Tensile Strength
The tensile strength of aluminum is about 13,000 psi (90 MPa) to 21,800 psi (150 MPa). However, the process of alloy formation involves heat treatment which increases the strength.
Since each alloy undergoes a different process, they tend to have varying tensile strength. Though 6061 vs 6063 strength is comparable.
The tensile strength of Al 6061 ranges from 40,000 psi (276 MPa) to 80,000 (552 MPa), with the T6 temper grade alloy having the highest strength.
On the other hand, aluminum 6063, which has a lesser toughness and strength than 6061, has a tensile strength ranging from 26,000 psi (180 MPa), with the more resilient variant being up to 46,000 psi (315MPa).
Yield Strength
The yield strength is usually lesser than the tensile strength, with pure aluminum having values ranging from 4,000 psi (27 MPa) to as high as 20,000 psi (138 MPa) when in complete cold-worked condition.
The yield strength of aluminum 6061 ranges from 8,700 psi (60 MPa) to 36,000psi (250 MPa). Those of Al 6063 range from 9,400 psi to (65 MPa) to 29,000 psi to (200 MPa) with the hardened aluminum variants of each alloy grade having higher values.
Ability to Form
We have established that aluminum 6061 is slightly more rigid than the 6063 variant. Therefore, you may think 6063 has a better ability to form. Let's take a more detailed approach to the alloy's forming ability.
Appearance and Touch
Color
Either aluminum alloy presents the silver-gray color, with a mantle finish with very smooth surfaces that make them suitable for finishes such as anodizing. However, since Al 6061 contains more silicon, it may have a smoother and more appealing surface.
Hardness
Aluminum is a relatively soft metal; the same applies to its alloys. However, the alloying elements and the processing may determine the hardness of a particular alloy.
While aluminum 6061 has a hardness of about Brinell 60 to 95, Al 6063 measures around 55 to 75. Therefore, the former appears relatively more complex than the latter.
