Aluminum 6063 Forging Parts
PRINCIPAL DESIGN FEATURES
This is generally considered to be an extrusion alloy that is heat treatable for strengthening.
APPLICATIONS
Commonly used in the manufacture of furniture, windows, stair rails, and in tube railing. Commonly used in architectural extrusions.
MACHINABILITY
Machinability is considered to be average for this alloy.
FORMING
Forming ability, either hot or cold, is good.
WELDING
The alloy is readily welded by all of the conventional methods. Filler rods should be of the same alloy or AL 4043 alloy.
HEAT TREATMENT
Solution heat treat at 970 F for 1 hour followed by water quench. This prodsuces T 4 temper. Other tempers are accomplished by aging.
FORGING
Hot forging may be done in the range of 500 F to 950 F.
HOT WORKING
Hot working, as with forging, may be done at temperatures above 500 F up to maximum of 950 F.
COLD WORKING
Cold working characteristics are good for all conventional forming methods.
ANNEALING
Anneal at 775 F for 3 hours and use controlled cooling at rate of 50 F per hour down to 500 F. Then air cool.
AGING
Aging is done at a temperature of 350 F for 8 hours for T 6 and T 62 tempers. Age at 360 F for 3 hours to get T5 temper.
TEMPERING
Not applicable.
HARDENING
Hardens due to aging heat treatment and cold working. See “Aging”.
OTHER PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Electrical conductivity 50% of copper.