Overview of 6063 Aluminium Sheet Plate
6063 Aluminium Alloy is widely recognized for its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for architectural, structural, and industrial applications. This alloy, composed of aluminium, magnesium, and silicon, offers a good balance of strength and workability.
Key Features:
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Good formability and weldability
- Available in various tempers
Specifications
Here’s a detailed look at the specifications of 6063 Aluminium Sheet Plates:
Property |
Value |
Standard |
ASTM B209, EN 573-3, EN 485-2, AMS QQ-A-250/11 |
Thickness |
0.2mm – 500mm |
Width |
Up to 2650mm |
Length |
Up to 7.3m (288″) |
Temper |
O, T4, T5, T6, etc. |
Surface Finish |
Mill, brushed, anodized, powder-coated |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 6063 Aluminium vary depending on the temper of the material. Below is a detailed table summarizing these properties:
Tensile Strength
Temper |
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
6063 O |
89.6 MPa |
6063 T4 |
172 MPa |
6063 T5 |
186 MPa |
6063 T6 |
241 MPa |
Yield Strength
Temper |
Yield Strength (MPa) |
6063 O |
48.3 MPa |
6063 T4 |
89.6 MPa |
6063 T5 |
145 MPa |
6063 T6 |
214 MPa |
Elongation
Temper |
Elongation (%) |
6063 O |
21 |
6063 T4 |
17 |
6063 T5 |
11 |
6063 T6 |
11 |
Hardness
Temper |
Hardness (Brinell) |
6063 O |
25 |
6063 T4 |
46 |
6063 T5 |
60 |
6063 T6 |
73 |
Chemical Composition
6063 Aluminium Alloy consists of the following elements:
Element |
Composition (%) |
Aluminium (Al) |
<= 97.5 % |
Silicon (Si) |
0.20 – 0.60 |
Iron (Fe) |
0.35 max |
Copper (Cu) |
0.10 max |
Manganese (Mn) |
0.10 max |
Magnesium (Mg) |
0.45 – 0.90 |
Chromium (Cr) |
0.10 max |
Zinc (Zn) |
0.10 max |
Titanium (Ti) |
0.10 max |
Others (each) |
0.05 max |
Others (total) |
0.15 max |
Physical Properties
6063 Aluminium Alloy exhibits the following physical properties:
Property |
Value |
Density |
2.7 g/cm³ |
Melting Point |
616 – 654 °C (1140 – 1210 °F) |
Thermal Conductivity |
201-218 W/mK |
Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume |
49 to 58 % IACS |
Specific Heat Capacity |
900 J/kg-K |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
23 µm/m-K |
Applications of 6063 Aluminium Sheet Plate
6063 Aluminium Sheet Plates are versatile and used in various industries. Here are some common applications:
Architectural Applications
6063 Aluminium is often used in architectural applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. Typical uses include:
- Window frames
- Door frames
- Curtain walls
- Roof and siding
Electrical Applications
Due to its good electrical conductivity, 6063 Aluminium is used in:
- Bus bars
- Heat sinks
- Electronic enclosures
Automotive Applications
The lightweight nature of 6063 Aluminium makes it ideal for automotive parts, including:
- Door handles
- Fuel tanks
- Decorative trims
Furniture and Decorative Applications
6063 Aluminium’s formability and aesthetic appeal make it perfect for:
- Furniture frames
- Handles and moldings
- Decorative pieces
Industrial Applications
Its strength and corrosion resistance suit various industrial uses, such as:
- Conveyor systems
- Machine parts
- Piping systems
Comparison with Other Alloys
6063 vs. 6061 Aluminium
Property |
6063 Aluminium |
6061 Aluminium |
Main Alloying Elements |
Magnesium, Silicon |
Magnesium, Silicon, Copper |
Tensile Strength |
Lower than 6061 |
Higher than 6063 |
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent |
Good |
Surface Finish |
Smoother |
Rougher |
Typical Applications |
Architectural applications |
Structural applications |
Anodizing Suitability |
More suitable due to smoother finish |
Less suitable due to coarser finish |
6063 T5 vs. 6063 T6
Property |
6063 T5 |
6063 T6 |
Tempering Process |
Artificially aged, then cooled |
Solution heat treated, then artificially aged |
Tensile Strength |
Lower than T6 |
Higher than T5 |
Flexibility |
More flexible |
Less flexible |
Applications |
Architectural where flexibility is needed |
Structural where higher strength is required |
Choosing the Right Alloy
When selecting the right alloy for your application, consider the specific requirements such as strength, formability, corrosion resistance, and surface finish. 6063 Aluminium is ideal for applications where these properties are crucial, and its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of uses.