Custom 6061 6063 Extruded Aluminum Profile Manufacturer
Extruded Aluminum Profiles | Custom Solutions & Durable Alloys
6061 Extruded Aluminum Profiles
Chemical Composition
6061 is a Mg-Si-Cu alloy (aluminum-magnesium-silicon-copper), with key elements including ~1% magnesium, 0.6% silicon, and 0.25% copper. This composition makes it one of the most versatile heat-treatable aluminum alloys.
Mechanical Properties
- Strength: Moderate to high strength (ultimate tensile strength up to ~310 MPa in T6 temper), with excellent fatigue resistance and good ductility.
- Heat Treatability: Can be readily heat-treated (e.g., T6 temper for maximum strength or T4 for formability) to achieve specific mechanical properties.
- Extrudability: Good extrudability, allowing formation into complex shapes, though slightly lower than 6063 due to its higher copper content.
- Corrosion Resistance: Good general corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric environments, but may require surface treatment (anodizing, painting) for harsh conditions.
- Weldability: Excellent weldability, making it suitable for structural assemblies.
Applications
- Industrial & Mechanical: Used for structural components in machinery, robotics, and automation (e.g., frames, brackets, gears).
- Aerospace & Automotive: Lightweight parts like aircraft interior structures, truck frames, and suspension components.
- Marine & Outdoor: Boat trailers, marine hardware, and outdoor equipment due to moderate corrosion resistance.
- DIY & Prototyping: Popular in custom projects (e.g., 3D printer frames, bicycle parts) for its balance of strength and workability.
Chemical Composition
6063 is a Mg-Si alloy (aluminum-magnesium-silicon) with lower magnesium (~0.4-0.9%) and silicon (~0.2-0.6%) content than 6061, and no copper. This formulation prioritizes extrudability and surface finish.
Mechanical Properties
- Strength: Moderate strength (ultimate tensile strength up to ~240 MPa in T6 temper), lower than 6061 but sufficient for many structural and decorative applications.
- Extrudability: Exceptional extrudability, enabling intricate, high-precision shapes with smooth surfaces, making it the ideal choice for complex profiles.
- Surface Finish: Excellent anodizing and plating capabilities, providing a clean, aesthetic appearance—critical for architectural use.
- Corrosion Resistance: Superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion, especially when anodized, making it suitable for outdoor environments.
- Heat Treatability: Typically heat-treated to T5 or T6 tempers, though it is less commonly used in high-stress applications compared to 6061.
Applications
- Architecture & Construction: Primary use in window/door frames, curtain walls, railings, and decorative trims due to its aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance.
- Electronics & Consumer Goods: Enclosures for electronics (e.g., laptops, LED fixtures), as well as furniture and signage.
- Transportation: Lightweight components in trains, buses, and automotive interiors where formability and appearance matter.
- Industrial Extrusions: Framing systems (e.g., modular workbenches, conveyor rails) and precision components requiring tight tolerances.
Key Differences & Selection Guide
Property |
6061 |
6063 |
Strength |
Higher, suitable for load-bearing parts |
Moderate, ideal for non-critical structures |
Extrudability |
Good, for moderately complex shapes |
Excellent, for intricate, high-precision profiles |
Surface Finish |
Good, but 6063 offers superior anodizing |
Exceptional, ideal for architectural aesthetics |
Primary Use Cases |
Structural, mechanical, high-stress parts |
Architectural, decorative, precision extrusions |
Both alloys are valued for their lightweight, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness, but their specific compositions make them best suited for different applications—6061 for strength and versatility, and 6063 for precision, appearance, and extrudability.