6063 Aluminum: Uses, Shapes, and Where to Order
MetalNow · July 14, 2026
If you've ever looked at a window frame, a storefront door, or an architectural handrail and thought about what material it's made from, there's a good chance the answer is 6063 aluminum. It's one of the most widely used aluminum alloys in the world, and for good reason. But it's not the right choice for every application, and it's easy to mix up with its close cousin, 6061.
This guide covers what 6063 aluminum actually is, what it's good for, what shapes you can get it in, and how it compares to 6061 so you can make the right call for your project.
What Is 6063 Aluminum?
6063 is a medium-strength aluminum alloy in the 6000 series, which means it uses magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements. It's known for three things above everything else: excellent extrudability, a smooth surface finish, and good corrosion resistance.
The extrudability is the big one. 6063 flows through extrusion dies better than almost any other aluminum alloy, which is why it dominates the architectural extrusion market. When manufacturers need complex cross-sections with tight dimensional tolerances and a clean surface appearance, 6063 is almost always the material they reach for.
It's available in a T5 or T6 temper for most applications. T5 is air-cooled from the extrusion process and then artificially aged. T6 is solution heat-treated and then artificially aged, giving it higher strength than T5.
What Is 6063 Aluminum Used For?
The short answer is anything where appearance, corrosion resistance, and extrudability matter more than raw strength.
Architectural applications are the biggest category by far. Window frames, door frames, curtain walls, storefronts, and building facades are all commonly made from 6063. The alloy's ability to be extruded into complex shapes and its smooth, anodizable surface make it the standard choice in construction.
Handrails and railings are another common application. 6063 anodizes beautifully, holds paint well, and holds up to outdoor exposure without significant corrosion. That combination makes it a natural fit for decorative and functional railing systems.
Furniture and consumer products often use 6063 for frames, trim, and structural components where a clean appearance matters alongside reasonable strength.
Electrical enclosures and heat sinks take advantage of 6063's good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Irrigation and pipe systems use 6063 tubing extensively because of its corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication.
If your application needs a material that looks good, holds up outdoors, and can be formed into complex shapes, 6063 is worth serious consideration.
6063 vs 6061: What's the Difference?
This is the question that comes up most often when someone is speccing out an aluminum part. Both are 6000 series alloys, both machine reasonably well, and both have good corrosion resistance. The difference comes down to strength and surface finish.
6061 is significantly stronger than 6063. If your part is load-bearing, structural, or going into a high-stress application, 6061 is almost always the better choice. It's the workhorse of the aluminum world for a reason.
6063 has a better natural surface finish and is much easier to extrude into complex profiles. If your application prioritizes appearance, anodizing quality, or a specific extruded shape, 6063 is the right call.
A simple way to think about it: 6061 is for structural and mechanical applications. 6063 is for architectural and aesthetic applications.
Read our full comparison of 6061 vs 6063 aluminum
Shapes Available in 6063 Aluminum
MetalNow stocks 6063 aluminum in the shapes most commonly needed for fabrication and manufacturing work.
Round Bar — solid cylindrical bar stock used for turned parts, shafts, and components that will be machined down to final dimensions. 6063 round bar machines cleanly and holds tight tolerances well.
Flat Bar — rectangular cross-section bar used for frames, brackets, supports, and general structural components. Easy to cut, drill, and weld.
Hex Bar — six-sided bar stock used for machined parts like fittings, couplings, and fasteners that need to be gripped with a wrench.
Plate — flat material in larger thicknesses used for structural bases, gussets, tooling plates, and any application requiring a substantial cross-section.
All shapes are available cut to size with no large minimums. Order exactly what your job requires.
Working with 6063 Aluminum
A few practical notes if you're machining, welding, or finishing 6063.
Machining: 6063 machines well but is softer than 6061, so it can be prone to built-up edge on cutting tools. Sharp tooling and appropriate speeds and feeds will give you clean results.
Welding: 6063 welds easily using TIG or MIG processes. Use 4043 or 5356 filler wire depending on your application requirements.
Anodizing: 6063 anodizes exceptionally well, producing a consistent, clear, and aesthetically pleasing finish. If your part will be anodized, 6063 is often preferred over 6061 specifically because of this.
Finishing: The naturally smooth surface finish of 6063 means it requires less prep work before painting or coating compared to many other alloys.
Order 6063 Aluminum Online
MetalNow stocks 6063 aluminum in round bar, flat bar, hex bar, and plate. Get instant pricing online, order exactly what you need, and get next day delivery on the Wasatch Front. No large minimums. Mill certs available with every order.
Questions? Call us at 801-539-8252 or email sales@metalnow.com.