6063 Aluminum Tube
6063 aluminum tube is a tubular material made from 6063 aluminum alloy, which belongs to the Al-Mg-Si alloy series.
6063 aluminum tube is a widely used extruded alloy, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, smooth surface finish, and good mechanical properties. It is especially favored in architectural and structural applications where aesthetics and moderate strength are emphasized.
6063 Aluminum Alloy Characteristics
- Strength: The strength of 6063 aluminum alloy is relatively low, typically about 50% lower than that of 6061 aluminum alloy, making it suitable for applications with lower load requirements.
- Corrosion Resistance: Exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications.
- Anodizing Capability: Very suitable for anodizing, which enhances surface protection and improves appearance.
- Surface Finish: The surface is relatively smooth, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring good appearance, such as anodizing and coating.
- Alloy Composition: The main component is aluminum, with added magnesium (0.45-0.90%) and silicon (0.20-0.60%) as alloying elements.
- Density: Approximately 2.69 g/cm³.
- Thermal Conductivity: Ranges from 201-218 W/(m·K), suitable for applications requiring good heat dissipation.
- Formability: Suitable for complex extrusions with a smooth surface.
6063 Aluminum Pipe and Tube Specifications
- Standards: ASTM B221, ASME SB221, SB210, SB241, AMS-QQ-A-200/9, etc.
- Thickness: 0.2-500mm, etc.
- Width: 20-2650mm, etc.
- Length: Customized
- Shape: Round, Square, Rectangular, etc.
- Material Temper: F, O, T4, T5, T6, T52, etc.
- Delivery Time: 7-20 days.
6063 Aluminum Tube Surface Treatment Options
- Anodizing: Enhances corrosion resistance and allows for coloring.
- Powder Coating: Durable and aesthetically pleasing surface treatment.
- Polishing: Mirror finish for decorative purposes.
- PVDF Coating: UV-resistant, used in architectural applications.
Comparison of 6063 Aluminum Tube with Other Alloys
- 6061 vs. 6063: 6061 has higher strength but poorer extrudability; 6063 offers better surface finish and is easier to extrude into complex shapes.
- 6005A: Similar to 6063, but with higher strength.
6063 Aluminum Tube Standards
- ASTM B221: Standard specification for extruded bars, rods, and tubes.
- Tempers: T5 (air cooled + artificial aging), T6 (solution heat-treated + artificial aging).
6063 Aluminum Tube Popular Product Forms
6063 T52 Aluminum Square Tube
6063 T52 aluminum square tube offers excellent corrosion resistance and moderate strength, typically used in construction, window frames, door frames, mechanical structures, and various decorative applications. The T52 temper indicates that the material has undergone heat treatment, providing improved mechanical properties and surface finish, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring high surface aesthetics and corrosion resistance.
6063-T5 Aluminum Pipe and Tubes
6063-T5 aluminum pipes and tubes offer good formability, corrosion resistance, and relatively high strength, making them suitable for outdoor applications, the construction industry, and structural and decorative components. The T5 temper indicates that the material has been extruded and then artificially aged, ensuring that its strength and hardness meet various medium-load requirements, commonly used in load-bearing components in the construction and machinery industries.
6063 Aluminum Round Tubes and Pipes
6063 aluminum alloy round tubes are widely used in construction, decoration, and light industry due to their excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, and good machinability. The round tube shape makes it suitable for pipes, brackets, frames, and other applications requiring good appearance and strength. This aluminum alloy, after heat treatment, has a certain level of strength, making it ideal for use in milder environments.
6063 Extruded Aluminum Tubing
6063 extruded aluminum tubing is widely used in precision machinery, transportation vehicles, and electronic devices due to its lightweight, high strength, and ease of machining. With its excellent corrosion resistance and good surface treatment capabilities, it is commonly used to manufacture door and window frames, aluminum railings, and other products with high aesthetic requirements. The extrusion process ensures a uniform cross-section and precise dimensions.
