Aluminium 6063A Alloy – Composition, Properties and Uses
Aluminium 6063A is an alloy of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon. It is highly durable, heat-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and machinable. This makes it perfect for a variety of applications, including automotive parts, aircraft components, architectural structures, and more. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the uses of aluminum 6063A as well as its corrosion resistance, heat resistance, heat treatment requirements, machinability, and welding capability.
6063A Alloy Composition
| Element | 6063 % Present | 6063A % Present |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.2 to 0.6 | 0.3 to 0.6 |
| Fe | 0.0 to 0.35 | 0.15 to 0.35 |
| Cu | 0.0 to 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Mn | 0.0 to 0.1 | 0.15 |
| Mg | 0.45 to 0.9 | 0.6 to 0.9 |
| Zn | 0.0 to 0.1 | 0.0 to 0.15 |
| Ti | 0.0 to 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Cr | 0.1 max | 0.05 |
| Al | Balance | Balance |
6063A Alloy Mechanical Properties
| BS EN 755-2:2008 Rod and Bar Up to 150mm Dia. & A/F |
|
|---|---|
| Property | Value |
| Proof Stress | 90 Min MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 150 Min MPa |
| Elongation A50 mm | 10 Min % |
| Hardness Brinell | 50 HB |
| Elongation A | 12 Min % |
6063A Alloy Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2700 kg/m3 |
| Melting Point | 600°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 69.5 GPa |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.35 x 10-6 Ω.m |
| Thermal Conductivity | 200 W/m.K |
| Thermal Expansion | 23.5 x 10-6/K |
6063A Alloy Equivalent
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6063A Alloy Uses
Aluminum 6063A has a number of uses due to its high durability and machinability. Common applications include automotive parts such as wheels and frames; aircraft components such as wings and fuselages; architectural structures like windows and doors; industrial machinery; electronic components; medical devices; heat sinks; radiators; water tanks; furniture parts; kitchenware; decorative items; motorcycle frames and body panels.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium 6063A also has excellent corrosion resistance properties, making it ideal for use in outdoor environments with high exposure to weathering elements. Its natural oxide layer provides good protection against rust formation by preventing oxygen from reaching the underlying metal surface. Additionally, its low carbon content minimizes the risk of galvanic corrosion when exposed to metals such as zinc or copper.
Heat Resistance
Aluminium 6063A is also highly heat resistant, making it suitable for high-temperature applications such as engine blocks or exhaust systems in automobiles. It can withstand temperatures up to 400°C (752°F) without losing strength or becoming brittle over time. This makes it an ideal material for components that will be exposed to extreme temperatures during operation.
Heat Treatment
Unlike other types of aluminium alloys, which require heat treatment prior to being used in manufacturing processes, Aluminium 6060A does not require any special treatment before being used in production processes such as forging or extrusion. This reduces costs associated with the labour involved with pre-treating materials before they can be used in production lines. Additionally, this material does not need any post-treatment once it has been formed into the desired shape or size, making it ideal for cost-effective manufacturing processes.
Machining
Machining aluminium6063A is relatively straightforward thanks to its softness which allows for easy cutting using conventional tools such as saw blades or drills without requiring specialized equipment like diamond-tipped drill bits, which are necessary for harder metals like steel or titanium alloys. Additionally, its low melting point means that chips created during the machining process can be quickly removed by simply melting them away rather than having to manually clean them up after each job is complete saving time and labour costs associated with post-processing activities normally required when working with hard metals like stainless steel or titanium alloys.
Welding
Welding aluminium6063A is also relatively straightforward compared to other types of metal alloys due to its lower melting point, which allows welders to work quickly without having to worry about overheating their equipment or damaging the material itself during the welding process. Furthermore, this material also produces less smoke compared to other metals, so welders don’t have to worry about breathing in harmful fumes while working on projects involving aluminium6063A either making it an ideal choice for welders looking for a safe yet effective metal alloy option when completing their projects!
Conclusion:
Aluminium 6063A is an incredibly versatile metal alloy thanks to its excellent durability, corrosion resistance properties and machinability making it perfect for a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, aircraft components, architectural structures and more! Furthermore, thanks to its low melting point, it’s relatively easy to machine and weld, meaning that labour costs associated with pre-and post-processing activities are significantly reduced when working with this particular alloy compared to other types of metal alloys! All in all, aluminium 6062 is a great option for any one who needs an extremely durable yet cost-effective metal alloy choice for their projects!
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
