Aluminum 6463-T5 vs 6463-T6
Aluminum · 6463 temper comparison
6463-T5 and 6463-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6463: T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 6463-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 214 MPa (31 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for 6463-T5, about 48% more; tensile strength follows at 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) vs 185 MPa (26.8 ksi). 6463-T6 is harder — 74 HB against 60 HB for 6463-T5 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, 6463-T5 forms better (good vs fair).
6463-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
6463-T5 vs 6463-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)
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 68.9 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 25.8 GPa3.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 68 GPa9.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Elongation at Break 12% · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 69 MPa10 ksi
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
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 3.45×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.36 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 66 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 92 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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.
6463-T5 vs 6463-T6 — frequently asked
Is 6463-T6 stronger than 6463-T5?
Yes. 6463-T6 has a typical yield strength of 214 MPa (31 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for 6463-T5 — about 48% more. Tensile strength is 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) vs 185 MPa (26.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
When should I choose 6463-T5 over 6463-T6?
Pick 6463-T6 when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6463-T5 and 6463-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.