6063 aluminum flat bar

6063 aluminum flat bar is a flat, elongated aluminum material made from 6063 aluminum alloy.

6063 aluminum flat bar is a widely used architectural-grade extrusion alloy, known for its excellent surface finish, corrosion resistance, and anodizing capabilities. It typically contains 0.20–0.60% silicon and 0.45–0.90% magnesium as the primary alloying elements, along with trace amounts of iron, copper, manganese, chromium, titanium, and zinc, with the remainder being aluminum.

6063 aluminum flat bar is available in O, T5, T52, and T6 tempers and complies with standards such as ASTM B221, AMS 4156, AMS QQ-A-200/9, and BS EN 573-3. It offers moderate strength, excellent extrudability, good weldability, and a smooth surface, making it ideal for architectural decorations, door and window frames, curtain walls, signage, marine components, and decorative applications.

Characteristics of 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar

Formability: Excellent extrudability makes it ideal for complex cross-sections.
Surface treatment: Smooth surface after extrusion; easy to anodize, paint, or polish for decorative finishes.
Welding: Compatible with TIG/MIG welding methods; post-weld heat treatment can enhance strength.
Strength: Lower mechanical strength than 6061, but more suitable for decorative and moderate-stress applications.

Welding Performance

The welding performance of 6063 aluminum flat bar is excellent. This material can form high-strength welds with minimal deformation, suitable for various welding processes such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. This makes 6063 aluminum flat bar widely used in welded structures.

Machining and Polishing

The machining and polishing properties of 6063 aluminum flat bar are good. The alloy’s mechanical properties make it suitable for cutting, milling, and turning. For polishing, the smooth surface of 6063 aluminum alloy allows easy polishing, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance.

Bending and Forming

6063 aluminum flat bar has good bending and forming capabilities. This alloy exhibits good plasticity during cold forming, easily achieving complex shapes and structures. As a result, 6063 aluminum flat bar is widely used in the construction and decorative industries, such as in window frames, door frames, and various decorative strips.

Wear Resistance

The wear resistance of 6063 aluminum flat bar is relatively low. Although this alloy performs well in general environments, its wear resistance is insufficient in friction and wear applications. Therefore, for applications requiring high wear resistance, other aluminum alloys or surface treatment techniques should be considered.

Corrosion Resistance

6063 aluminum flat bar has good corrosion resistance. Its surface can form a dense oxide layer that effectively resists atmospheric, moisture, and chemical corrosion. Thus, 6063 aluminum flat bar is widely used in marine environments, chemical equipment, and outdoor structures where corrosion resistance is necessary.

Surface Finish of 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar

6063 aluminum flat bar can usually undergo surface treatments such as anodizing, coating, and spraying to enhance its corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

Anodized 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar
Anodized 6063 aluminum flat bars undergo an electrochemical process that forms a protective oxide layer on the surface. This treatment enhances corrosion resistance, improves surface hardness, and allows for a variety of colors. Anodizing also provides a more visually appealing finish that is durable and resistant to wear, making it ideal for architectural applications and outdoor use.
Polished 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar
Polished 6063 aluminum flat bars feature a high-gloss finish achieved through mechanical polishing. This process smooths the surface, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and providing a reflective surface. Polished bars are often used in decorative applications, automotive parts, and where a visually striking appearance is desired. The polished surface also offers some level of corrosion resistance but may require additional protective coatings for prolonged outdoor exposure.
Powder Coated 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar
Powder coated 6063 aluminum flat bars are coated with a durable powder finish that is baked on to create a tough, protective layer. This finish is available in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing for customization to match design preferences. Powder coating provides excellent resistance to chipping, scratching, fading, and corrosion, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Brushed 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar
Brushed 6063 aluminum flat bars feature a textured finish created by brushing the surface with abrasive materials. This process gives the bar a unique, satin-like appearance while maintaining a degree of reflectivity. Brushed finishes are popular in architectural applications, furniture design, and decorative elements due to their modern and sophisticated look.
6063 Aluminum Flat Bar with Holes:6063 aluminum flat bars with holes are pre-drilled or machined to include holes along their length. This feature facilitates easy installation and assembly in various applications, such as framing, supports, and mounting fixtures. These bars retain the excellent properties of 6063 aluminum, including strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility, making them ideal for both structural and decorative uses.

