6061 vs 6063: which aluminium alloy is better?
Strength, extrudability, anodising and uses of alloys 6061 and 6063, side by side and with the values from the standard.
In a nutshell
- 6061 is stronger: 260 MPa tensile strength against 215 MPa, and 240 against 170 MPa yield strength.
- 6063 extrudes better (5 against 3 out of 5): it allows thinner walls, more complex shapes and a better surface finish.
- 6063 anodises better (5 against 3 out of 5).
- 6061 machines better (4 against 2 out of 5).
- 6063 resists corrosion better (5 against 4 out of 5).
- Both weld equally well (4 out of 5); as with any heat-treated alloy, the weld zone loses some of its strength.
| Property | 6061 | 6063 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 260 MPa | 215 MPa |
| Yield strength (Rp0.2) | 240 MPa | 170 MPa |
| Elongation (A) | 8% | 8% |
| Approximate hardness | 95 HB | 73 HB |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Composition | Si 0.40–0.80 · Mg 0.80–1.20 · Cu 0.15–0.40 · Cr 0.04–0.35 | Si 0.20–0.60 · Mg 0.45–0.90 · Fe ≤ 0.35 |
| Extrudability (1 to 5) | 3 | 5 |
| Decorative anodising (1 to 5) | 3 | 5 |
| Weldability (1 to 5) | 4 | 4 |
| Corrosion resistance (1 to 5) | 4 | 5 |
| Machinability (1 to 5) | 4 | 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 6061Structural and machined parts, marine, bicycles, brackets, flanges and machine components.
- 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, 6061 or 6063?
6061: in T6 temper it has a minimum tensile strength of 260 MPa, against 215 MPa for 6063 (EN 755-2 standard, thin-walled profiles).
What are 6061 and 6063 used for?
6061: structural and machined parts, marine, bicycles, brackets, flanges and machine components. 6063: the alloy for aluminium windows and doors: windows, doors, façades, railings, furniture and architectural profiles.
Which one is better for anodising?
6063, which responds better to decorative anodising (5 out of 5 against 3).