The versatility of aluminum makes it a very useful raw material in a wide range of industrial applications. Aluminum is especially suitable for extrusion. 6061 aluminum alloy and 6063 aluminum alloy share some similarities. This is why manufacturers often find it difficult to choose the right material for the application.
The process of extrusion transforms metal, plastic, rubber or any other material into a shape. The formability, malleability and other physical characteristics of aluminum make it easy to machine and cast the metal.
First of all, the die is designed and created to shape aluminum or any other raw material. In the case of aluminum, a cylindrical billet is heated between 800 degrees Fahrenheit to 925 degrees Fahrenheit. The aluminum may stick to the machinery. This is prevented by adding lubricant to the metal. A ram applies pressure on aluminum placed on the loader. This propels the metal through the die.
Nitrogen is added for the prevention of oxidation. The extruded part gets the shape of the opening of the die. After cooling it, the extruded part is straightened and hardened if needed. It is then cut to the desired lengths and sent for aging. In the end, the metal is ready for industrial use.
The following aluminum alloy classes are used in extrusion:
- Series 7000
- Series 6000
- Series 1000
As it is not heat treatable, the series 1000 is used in products that require high electrical and thermal conductivity. However, this class has low strength. Series 7000 and series 6000 are heat treatable. The series 6000 offers better corrosion resistance and formability. Alloys in this class show corrosion resistance and are strong and weldable. The series 6000 is suitable for harsh environments.
6061 Aluminium Alloy vs 6063 Aluminium Alloy
Both alloys have the same qualities and both are used for extrusion. However, both alloys have some distinct properties as well. This is the reason why making a selection requires deep research. 6061 gets the second spot when it comes to aluminum for extrusion. The major alloying elements of this precipitation-hardened alloy are magnesium and silicon. This alloy was developed for the aircraft industry in 1935. It has good joining characteristics, weldability and machinability. It is also highly corrosion-resistant. Its strength to weight ratio is also high.
6063 aluminum alloy gets the top spot when it comes to aluminum for extrusion. Its major alloying elements are magnesium and silicon. This alloy is suitable for making complex shapes. It is suitable for anodizing.
The following table compares the properties of aluminum 6061 alloy and aluminum 6063 alloy:
| Property | Aluminum 6061 | Aluminum 6063 |
| Density | 2.7 g/cm3 | 2.69 g/cm3 |
| Young’s modulus | 68.9 GPa | 68.3 GPa |
| Tensile strength | 124-290 MPa | 145–186 MPa |
| Elongation at break | 12-25% | 18-33% |
| Melting temperature | 585 degrees Celsius | 615 degrees Celsius |
| Thermal conductivity | 151-202 W/(m·K) | 201-218 W/(m·K) |
| Specific heat capacity | 897 J/ (kg·K) | 900 J/ (kg·K) |
| Linear thermal expansion coefficient | 2.32 x 10−5 K−1 | 2.34 x 10−5 K−1 |
| Volume resistivity | 32.5–39.2 nOhm·m. | 30-35 nOhm·m |
Applications
6061
- Bicycle frames and components
- Weapon parts such as firearm sound suppressors
- Fly fishing reels
- Ultra-high vacuum chambers
- Aluminum docks and gangways
- Toys and models such as remote-controlled aircraft
- Construction applications
6063
- Pipe and tubing
- Aluminum furniture
- Door frames, window frames, roofs and sign frames