Chemical composition of 6063 aluminum alloy

6063 Alloy %
Si	0.20-0.60
Fe	0.35
Cu	0.10
Mn	0.10
Mg	0.45-0.90
Ti	0.10
Al	Remainder

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Mechanical Properties

Temper	Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)
T5 / T52	Approx. 186 MPa	Approx. 145 MPa	12%
T6	Approx. 241 MPa	Approx. 214 MPa	Approx. 12%
T832	Approx. 290 MPa	Approx. 269 MPa	12%

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Hardness

Brinell: ~60 HB (T5/T52) to ~73 HB (T6) ▪ Typical; 60–85 HB depending on temper .

Rockwell A/B, Knoop, and Vickers values correspond with Brinell figures (e.g., Rockwell B ~60 in T832) .

Elastic Modulus

Young’s modulus ~68.9 GPa (10, 000 ksi) for tension/compression

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Physical Properties

Property	Value
Density	2.69 g/cm³
Melting Point	616–654 °C
Thermal Conductivity	200–218 W/m·K
CoE (Linear)	23.4 µm/m·K
Specific Heat	900 J/kg·K

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Tempers and Surface Finishes

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Common Tempers

O (Annealed): Maximum tensile strength is approximately 131 MPa, with elongation up to 33%.
T5/T52: Cooled after high-temperature forming and artificially aged; tensile strength 186 MPa, yield strength 145 MPa.
T6: Solution heat-treated and artificially aged; tensile strength 241 MPa, yield strength 214 MPa.
Others: T1, T4, T832, T53, T54, T55 (various strength/surface combinations).

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Surface and Anodizing

Surface treatments: mill finish, anodizing (clear/color), powder coating, or polishing.
Can directly present a smooth "architectural" surface after extrusion, making it very suitable for clear or color anodizing with uniform oxide layers.
Suitable for polished or custom-painted/coated applications for architectural exteriors and decorations.

HC 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Available Sizes

Thickness: 3–25 mm (1/8 inch) to 1 inch
Width: 25–150 mm (1 inch) to 6 inches
Length: Standard lengths of 3.66 meters (12 feet) or 6.1 meters (20 feet); custom cutting available.

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Standards and Specifications

ASTM B221: Standard for aluminum and aluminum-alloy extruded bars, rods, wires, profiles, and tubes.
AMS 4156, AMS QQ-A-200/9: Aerospace material specifications covering 6063 extrusions.
BS EN 573-3, BS EN 755-2: European standards for chemical composition and mechanical properties of wrought aluminum and its extruded products.
ISO AlMg0.5Si (UNS A96063): Globally recognized designation.

6063 Aluminum Flat Bar Manufacturing and Machining

Extrudability and Formability

Easily extruded into complex shapes, maintaining sharp edges and smooth surfaces.
Exhibits good bending and formability in O temper before aging.

Machining and Welding

Machinability: Comparable to low-carbon steel; clean cuts with minimal tool wear.
Weldability: High for both TIG and MIG methods; post-weld strength returns to ~6063-O level (about 30% loss), unless re-heat treated.

6063 aluminum flat bar is highly regarded for its combination of machinability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic versatility, making it a mainstream material in both industrial and decorative applications.

Applications of 6063 Aluminum Flat Bar

Construction Industry

Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and surface properties, 6063 aluminum flat bar is widely used in building frames, doors, windows, and curtain wall structures. Its attractive appearance and good surface treatment make it an ideal choice in modern architecture.

Transportation

6063 aluminum alloy is also commonly used in components for public transportation and other vehicles. Its lightweight and corrosion-resistant characteristics help reduce vehicle weight and improve energy efficiency.

Industrial Applications

In many industrial products, 6063 alloy is used as a structural component, such as in machinery parts and assembly frames, due to its good machinability and moderate strength.

Furniture Manufacturing

In furniture manufacturing, 6063 aluminum flat bar is used for making frames for tables, chairs, and display racks due to its attractive appearance and durability.