What is the Difference Between Aluminum 6061 & Aluminum 6063?
February 25, 2022
Aluminum 6061 and aluminum 6063 have very similar compositions and mechanical properties. Both alloys contain a percentage of magnesium to offer increased strength, as well as a percentage of silicon to lower the temperature at which they melt. Due to their excellent formability, both 6061 & 6063 can be used to make a variety of metal extrusions, including angle, bar, and tubing.
While these aluminum alloys share a lot of the same properties, they have slight differences that may make one better suited to certain requirements than the other. As an expert in custom metal tube bending, Triad is here to help you determine the best alloy for your project needs. Let’s begin by breaking down the general characteristics of each.
6061 vs 6063
Characteristics of 6061 Aluminum
6061 aluminum is one of the most commonly used aluminum alloys due to its versatility and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. With a low melting temperature, low thermal conductivity, and low heat capacity, this alloy provides excellent weldability. 6061 is available in two tempers, 6061 T4 aluminum (heat treated and naturally aged) and 6061 T6 aluminum (artificially aged for maximum strength).
Characteristics of 6063 Aluminum
Aluminum 6063 is most famous for its excellent response to extrusion. Often referred to as architectural aluminum, this alloy is easily formed into the complex shapes needed for many architectural applications. While 6063 is not as strong as 6061, it is more resistant to corrosion and provides a finer surface finish—deeming it the superior choice where aesthetics are concerned.
Applications for Aluminum 6061 vs Aluminum 6063
Applications for 6061 Aluminum
- Automotive components
- Bicycle frames
- Couplers
- Valves
- Protective structures
- Framework
- Structural fixtures
- Architectural designs
- Irrigation tubing
- Electrical housings
- Railings & door frames
- Shop fittings
- Storage tanks
- OEM components
Applications for 6063 Aluminum
- Architectural designs
- Irrigation tubing
- Electrical housings
- Railings & door frames
- Shop fittings
- Storage tanks
- OEM components
Compositional Differences Between AL 6061 & AL 6063
Both AL 6061 and AL 6063 share the same alloying elements, however; the amount of each element the alloys contain differs between the two. For example, AL 6061 can have up to double the iron content and usually contains significantly more silicon, copper, and chromium compared to AL 6063. The remaining elements in these alloys consist of varying levels of manganese, iron, and titanium. As a general rule, AL 6061 usually contains more of each alloying element than AL 6063.
Cost Comparison of 6061 Aluminum vs 6063 Aluminum
When it comes to the cost of these alloys, 6063 aluminum tends to be the less expensive option. However, this doesn’t always mean it’s the best option for your project. While aluminum 6063 offers many benefits, it won’t hold up as well as 6061 in applications that require high tensile strength, such as structural or construction components. Therefore, it’s important to consider the most important requirements for your tube bending project in order to get the most bang for your buck in the long run.
Which Alloy is Best Suited to Your Custom Tube Bending Project?
Refer to the chart below for a general overview of how these alloys compare to one another. If you find that you are still unsure which alloy is best for your tube bending requirements, contact us, and we will happily assist you.
Start Your Aluminum Tube Bending Project with Triad Products
Triad Products has years of experience working with both 6061 and 6063 aluminum in a variety of custom tube bending projects. No matter which alloy you choose, our experts will work with your specifications to create the high quality, custom components you need. We also provide a range of secondary services, including machining, finishing, fabrication, and more. Visit our gallery to see examples of our tube bending capabilities. Request a quote today to begin discussing your project. Contact us for more information.
