6063-T5 Aluminum is a medium-strength, heat-treatable alloy known for its excellent surface finish, corrosion resistance, and good workability. It is commonly used in architectural and structural applications.
Alloy 6063 is a heat-treatable 0.7% magnesium, 0.4% silicon alloy offering good mechanical properties commonly available in a wide range of extruded sections. It’s ready extrudability enables thin walled and intricate hollow shapes to be produced: flats, angles, channels and hollow circular and square sections are all standard profiles. 6063 responds well to polishing, chemical brightening, anodising and dyeing.
What is 6063-T5 material?
6063 T5 is an aluminum alloy with a specific temper designation. Here’s a breakdown of what it means：
6063: This is the alloy designation, part of the 6xxx series (Al-Mg-Si), which means it primarily consists of aluminum with magnesium and silicon as the main alloying elements. 6063 is commonly used for structural applications and architectural purposes due to its good corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and excellent finish capabilities.
T5: This is the temper designation, which means the material was:
Artificially aged after being cooled from an elevated temperature shaping process (e.g., extrusion).
It achieves a medium-level strength while retaining good workability and surface finish.
Properties of 6063-T5 Aluminum Material:
Strength: Lower than 6061 but still sufficient for many structural applications.
Corrosion Resistance: High, making it ideal for outdoor and marine applications.
Surface Finish: Excellent, often anodized for an enhanced appearance.
Workability: Good, allowing for easy cutting, welding, and forming.
What does T5 mean in Aluminum?
In aluminum alloys, T5 is a temper designation that describes the heat treatment process applied to the metal after shaping. Specifically, T5 means:
Cooled from a high-temperature forming process (such as extrusion)
Artificially aged to achieve a stable mechanical property level (but without undergoing solution heat treatment like T6)
Key Characteristics of T5 Temper:
Moderate strength (higher than annealed but lower than T6)
Good workability (easier to machine and form than T6)
Retains good corrosion resistance
Better surface finish compared to T6, making it suitable for anodizing
T6 = solution treated and age hardened.
T7 = solution treated and deliberately overaged.
T8 = solution treated, cold worked and age hardened.
T9 = solution treated, age hardened then cold worked.
6063-T5 Aluminum is a medium-strength, heat-treatable alloy known for its excellent surface finish, corrosion resistance, and good workability. It is commonly used in architectural and structural applications.
Alloy 6063 is a heat-treatable 0.7% magnesium, 0.4% silicon alloy offering good mechanical properties commonly available in a wide range of extruded sections. It’s ready extrudability enables thin walled and intricate hollow shapes to be produced: flats, angles, channels and hollow circular and square sections are all standard profiles. 6063 responds well to polishing, chemical brightening, anodising and dyeing.
Aluminum 6063 Corrosion Resistance
Because it is easily anodized, aluminum alloy 6063 provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Anodization is a chemical finishing process that forcefully increases the outer layer of chemically bonded oxidation. With a thicker layer of oxidation, further corrosion struggles to eat into the majority of the aluminum.
Anodization also results in a more aesthetic appearance. It offers a uniform sheen and no surface markings for extrusion, manufacturing, shaping or handling left visible. Furthermore, anodizing aluminum allows color pigments to be added to the chemical bond, which won’t chip like paint.
For these reasons—both anti-corrosion and a high-quality finish—6063 is an alloy of choice for architectural and visible applications that will be exposed to the elements.
Aluminum 6063 Workability
6063-T5 Aluminum Material is generally considered a “softer” alloy, which lends itself toward optimal workability and extrusion forming—it’s the most common for the latter. This is because of its chemical makeup’s low concentration of other elements.
One significant material property to factor in is that 6063—and all 6xxx series alloys—is heat treatable, making annealing more challenging and less repeatable when working it into complex shapes or more severe deformations.
Dimensional Tolerances
Dimensions-Variations from the specified dimensions for the type of material ordered shall not exceed the permissible variations prescribed in the tables of ANSI H35.2M (see Table 5).
Dimensional tolerances for sizes not covered in ANSI H35.2M shall be as agreed upon between the producer and purchaser and shall be so specified in the contract or purchase order.
Sampling for Inspection-Examination for dimensional conformance shall be made to ensure conformance to the tolerance specified.
What is the difference between 6061-T5 and 6063-T5?
Both 6061-T5 and 6063-T5 are aluminum alloys in the 6xxx series (Al-Mg-Si), meaning they have similar compositions but differ in strength, machinability, and surface finish.
| Property | 6061-T5 | 6063-T5 |
| Strength | Higher (Tensile ~35,000 psi) | Lower (Tensile ~30,000 psi) |
| Hardness | Harder (Brinell ~95) | Softer (Brinell ~60) |
| Machinability | Better | Moderate |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very good | Excellent |
| Surface Finish | Moderate (not as smooth) | Excellent (ideal for anodizing) |
| Workability | Tougher to extrude/form | Easier to extrude/form |
Best Uses for Each Alloy:
6061-T5: Used in structural applications, aerospace, automotive, and heavy-duty components where strength is critical.
