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6063 Extruded Aluminum Bar
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6063 Extruded Aluminum Bar

6063 extruded aluminum bar is a versatile and widely used material in the aluminum alloy industry, renowned for its combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent workability. This alloy belongs to the 6000 series, which primarily contains magnesium and silicon as its alloying elements, providing it with a balance of mechanical properties and welding characteristics.

1. Material Composition & Manufacturing Process

 

6063 aluminum alloy (AlMgSi0.5) is a medium-strength alloy with excellent extrudability, surface finish, and corrosion resistance. This popular architectural alloy combines good mechanical properties with superior formability and anodizing response:

Primary Alloying Elements:

Magnesium (Mg): 0.45-0.90% (precipitation hardening)

Silicon (Si): 0.20-0.60% (forms Mg₂Si strengthening precipitates)

Base Material:

Aluminum (Al): ≥98.0% (balance)

Controlled Impurities:

Iron (Fe): ≤0.35% max

Copper (Cu): ≤0.10% max

Manganese (Mn): ≤0.10% max

Chromium (Cr): ≤0.10% max

Zinc (Zn): ≤0.10% max

Titanium (Ti): ≤0.10% max

Other elements: ≤0.05% each, ≤0.15% total

Premium Extrusion Manufacturing Process:

Billet Preparation:

High-purity primary aluminum (99.7% minimum)

Precise alloying element additions

Degassing treatment (hydrogen < 0.2 ml/100g)

Direct-chill (DC) semi-continuous casting

Homogenization at 560-580°C for 4-8 hours

Billet Preheating:

Computer-controlled heating to 450-480°C

Temperature uniformity: ±5°C

Oxide layer removal (scalping)

Extrusion:

Breakthrough pressure: 35-45 MPa

Running pressure: 20-35 MPa

Ram speed: 5-15 mm/sec (profile-dependent)

Exit temperature control: 510-540°C

Die temperature: 480-500°C

Cooling:

Air cooling or water quenching (temper-dependent)

Controlled cooling rate for optimal properties

Maximum distortion control

Stretching:

0.5-2.0% permanent deformation

Straightening and stress relief

Artificial Aging (T5/T6):

T5: 175-185°C for 2-4 hours

T6: Solution heat treatment (520-530°C) + Artificial aging (175-185°C for 6-8 hours)

Finishing Operations:

Cut-to-length precision: ±1mm

Surface finish enhancement

Final straightness check and correction

All manufacturing maintains digital process monitoring for complete traceability.

 

 

2. Mechanical Properties of 6063 Extruded Bar

 

Property

T5 (min)

T5 (typical)

T6 (min)

T6 (typical)

Test Method

Ultimate Tensile Strength

150 MPa

160-185 MPa

205 MPa

215-230 MPa

ASTM E8

Yield Strength (0.2%)

110 MPa

120-145 MPa

170 MPa

180-200 MPa

ASTM E8

Elongation (2 inch)

8%

10-14%

8%

10-12%

ASTM E8

Hardness (Brinell)

60 HB

65-75 HB

75 HB

80-90 HB

ASTM E10

Fatigue Strength (5×10⁸)

70 MPa

75-85 MPa

95 MPa

100-110 MPa

ASTM E466

Shear Strength

90 MPa

95-110 MPa

120 MPa

125-140 MPa

ASTM B769

Modulus of Elasticity

69.5 GPa

69.5 GPa

69.5 GPa

69.5 GPa

ASTM E111

 

Property Distribution:

Longitudinal to transverse property ratio: 1.00:0.95

Wall thickness effect: <5% variation for up to 10mm thickness

Corner to flat section property variation: <10%

Surface to core hardness variation: <5 HB

 

 

3. Surface Finish & Appearance

 

Surface Quality Classifications:

Architectural Grade (AA10):

Ra ≤ 0.4μm surface roughness

No visible defects at 1m viewing distance

Suitable for decorative anodizing

Consistent color after anodizing

Commercial Grade (AA20):

Ra ≤ 0.8μm surface roughness

Minor defects acceptable at >2m viewing distance

Good anodizing response

Industrial Grade (AA30):

