6060 vs 6063: which aluminium alloy is better?
Strength, extrudability, anodising and uses of alloys 6060 and 6063, side by side and with the values from the standard.
In a nutshell
- 6063 is stronger: 215 MPa tensile strength against 190 MPa, and 170 against 150 MPa yield strength.
- Both weld equally well (4 out of 5); as with any heat-treated alloy, the weld zone loses some of its strength.
| Property | 6060 | 6063 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 190 MPa | 215 MPa |
| Yield strength (Rp0.2) | 150 MPa | 170 MPa |
| Elongation (A) | 8% | 8% |
| Approximate hardness | 65 HB | 73 HB |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Composition | Si 0.30–0.60 · Mg 0.35–0.60 · Fe 0.10–0.30 | Si 0.20–0.60 · Mg 0.45–0.90 · Fe ≤ 0.35 |
| Extrudability (1 to 5) | 5 | 5 |
| Decorative anodising (1 to 5) | 5 | 5 |
| Weldability (1 to 5) | 4 | 4 |
| Corrosion resistance (1 to 5) | 5 | 5 |
| Machinability (1 to 5) | 2 | 2 |
Values in T6 temper: minimums from the EN 755-2 standard for thin-walled profiles (they vary with thickness and shape). Approximate hardness. The 1 to 5 ratings compare these alloys with each other.
- Choose 6060Windows and doors, decorative profiles, frames, enclosures and complex profiles with thin walls.
- Choose 6063The alloy for aluminium windows and doors: windows, doors, façades, railings, furniture and architectural profiles.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is stronger, 6060 or 6063?
6063: in T6 temper it has a minimum tensile strength of 215 MPa, against 190 MPa for 6060 (EN 755-2 standard, thin-walled profiles).
What are 6060 and 6063 used for?
6060: windows and doors, decorative profiles, frames, enclosures and complex profiles with thin walls. 6063: the alloy for aluminium windows and doors: windows, doors, façades, railings, furniture and architectural profiles.
Which one is better for anodising?
Both anodise equally well (5 out of 5).