Aluminum Round Tube 6063
6063 aluminum round tube is widely used in the construction industry, furniture manufacturing, transportation, and other fields. Its excellent oxidation resistance and good surface treatment capabilities make it an ideal material choice. This round tube demonstrates good strength and toughness in structural applications while being easy to process and weld, making it suitable for various medium-light load support and framing structures.
6063 Aluminium Pipe and Tube Equivalent Grades
| Aluminum Grade | UNS | EN | DIN | WNR | AA6061 | ISO | BS |
| 6063 | A96063 | AW-AlMg1SiCu EN AW-6061 | AlMgSiCu | 3.3206 | AA6061 | HE20 |
Chemical Composition of 6063 Aluminum Tube
| Element | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti | Other (each) | Other (total) | Al |
| Composition (%) | 0.20 – 0.60 | 0.35 max | 0.10 max | 0.10 max | 0.45 – 0.90 | 0.10 max | 0.10 max | 0.10 max | 0.05 max | 0.15 max | Balance |
6063 Aluminum Tube Physical Properties
- Density: 2.70 g/cm³
- Melting Point: Approximately 660°C
- Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 23.1 × 10^-6/K
- Electrical Conductivity: 52-55% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard)
Mechanical Properties and Tempers of 6063 Aluminium Pipe
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
| O (Annealed) | 85 – 110 | 35 – 45 | 18 – 25 |
| T1 | 120 – 160 | 70 – 110 | 12 – 15 |
| T4 | 130 – 180 | 60 – 90 | 14 – 18 |
| T5 | 170 – 215 | 110 – 160 | 8 – 12 |
| T6 | 205 – 245 | 145 – 180 | 8 – 10 |
| T52 | 160 – 205 | 110 – 150 | 10 – 14 |
6063 Aluminum Tube Main Characteristics
| Characteristic | Description |
| Excellent Surface Treatment Properties | 6063 aluminum tube has a very smooth surface, making it an ideal choice for anodizing applications. It allows for a brighter and more uniform coating, enhancing both its appearance and corrosion resistance. |
| Good Formability and Machinability | 6063 aluminum tube performs well in extrusion, cutting, and cold processing, especially suitable for making complex shapes and fine appearances. Its good machinability allows it to meet various design and engineering requirements. |
| Low Strength | 6063 aluminum tube has relatively low strength compared to other aluminum alloys (such as 6061 and 7075). Its load-bearing capacity is weaker, making it more suitable for applications with lower strength requirements, such as decorative frames and lightweight components. |
6063 Aluminum Tube Applications
| Application Field | Specific Uses |
| Architectural Components | Window frames, door frames, roof structures, architectural decorative trims, etc. |
| Structural Applications | Used in railings, support frames, structural supports, etc., where moderate strength and good surface appearance are required. |
| Transportation Industry | Trailers, automotive structural parts, leveraging its light weight and corrosion resistance to enhance fuel efficiency and structural durability. |
| Electrical Conduits | Used for manufacturing electrical enclosures, conduits, etc., due to its non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, and easy-to-process properties. |
| Furniture and Fixtures | Used for furniture frames, shelving units, display racks, and fixtures, balancing structural strength with aesthetic appeal. |
| Transportation | Applied in automotive chassis, frames, rail transit structures, and marine components; its significant lightweight properties help reduce energy consumption and enhance performance. |
| Industrial Equipment | Widely used in conveyor pipes, mechanical brackets, radiators, and electronic communication facilities (such as antennas, waveguides), for manufacturing high-performance equipment components. |
Construction Industry
Window and Door Frames: 6063 aluminum tube is commonly used to make window and door frames. Its excellent strength and lightweight properties make the windows and doors both sturdy and easy to install. Aluminum alloy doors and windows offer good sealing and thermal insulation, effectively improving building energy efficiency.
Window Sills and Railings: Aluminum tube is an ideal material for making window sills and railings due to its corrosion resistance and aesthetics. 6063 aluminum tube can undergo anodizing, enhancing its surface hardness and wear resistance, while providing various color options to match different architectural styles.
Roof Components and Exterior Wall Decoration: 6063 aluminum tube can also be used for supporting roof components and decorative profiles for exterior walls, improving both the visual effect and durability of the building.