Ra ≤ 1.6μm surface roughness

Functional applications where appearance is secondary

Surface Treatment Compatibility:

Anodizing Response: Excellent

Type II (sulfuric acid): 5-25μm thickness

Type III (hard coat): 25-75μm thickness

Color consistency rating: Excellent

Architectural Class I: 18μm minimum coating

Architectural Class II: 10μm minimum coating

Mechanical Finishing:

Brushing/Polishing: Excellent response

Bead blasting: Uniform matte finish

Bright dipping: High reflectivity achievable

Painting/Coating:

Powder coating adhesion: Excellent

Wet paint compatibility: Good with proper pretreatment

Chromate conversion coating: Class 1A achievable

 

 

4. Dimensional Specifications & Tolerances

 

Parameter

Standard Range

Precision Tolerance

Commercial Tolerance

Test Method

Diameter (Round)

5-300 mm

±0.15mm up to 30mm

±0.25mm up to 30mm

Micrometer

   

±0.3% above 30mm

±0.5% above 30mm

 

Width (Rectangle)

10-200 mm

±0.15mm up to 50mm

±0.25mm up to 50mm

Caliper

   

±0.3% above 50mm

±0.5% above 50mm

 

Length

1000-6500 mm

±2mm

±5mm

Tape measure

Straightness

N/A

0.3mm/m

0.5mm/m

Straightedge

Twist (Rectangular)

N/A

1° max per meter

3° max per meter

Protractor

Corner Radius

N/A

±0.2mm

±0.5mm

Radius gauge

 

Standard Available Forms:

Round Bar: Diameters 5-300mm

Hexagonal Bar: Across flats 8-75mm

Square Bar: Side dimensions 5-150mm

Rectangular Bar: Width up to 200mm, thickness from 3mm

Custom profiles available with appropriate tooling

 

 

5. Temper Designations & Heat Treatment Options

 

Temper Code

Process Description

Optimal Applications

Key Characteristics

T1

Cooled from extrusion and naturally aged

Non-critical applications

Moderate strength, excellent formability

T4

Solution heat treated and naturally aged

Forming applications

Good formability, moderate strength

T5

Cooled from extrusion and artificially aged

General purpose

Good strength, excellent extrudability

T6

Solution heat treated and artificially aged

Structural applications

Maximum strength and hardness

T52

Cooled from extrusion, stress relieved, artificially aged

Length-critical applications

Improved straightness, good strength

T83

Solution heat treated, cold worked, artificially aged

High-stress applications

Enhanced strength with good toughness

 

Temper Selection Guidance:

T5: Most economical for standard applications

T6: When maximum strength is required

T4: When post-extrusion forming is needed

T52: For applications requiring strict dimensional stability

 

 

6. Machining & Fabrication Characteristics

 

Operation

Tool Material

Recommended Parameters

Comments

Turning

HSS, Carbide

Vc=200-500 m/min, f=0.1-0.4 mm/rev

Excellent surface finish

Drilling

HSS, Carbide

Vc=80-150 m/min, f=0.15-0.3 mm/rev

Low cutting forces

Milling

HSS, Carbide

Vc=200-600 m/min, fz=0.1-0.25 mm

Excellent chip evacuation

Tapping

HSS, TiN coated

Vc=10-30 m/min

Excellent thread quality

Sawing

Carbide tipped

Vc=800-1500 m/min, medium pitch

Clean cuts with minimal burr

Threading

HSS, Carbide

Vc=150-300 m/min, fine feed

Excellent thread finish

 

Fabrication Guidance:

Machinability Rating: 90% (1100 aluminum = 100%)

Surface Finish: Excellent (Ra 0.5-1.6μm easily achievable)

Chip Formation: Short chips with proper tooling

Coolant: Water-soluble emulsion or minimal lubrication

Tool Wear: Minimal with proper parameters

Formability: Excellent in T1/T4 conditions

Bendability: Minimum radius = 1× thickness (T1/T4), 2× thickness (T6)

Weldability: Good with TIG/MIG methods

Thread Rolling: Excellent results in T4 condition

 

 

7. Corrosion Resistance & Protection Systems

 

