T5 vs T6: which aluminium temper should you order?
How each temper is made, how much strength it gives in each alloy and when to use one or the other.
In a nutshell
- T6 gives more strength: in 6063, 215 MPa tensile strength against 175 MPa in T5.
- T5: cooled from the extrusion temperature (press quenched) and artificially aged in an oven. The standard for aluminium windows and doors: good strength, an excellent finish for anodising or painting, and lower cost.
- T6: solution heat treated and artificially aged to maximum strength. For structural uses, demanding parts and machining. It is the strongest temper of the 6000 alloys.
| Property | T5 | T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Cooled from the extrusion temperature (press quenched) and artificially aged in an oven. | Solution heat treated and artificially aged to maximum strength. |
| When to use it | The standard for aluminium windows and doors: good strength, an excellent finish for anodising or painting, and lower cost. | For structural uses, demanding parts and machining. It is the strongest temper of the 6000 alloys. |
| 6060: tensile strength (Rm) | 160 MPa | 190 MPa |
| 6060: yield strength (Rp0.2) | 120 MPa | 150 MPa |
| 6060: elongation (A) | 8% | 8% |
| 6063: tensile strength (Rm) | 175 MPa | 215 MPa |
| 6063: yield strength (Rp0.2) | 130 MPa | 170 MPa |
| 6063: elongation (A) | 8% | 8% |
Minimums from the EN 755-2 standard for thin-walled profiles; they vary with the thickness and shape of the profile.
- Order T5The standard for aluminium windows and doors: good strength, an excellent finish for anodising or painting, and lower cost.
- Order T6For structural uses, demanding parts and machining. It is the strongest temper of the 6000 alloys.
Still not sure which to use?
Tell us what you are going to make and we will recommend the right alloy, temper and finish.
The message is put together with what you are looking at, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between T5 and T6?
T5: cooled from the extrusion temperature (press quenched) and artificially aged in an oven. T6: solution heat treated and artificially aged to maximum strength. T6 gives more strength: in 6063, 215 against 175 MPa.
When should I use T5?
The standard for aluminium windows and doors: good strength, an excellent finish for anodising or painting, and lower cost.
When should I use T6?
For structural uses, demanding parts and machining. It is the strongest temper of the 6000 alloys.