6063-T5 Aluminum Material Properties | GNEE
6063-T5 aluminum is a medium-strength, heat-treatable aluminum alloy well known for its excellent surface quality, strong corrosion resistance, and good workability. Because of these balanced characteristics, it is widely used in architectural and light structural applications supplied by GNEE.
Alloy 6063 belongs to the Al-Mg-Si (6xxx) series, typically containing about 0.7% magnesium and 0.4% silicon. It offers reliable mechanical performance and is commonly produced in a broad range of extruded profiles. Thanks to its outstanding extrudability, thin-walled and complex hollow sections-such as flats, angles, channels, and round or square tubes-can be manufactured efficiently. In addition, 6063 aluminum responds very well to polishing, chemical brightening, anodizing, and dyeing, making it ideal for visible applications.
What Is 6063-T5 Material?
6063-T5 refers to a specific aluminum alloy and temper combination. Its meaning can be understood as follows:
6063 Aluminum Alloy
6063 is part of the 6xxx aluminum alloy family (Al-Mg-Si). It is commonly chosen for architectural and structural uses due to its good corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and excellent finishing characteristics.
T5 Temper
T5 is a temper designation indicating that the material has been:
Cooled from an elevated-temperature shaping process, such as extrusion
Artificially aged to achieve stable mechanical properties
This process results in moderate strength, while maintaining good formability and surface quality.
Key Properties of 6063-T5 Aluminum
Strength: Lower than 6061, but sufficient for many light structural applications
Corrosion Resistance: High, suitable for outdoor and mildly corrosive environments
Surface Finish: Excellent, especially suitable for anodizing
Workability: Good, allowing easy cutting, welding, and forming
What Does T5 Mean in Aluminum?
In aluminum alloys, T5 describes a specific heat-treatment condition applied after forming. Specifically, T5 means:
The alloy is cooled directly from a high-temperature forming process (such as extrusion)
It is then artificially aged, without undergoing full solution heat treatment
Characteristics of T5 Temper
Moderate strength (higher than annealed tempers, lower than T6)
Better machinability and formability compared with T6
Good corrosion resistance
Superior surface finish, ideal for anodizing
For reference:
T6 = solution heat-treated and artificially aged
T7 = solution heat-treated and deliberately over-aged
T8 = solution heat-treated, cold-worked, then aged
T9 = solution heat-treated, aged, then cold-worked
6063-T5 Aluminum Corrosion Resistance
6063 aluminum alloy offers excellent corrosion resistance, especially after anodizing. Because it anodizes easily, it is widely used in applications exposed to weather and moisture.
Anodizing is an electrochemical surface treatment that thickens the natural oxide layer on aluminum. This enhanced oxide layer significantly improves resistance to corrosion and wear, preventing degradation of the base metal.
In addition to protection, anodizing also improves appearance. It produces a uniform, clean surface finish with no visible marks from extrusion or handling. Color pigments can also be introduced during anodizing, creating durable finishes that will not chip or peel like paint.
For these reasons, 6063-T5 aluminum is a preferred choice for architectural and decorative applications where long-term appearance and corrosion resistance are critical.
6063-T5 Aluminum Workability
6063-T5 aluminum is generally considered a relatively soft alloy, which contributes to its excellent workability and extrusion performance. It is one of the most commonly used alloys for extrusion due to its low concentration of alloying elements.
One important consideration is that 6063, like all 6xxx series alloys, is heat-treatable. This can make annealing less predictable when producing highly complex shapes or undergoing severe deformation. Nevertheless, for standard profiles and architectural components, its processing behavior is highly reliable.
Dimensional Tolerances for 6063-T5 Aluminum
Dimensional variations must comply with ANSI H35.2M tolerance requirements, where applicable.
For sizes not covered by ANSI H35.2M, tolerances should be agreed between GNEE and the purchaser and clearly stated in the purchase order.
Dimensional inspections are carried out to ensure compliance with the specified tolerances.
What Is the Difference Between 6061-T5 and 6063-T5 Aluminum?
Both 6061-T5 and 6063-T5 belong to the 6xxx aluminum series, meaning they share similar alloying elements. However, they differ significantly in strength, hardness, surface quality, and formability.
6061-T5 vs 6063-T5 Comparison
| Property | 6061-T5 | 6063-T5 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Higher (~35,000 psi) | Lower (~30,000 psi) |
| Hardness | Higher (Brinell ~95) | Lower (Brinell ~60) |
| Machinability | Better | Moderate |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very good | Excellent |
| Surface Finish | Moderate | Excellent (ideal for anodizing) |
| Extrudability | More difficult | Easier |
Typical Uses
6061-T5: Structural components, automotive parts, aerospace and heavy-duty applications
6063-T5: Architectural profiles, doors and windows, railings, heat sinks, and piping
Is 6063 Aluminum Stronger Than 6061?
No, 6063 aluminum is not stronger than 6061 aluminum.
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
More effective heat-treatment response (especially in T6 temper)
Better mechanical performance for load-bearing applications
When Should 6063 Be Chosen Instead?
When surface finish and anodizing quality are critical
When corrosion resistance matters more than strength
For architectural and decorative applications
Advantages of 6063-T5 Aluminum
1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Performs well in outdoor environments
Resistant to oxidation and weathering
2. Superior Surface Finish
One of the best aluminum alloys for anodizing
Ideal for visible architectural components
3. Moderate Strength
Adequate for light structural uses
More flexible than higher-strength alloys like 6061
4. Outstanding Workability and Extrudability
Easy to form, weld, and machine
Cost-effective for complex custom profiles
5. Lightweight
High strength-to-weight ratio
Suitable for applications requiring reduced weight
What Is 6063 Aluminum Good For?
6063 aluminum is widely used in applications that require corrosion resistance, smooth appearance, and moderate strength.
Common Applications
Architectural Uses
Window and door frames
Curtain walls and storefronts
Handrails and railings
Structural Uses
Pipes and tubes
Roof frames and support structures
Furniture frames
Transportation
Bicycle frames
Trailer components
Vehicle trim parts
Electrical and Thermal Applications
Heat sinks
Conduit systems
Lighting fixtures
