6063 T6 aluminum plate is a widely utilized aluminum alloy, primarily alloyed with magnesium and silicon. It is renowned for its excellent extrudability, good corrosion resistance, high-quality surface finish, and moderate strength after heat treatment.
Understanding the T6 Temper
The “T6” designation in 6063 T6 aluminum plate refers to a specific temper achieved through heat treatment. The process involves:
- Solution Heat Treatment: Heating the aluminum to a specific temperature to allow the alloying elements to dissolve into a solid solution.
- Quenching: Rapidly cooling the aluminum to “freeze” the dissolved elements in place.
- Artificial Aging (Precipitation Hardening): Reheating the material to a lower temperature for a specific period. This allows the alloying elements to precipitate out as fine particles, significantly increasing the strength and hardness of the aluminum. Suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company ensure precise control over this process to achieve consistent T6 properties.
Key Properties of 6063 T6 Aluminum Plate
- Strength: The T6 temper provides good tensile and yield strength, making it suitable for many structural and semi-structural applications. Typical ultimate tensile strength is around 240 MPa (35 ksi).
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor applications and environments where it might be exposed to moisture.
- Formability: While 6063 is highly formable in softer tempers, the T6 temper reduces its formability. Bending and forming operations should be performed with larger radii.
- Machinability: Fair. The T6 condition is harder than annealed states, but it can be machined with appropriate tooling and techniques.
- Weldability: Good. 6063 T6 can be readily welded using common methods such as MIG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW). It’s important to note that welding will reduce the strength in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) to below T6 levels, often closer to a T4 temper. Post-weld heat treatment can restore some strength if required.
- Surface Finish: One of the primary advantages of 6063 alloy is its ability to achieve a very smooth and aesthetically pleasing surface finish. It is exceptionally well-suited for anodizing, powder coating, and other finishing treatments. Reputable stockists, including Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, often supply material with good surface quality suitable for these processes.
- Thermal Conductivity: Possesses good thermal conductivity, making it useful for heat exchange applications like heat sinks.
Common Applications
The combination of properties makes 6063 T6 aluminum plate versatile for a range of applications:
- Architectural Applications: This is a primary market. Used extensively for window frames, door frames, curtain walls, roofing, balustrades, and architectural trim. Its ability to be extruded into complex shapes is a key advantage.
- Furniture: Utilized for both indoor and outdoor furniture frames due to its lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and good finish.
- Piping and Tubing: Common in applications like irrigation systems, conduit, and railings.
- Heat Sinks: The good thermal conductivity and extrudability allow for complex fin designs for efficient heat dissipation in electronics.
- Lighting Fixtures: Housings and components for lighting.
- Automotive Parts: Trim, decorative components, and some structural elements.
- General Fabrication: Many general engineering components where moderate strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent surface finish are required. Many industries source their 6063 T6 from established suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company for reliable material properties.
When specifying 6063 T6 aluminum plate, it’s important to consider the specific mechanical property requirements for the application. Material certifications from suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can verify compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ASTM B209). For critical structural components, consultation with a materials engineer is recommended. The alloy’s excellent response to anodizing makes it a preferred choice when a durable and decorative colored finish is desired, something often catered to by specialized finishers who source quality plate from companies like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company.