6063-T5: Preferred for architectural applications (doors, windows, railings), heat sinks, and piping due to its superior surface finish and corrosion resistance.
Composition Composition Specification (%)
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti | Other | |
| Each | Total | |||||||||
| 6063 | 0.2-0.6 | 0.35 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.45-0.9 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 0.15 |
Mechanical Property Specification
| Alloy and Temper | Thickness mm | Tensile Strength | Elongation (% min in 50mm) | ||||
| Over | Up to | Ultimate | Yield | ||||
| Min | Max | Min | Max | ||||
| 6060 T1 | <12mm | 115 | – | 60 | – | 12 | |
| 6060 T5 | <12mm | 150 | – | 110 | – | 8 | |
| 6063 T1 | <12mm | 115 | – | 60 | – | 12 | |
| 6063 T4 | <150mm | 130 | – | 70 | – | 12 | |
| 6063 T5 | <12mm | 150 | – | 110 | – | 8 | |
| 6063 T6 | <25mm | 205 | – | 170 | – | 8 | |
Grade Specification Comparison
| Alloy | UNS No | ISO | BS | DIN | |
| No | Name | ||||
| 6063 | A96063 | AlMgSi | H19 | 3.3206 | AlMgSi0.5 |
These comparisons are approximate only. The list is intended as a comparison of functionally similar materials not as a schedule of contractual equivalents. If exact equivalents are needed original specifications must be consulted.
Is 6063 aluminum stronger than 6061?
No, 6063 aluminum is not stronger than 6061.
Strength Comparison:
| Property | 6061-T6 | 6063-T6 |
| Tensile Strength | ~45,000 psi (310 MPa) | ~35,000 psi (241 MPa) |
| Yield Strength | ~40,000 psi (276 MPa) | ~31,000 psi (214 MPa) |
| Brinell Hardness | ~95 | ~73 |
Why is 6061 Stronger?
- Higher magnesium and silicon content, which improves strength.
- More heat treatment options (T6 temper enhances hardness and durability).
- Better mechanical properties, making it ideal for structural and heavy-duty applications.
When to Use 6063 Instead?
- If you need a better surface finish (e.g., for anodizing).
- If corrosion resistance is more important than strength.
- If you’re working on architectural applications (doors, windows, railings).
✅ Advantages of 6063-T5 Aluminum
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance
● Performs well in outdoor and marine environments.
● Resistant to oxidation and weathering.
2. Good Surface Finish
● One of the best aluminum alloys for anodizing (enhancing appearance and protection).
● Smooth finish makes it ideal for architectural and decorative applications.
3. Moderate Strength
● Strong enough for many structural applications, but more flexible than 6061.
● Used in window frames, railings, and piping where extreme strength isn’t required.
4. Great Workability & Extrudability
● Easily formed, welded, and machined.
● Easier to extrude than 6061, making it cost-effective for custom profiles.
5. Lightweight
● High strength-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for applications needing low weight with decent durability
❌ Disadvantages of 6063-T5 Aluminum
- Lower Strength Compared to 6061
● Tensile strength (~30,000 psi) is lower than 6061 (~45,000 psi).
● Not ideal for heavy-duty or high-stress applications (e.g., aerospace, high-load structures).
2. Softer Material
● More prone to dents and scratches compared to harder alloys.
● Brinell hardness of ~60, compared to ~95 for 6061-T6.
3. Lower Machinability
● While workable, 6061 is easier to machine due to its higher hardness.
● Cutting, drilling, and milling require proper tool adjustments to avoid material sticking.
4. Not Ideal for High-Temperature Applications
● Softens at elevated temperatures, limiting its use in extreme heat conditions.
● Melting point: 1,150–1,210°F (621–654°C).
What is 6063 aluminum good for?
6063 aluminum is widely used for architectural and structural applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good surface finish, and moderate strength. It is a heat-treatable alloy primarily composed of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon.
1. Architectural Applications
– Window & door frames
– Curtain walls & storefronts
– Handrails & railings
2. Structural Applications
– Piping & tubing
– Roof structures & frames
– Furniture frames
3. Automotive & Transportation
– Bicycle frames
– Trailer frames
– Vehicle trim & parts
4. Electrical & Heat Management
– Heat sinks
– Conduit pipes
– Lighting fixtures
You can get an offer for products in below material forms:
-Pipe and Tube (EN 10216-5, ASTM A213, ASTM A249, A312, A790,)
-Forged Fitting and Flange (ASTM A182 , ASTM A105,ASTM B564 )
-Butt Weld Fittings (ASTM A234, ASTM A403,ASTM A815)
-Round bar , Billet (ASTM A276, ASTM A479)
– Plate, Sheet, Strip(ASTM A240, EN 10028-7, A480)
-Bolting, Nuts（ASTM A193, A194, A320）
6063 T5 Aluminum Material Exported Countries
We Export 6063 T5 Aluminum Material to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Yemen , Syria, Jordan, Cyprus, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay, United States Of America, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Bahamas, Denmark, Norway, Germany, France,Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Czech Republic, Portugal, Hungary, Albania, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Croatia, Malta, Nigeria, Algeria, Angola, South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Middle East.etc