3003 Aluminum vs 6063 Aluminum

3003 aluminum alloy and 6063 aluminum alloy differ significantly in several ways. As two common aluminum alloy materials, what is the difference between the two of them?

Let Hugh Aluminum help you find the differences:

Alloy Composition of 3003 Aluminum vs 6063 Aluminum:

– 3003 Aluminum Alloy: It belongs to the AL-Mn system of alloys, and is one of the most widely used types of rust-resistant aluminum. Its main alloying element is manganese (Mn), with a content between 1.0-1.5%.

– 6063 Aluminum Alloy: It belongs to the AL-Mg-Si alloy, and is a heat-treatable reinforced alloy of medium strength. Among them, magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) are the main alloying elements.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Aluminum 6063 vs Aluminum 3003:

– 3003 aluminum alloy:

Its strength is slightly higher than that of industrial pure aluminum, but it cannot be strengthened by heat treatment. Therefore, cold working methods are usually used to improve its mechanical properties.

In the annealed condition, it has high plasticity; while in cold work hardening, the plasticity is low. The tensile strength σb is between 142-178 MPa and the conditional yield strength σ0.2 ≥ 115 MPa.

-6063 Aluminum Alloy:

It has medium strength and can be strengthened by heat treatment. The tensile strength and plasticity vary according to the chemical composition.
Under the action of Mg and Si, its heat treatment strengthening effect is significant, but the corrosion resistance may be affected.

3. Their corrosion resistance and surface treatment

– 3003 aluminum alloy: good corrosion resistance, close to the corrosion resistance of industrial pure aluminum. The atmosphere, fresh water, seawater, food, organic acids, gasoline, neutral inorganic salts and other aqueous solutions have good corrosion resistance. In the cold deformation state, there is a tendency to flake corrosion.

– 6063 aluminum alloy: corrosion resistance varies depending on the chemical composition and heat treatment state. Generally speaking, its corrosion resistance is better, but may be affected by Mg and Si content.

– Machinability of 3003 aluminum alloy:

It has good machinability and is easy to form, weld and cut. However, its machinability is relatively poor.

– 6063 aluminum alloy: also has good processing performance, widely used in construction of aluminum doors and windows, curtain wall frames and other areas that require high processing accuracy.

Application of 3003 aluminum alloy vs 6063 aluminum alloy:

– 3003 Aluminum Alloy:

It is mainly used in applications requiring high plasticity and good weldability, such as fuel tanks, gasoline or lubricating oil conduits, and various liquid containers.

In addition, it is also used for making rivets and kitchen utensils.

– 6063 Aluminum Alloy:

It is widely used in construction aluminum doors and windows, frames of curtain walls and other fields. Its excellent performance makes it one of the preferred materials in the construction field.

To sum up

The difference between 3003 aluminum alloy and 6063 aluminum alloy is. There are obvious differences in alloy composition, physical and mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and surface treatment, processing performance and application areas.

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