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous) and 6063A-O conducts electricity better (56 % IACS vs 49 % IACS). On the shop floor, 6063A-T6 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
6063A-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
6063A-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
6063A-O vs 6063A-T6: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69.5 GPa10.1 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 205 MPa29.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 32 MPa·√m29.1 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.69 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 615°C1,139 °F · Liquidus Temperature 655°C1,211 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 393 J/g169 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.78 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
6063A-O vs 6063A-T6 — frequently asked
Is 6063A-T6 stronger than 6063A-O?
Yes. 6063A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for 6063A-O — about 4.1 times as much. Tensile strength is 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) vs 105 MPa (15.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or T6?
T6 is the default 6063A condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 6063A-O or 6063A-T6?
6063A-T6. Its machinability rates fair (48/100) against poor (30/100) for 6063A-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6063A-O and 6063A-T6 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.