6061 aluminum sheet vs 6063 aluminum sheet

Both 6061 aluminum sheet metal and 6063 aluminum sheet belong to the 6 series Al-Mg-Si alloy, the main alloying elements are magnesium and silicon, and the heat treatment can strengthen the alloy. Among the heat-treatable reinforced aluminum alloys, the Al-Mg-Si alloy is the one that has no stress corrosion cracking phenomenon.

6063 aluminum alloy has good processing performance, excellent weldability, extrudability and plating, good corrosion resistance, toughness, easy to polish and color film, excellent anodic oxidation effect, and is a typical extrusion alloy. 6063 aluminum alloy profile is widely used in many advantages such as good plasticity, moderate heat treatment strength, good welding performance and gorgeous color of surface after anodic oxidation treatment. Construction profiles, irrigation pipes, for vehicles, pedestals, furniture, lifts, fences, etc.

The main alloying elements of 6061 aluminum plate are magnesium and silicon, and the formation of Mg2Si. If a certain amount of manganese and chromium can neutralize the bad effects of iron; sometimes a small amount of copper or zinc is added to improve the strength of the alloy, without making its corrosion resistance significantly reduced; there is a small amount of copper in the conductive material to offset the adverse effects of titanium and iron on the conductivity; zirconium or titanium can refine the grain and control the recrystallization organization; in order to improve machinability, lead and bismuth can be added. The main alloying elements in 6061 aluminum alloy are magnesium and silicon, which have medium strength, good corrosion resistance, weldability and good oxidation effect.

It contains a small amount of Cu, thus its strength is higher than 6063’s, but quenching sensitivity is also higher than 6063’s. It cannot achieve wind quenching after extrusion, and needs re-solidification treatment and quenching and aging to obtain higher strength.

6061 requires a certain strength, weldability and high corrosion resistance of various industrial structural properties, such as the manufacture of trucks, tower buildings, ships, trams, furniture, mechanical parts, precision machining with tubes, bars, shapes, plates, etc.

6063 aluminum sheet plate and 6061 aluminum plate production costs are about the same, but 6061 is more widely used, the production process is more mature, the price is also lower than the same specifications of 6063 aluminum plate.