6061-T6/T651, Kaiser Aluminum typical properties (sheet, coil & plate datasheet); Poisson from MIL-HDBK-5J
6063-T6 extruded tube, Kaiser Aluminum Tube & Pipe Alloy 6063 Technical Data (Rev. 05/06), typical properties; specific heat from Hydro EN AW-6063 extruded-products datasheet (Rev.4, 03/2023).
Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.
Questions
Is Aluminum stronger than Aluminum 6063-T6?
Aluminum is stronger: its yield strength is 276 MPa against 215 MPa for Aluminum 6063-T6 (28%).
Which is lighter, Aluminum or Aluminum 6063-T6?
Aluminum is lighter: 2,700 kg/m³ against 2,700 kg/m³ for Aluminum 6063-T6.
Which is stiffer, Aluminum or Aluminum 6063-T6?
Aluminum 6063-T6 is stiffer: Young's modulus 69 GPa against 68.3 GPa for Aluminum, so the same part in Aluminum 6063-T6 deflects less under the same load.
Which is lighter for the same job, Aluminum or Aluminum 6063-T6?
For the same stiffness or strength: Aluminum is lighter for a strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate; Aluminum 6063-T6 is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension).
Part that must be
Aluminum
Aluminum 6063-T6
Stiff rod or tie (tension)
1% heavier
lighter
Stiff beam (bending)
about equal
about equal
Stiff panel or plate
about equal
about equal
Strong rod or tie
lighter
28% heavier
Strong beam
lighter
18% heavier
Strong panel or plate
lighter
13% heavier
For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).
Which conducts heat better, Aluminum or Aluminum 6063-T6?
Aluminum 6063-T6 conducts heat better: 201 W/m·K against 167 W/m·K for Aluminum.
Which expands less with temperature?
Aluminum 6063-T6 expands less: 23.4 µm/m·K against 23.6 µm/m·K for Aluminum.