Decorative Piping and Structural Support Tubes: Inside buildings, 6063 aluminum tube can be used for decorative piping and structural support, providing stable load-bearing capacity while maintaining good appearance.
Marine and Shipbuilding
Ship Frames: 6063 aluminum tube is widely used in the frame structures of ships, able to withstand seawater corrosion, thus extending the service life of ships.
Offshore Platform Piping Systems: In offshore platform piping systems, the corrosion resistance and strength of 6063 aluminum tube make it an ideal choice for transporting liquids and gases.
Transportation Industry
Vehicle Frames and Public Transport Frames: 6063 aluminum tube is commonly used in the frame structures of vehicles and public transport (such as buses and subways) due to its lightweight and high strength properties, helping reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Truck Frames: In truck frame structures, 6063 aluminum tube also offers excellent load-bearing capacity to meet transportation requirements.
Industrial and Other Uses
Irrigation Piping: In agricultural irrigation systems, 6063 aluminum tube is used to make durable irrigation pipes, ensuring the effective transport of water.
Machinery Equipment Frames: 6063 aluminum tube is also suitable for building frames for various machinery, providing stable support and good heat dissipation.
Household Appliance Frames: In household appliances, 6063 aluminum tube can be used as a frame material, as it is lightweight and easy to process, enhancing the product's appearance and durability.
Advertising Signage Frames: Due to its good formability and surface treatment capabilities, 6063 aluminum tube is often used to make frames for advertising signs, meeting the needs of different advertising formats.
Anodized Coatings
6063 aluminum tube is suitable for anodizing treatments, which not only enhance its surface hardness and wear resistance but also provide a wide range of decorative color options.
Decorative Components: Anodized 6063 aluminum tube can be used to manufacture decorative components, improving both aesthetics and durability.
Electronic Equipment Frames: In electronic equipment frames, the anodized coating on 6063 aluminum tube can effectively prevent oxidation, ensuring the long-term use of the equipment.
6063 Aluminum Processing Properties
- Anodizing: 6063 alloy is very suitable for anodizing, forming a smooth and uniform oxide film that enhances surface corrosion resistance and offers various decorative colors.
- Machining: In terms of machining, 6063 alloy has average performance compared to other high-strength aluminum alloys, with moderate machinability and weldability.
- Weldability: It has good weldability, suitable for welding aluminum alloy pipelines and structural components.
- Excellent extrudability, capable of producing complex cross-sectional profiles.
- Excellent weldability and anodizing performance, with uniform surface color after treatment.
6063 Aluminum Tube Manufacturing Methods
Extrusion: Primary method; can be formed into complex cross-sections (round, square, rectangular).
Heat Treatment:
- T5: Cooled after extrusion and artificially aged.
- T6: Solution heat-treated + artificial aging to increase strength.
- Machining: Good machinability; sharp tools are needed to avoid sticking.
For applications requiring a good appearance, corrosion resistance, and moderate strength, 6063 aluminum tube is the material of choice. It can adapt to various manufacturing processes and surface treatments, making it a primary material for architectural and structural projects.
6063 Aluminum Tube Advantages
- Excellent corrosion resistance.
- High formability and surface finish.
- Recyclable (sustainable).
- Lightweight (density approx. 2.7 g/cm³).
6063 Aluminum Tube Limitations
- Lower strength compared to 6061/7075; not suitable for high-stress applications.
- Higher thermal expansion coefficient (approx. 23.6 µm/m·K), which must be considered in design.
6063 aluminum tube is widely used and ideal for applications emphasizing aesthetics, corrosion resistance, and moderate strength. Its extrudability and surface treatment options make it a preferred choice for architectural and thermal management applications, while its recyclability supports sustainable design.
6063 aluminum tube, due to its high corrosion resistance, good surface treatment properties, and moderate strength, is a common material in various industries such as construction, decoration, marine, and transportation. Although its strength is relatively low, it performs well in applications with lighter load requirements, and its surface finish and anodizing properties make it an ideal material for both decorative and structural purposes.
