6000 SERIES ALUMINUM

6063 Aluminum

6063 is often called cosmetic architectural aluminum for two reasons: first, it has a surface finish that is far smoother than the other commercially available alloys; and second, its strength is significantly less, (roughly half the strength of 6061), making it better suited for applications where strength is not the foremost consideration.

6063 is rated as “Good” for forming and cold working operations, “Excellent” for anodizing, and “Fair” for machining

6063-T52 Aluminum
Minimum Properties	Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi	27,000
	Yield Strength, psi	21,000
	Brinell Hardness	60
Chemistry	Aluminum (Al)	97.5% max
	Chromium (Cr)	0.1% max
	Copper (Cu)	0.1% max
	Iron (Fe)	0.35% max
	Magnesium (Mg)	0.45 – 0.90%
	Manganese (Mn)	0.1% max
	Silicon (Si)	0.2 – 0.6%

6005A Aluminum

6005A is a versatile alloy that can be used for structural and architectural applications. This particular alloy is commonly used in automotive, industrial, electrical and equipment industries. It can also be used to produce standard and custom shapes extruded for solid or hollow designs.

As a medium strength alloy, 6005A-T61 temper has mechanical properties similar to 6061T6. 6005A has improved toughness characteristics compared to 6005 and 6105 and the chemical composition of 6005A provides improved extendability compared to 6061 alloy. 6005A should not be confused with 6005 due to a difference in the amount of manganese and chromium content. 6005A-T1, T5, T61 tempers are included in ASTM B221, ASTM B241, and ASTM B429 specifications.

6005A provides good corrosion resistance and finishing characteristics for anodizing and painting. Alloy 6005A is weldable and can be brazed using various commercial methods. Consult a material safety sheet for proper safety and handling precautions when using 6005A alloy.

6005A-T6 Aluminum
Physical and Machanical Properties			Ultimate Tensile Strength, Psi			38,000
			Yield Strength, Psi			35,000
			Brinell Hardness			95
			Rockwell Hardness
Chemistry			Si			.5-.9%
			Fe			.35%
			Cu			.30%
			Mn			.50%
			Mg			.40-.70%
			Cr			.30%
			Zn			.20%
			Ti			.10%

6061 Aluminum

6061 aluminum is the most commonly used aluminum alloy. It is specified in most any application due to its strength, heat treatability, easy machinability, and weldability. It is also capable of being anodized, adding a layer of protection for finished parts.

The main alloy ingredients of 6061 aluminum are magnesium and silicon.

6061-T6 Aluminum
Physical and Mechanical Properties			Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi			45,000
			Yield Strength, psi			40,000
			Brinell Hardness			95
			Rockwell Hardness			B60
Chemistry			Aluminum (Al)			95.8 – 98.6%
			Chromium (Cr)			0.04 – 0.35%
			Copper (Cu)			0.15 – 0.40%
			Iron (Fe)			0.70%
			Magnesium (Mg)			0.8 – 1.2%
			Manganese (Mn)			0.15% max
			Silicon (Si)			0.4 – 0.8%
Zinc (Zn)			Zinc (Zn)			0.25%