Environment Type

Resistance Rating

Protection Method

Expected Performance

Rural/Urban Atmosphere

Excellent

Mill finish or anodizing

15-20+ years

Industrial Atmosphere

Very Good

Anodizing Class I

10-15 years

Marine Environment

Good

Anodizing + sealing

5-10 years with maintenance

High Humidity

Excellent

Standard anodizing

10-15 years

Chemical Exposure

Moderate

Hard anodizing + sealing

Application specific

UV Exposure

Excellent

Clear anodizing

No degradation

 

Surface Protection Options:

Anodizing:

Clear (natural): Excellent clarity and transparency

Color anodizing: Consistent color development

Hard anodizing: Superior wear resistance

Sealing options: Hot water, nickel acetate, PTFE

Conversion Coatings:

Chromate per MIL-DTL-5541

Non-chromium alternatives

Mechanical Finishing:

Brushed finish: Uniform directional pattern

Polished finish: Mirror-like appearance achievable

Sandblasted: Consistent matte texture

Organic Coatings:

Powder coating: Excellent adhesion and durability

Liquid paint: Good with proper pretreatment

Clear protective coatings: UV and abrasion protection

 

 

8. Physical Properties for Engineering Design

 

Property

Value

Design Consideration

Density

2.70 g/cm³

Weight calculation for components

Melting Range

615-655°C

Thermal processing limitations

Thermal Conductivity

200-220 W/m·K

Heat sink applications

Electrical Conductivity

50-55% IACS

Electrical applications

Specific Heat

900 J/kg·K

Thermal mass calculations

Thermal Expansion (CTE)

23.4 ×10⁻⁶/K

Thermal expansion allowances

Young's Modulus

69.5 GPa

Structural calculations

Poisson's Ratio

0.33

Structural analysis parameter

Reflectivity

80-85% (polished)

Optical/lighting applications

Design Considerations:

Operating Temperature Range: -80°C to +175°C

Property Retention: Excellent below 100°C

Electrical Conductivity: Higher than many aluminum alloys

Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic

Recyclability: 100% recyclable, high scrap value

Environmental Impact: Low carbon footprint compared to steel

 

 

9. Quality Assurance & Testing

 

Standard Testing Procedures:

Chemical Composition:

Optical emission spectroscopy

Verification of all major elements and impurities

Mechanical Testing:

Tensile testing (longitudinal)

Hardness testing (Webster/Brinell)

Dimensional Inspection:

Diameter/dimensions at multiple locations

Straightness verification

Surface finish measurement

Visual Inspection:

Surface defects assessment

Die line evaluation

Surface appearance uniformity

Specialized Testing (When Required):

Anodizing response test

Grain structure evaluation

Conductivity testing

Standard Certifications:

Mill Test Report per EN 10204 2.1/3.1

Chemical analysis certification

Mechanical properties certification

Dimensional inspection report

Heat treatment certification (for T6 temper)

 

 

10. Applications & Design Considerations

 

Primary Applications:

Architectural components:

Window and door frames

Curtain wall systems

Railings and balustrades

Decorative trim and moldings

Transportation:

Automotive trim and components

RV and trailer components

Bicycle frames and components

Electrical:

Heat sinks and thermal management

Electrical enclosures and housings

LED lighting fixtures and profiles

Consumer goods:

Furniture components

Appliance trim and parts

Shower enclosures and bathroom accessories

Industrial components:

Pneumatic cylinder tubes

Machine guards and frames

Conveyors and material handling

Design Advantages:

Excellent surface finish for aesthetic applications

Superior extrudability for complex profiles

Good strength-to-weight ratio

Excellent corrosion resistance

Outstanding anodizing response

Ease of fabrication and joining

Cost-effective compared to higher-strength alloys

Consistent properties and quality

Readily available in diverse shapes and sizes

Sustainable material with high recycled content potential

Design Limitations:

Lower strength compared to 6061/6082 alloys

Not recommended for highly stressed structural applications

Limited weldability compared to 6061

Reduced mechanical properties in weld heat-affected zones

Temperature limitations above 175°C

Economic Considerations:

Excellent balance of cost and performance

Lower processing costs than higher-strength alloys

Reduced machining costs due to excellent machinability

Long service life with minimal maintenance

High scrap value at end of life cycle

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