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6063 is one of the more popular alloys for aluminium extrusion. Alloyed with magnesium and silicon, it provides better surface finish than the structural alloys, more strength than 6060, and consistently good extrudability across a wide range of profile geometries. For most architectural work and a large proportion of visible industrial profiles, this alloy is the starting point.
6063 makes sense when the profile needs to look good and perform reliably, without either maximum strength or maximum surface quality being the overriding requirement. It anodizes well and produces consistent results across production runs, which is why it shows up so often in window systems, door frames and facade profiles. Formability is good, which helps when profiles need to be bent or shaped after extrusion.
The comparison with 6060 usually comes up when discussing this alloy. The difference is that 6063 offers higher strength at a modest cost to surface finish quality. It is usually not enough to matter in most applications, but worth knowing if you are specifying for very demanding decorative or anodizing criteria. If surface finish is the only thing that matters, 6060 is the more precise choice. If you need more strength than either of them, 6082 is where to look.
Where other alloys than 6063 are recommended is in structural applications that carry significant load. Additionally, for applications involving heavy fabrication such as welding and machining, 6061 handles those better.
Typical applications
Architectural profiles
Its corrosion resistance, reliable anodizing results and consistent surface quality across long production runs make 6063 the standard choice for visible building elements.
Examples: Window frames, door frames, curtain wall systems and facade profiles
Electrical enclosures and conductor profiles
6063's surface consistency and corrosion resistance make it a practical choice for profiles used in electrical infrastructure.
Examples: Enclosures, bus conductor housings and electrical trunking profiles
Cylinder and precision tubing
Extrudability and dimensional consistency make 6063 well suited to tubular profiles.
Examples: Cylinder tubing, hydraulic housings and precision structural tubes
Transport interiors
6063 is great when profiles need to be light, formed to specific geometries and finished to a consistent standard.
Examples: Interior trim profiles for trains and buses, luggage rack extrusions, ceiling profiles and grab rail surrounds
Frequently asked questions about 6063
Most commonly used in architectural profiles, such as window frames, door frames, curtain wall and facade systems. It is also used in other extruded profiles where consistent surface finish and reliable anodizing results are required.
6063 offers somewhat higher strength than 6060, but the latter mentioned alloy provides slightly better surface finish quality. For most applications the difference is negligible, but if surface finish and anodizing quality are the primary requirement, 6060 is the more precise choice.
It can handle moderate loads, but for profiles that carry significant structural stress, 6082 is likely more appropriate. 6063 is primarily an architectural and appearance-led alloy.
T5 and T6 are the most common for extruded profiles. T66 is also available and gives a step up in strength. The right choice depends on your application and fabrication process. Contact our technical team to confirm the best option for your project.
