When choosing the right aluminium grade for your project, it is important to understand the differences between the various types available. Two popular grades of aluminium are 5083 and 6063, each with its properties and uses. In this blog, we will explore the difference between aluminium 5083 and 6063 and help you decide which one to choose.
What is Aluminium 5083?
Aluminium 5083 is an aluminium alloy with magnesium and manganese as its major alloying elements. It has excellent corrosion resistance, even in marine environments. Its mechanical properties make it ideal for applications requiring strength or weldability, such as vehicle chassis components, shipping containers, pressure vessels and military bridges. Additionally, aluminium 5083 possesses good formability characteristics when exposed to various temperatures, which makes it suitable for fabricating parts with complex shapes. This particular alloy is frequently used in engineering applications due to its durability and overall performance advantages over other alloys today.
What is Aluminium 6063?
Aluminium 6063 is a type of aluminium alloy typically used in extrusion processes. It has an excellent surface finish and high corrosion resistance properties, making it well-suited for outdoor architectural applications such as window/door frames, railings and trim. It also provides better thermal insulation than other materials like steel or wood. Furthermore, it has low shrinkage levels during extrusion, ensuring that this material’s parts retain their strength over time. These characteristics make Aluminium 6063 popular in various industries, from vehicle manufacturing to architecture and furniture production.
Difference Between Aluminium 5083 and 6063
Aluminium 5083 and 6063 are two different grades of aluminium alloy used for various applications. Aluminium 5083 offers high strength, excellent weldability, and great resistance to corrosion in marine environments. It is also a non-heat treatable alloy best suited for welding and cold-forming operations. On the other hand, Aluminium 6063 is highly anodised and resistant to stress cracking and corrosion, making it suitable for architectural applications. Both alloys have unique properties, which make them suitable according to the specific requirements of an application.
Composition
The first major difference between the two types of aluminium is their composition. Aluminium 5083 is an alloy of magnesium, manganese, chromium, and other elements, while aluminium 6063 consists of silicon, magnesium, and aluminium. Due to its higher magnesium content, aluminium 5083 is more corrosion-resistant and stronger than aluminium 6063. On the other hand, aluminium 6063 is more malleable, making it easier to shape and weld into complex geometries.
Applications
The differences in composition lead to differences in the applications of the two types of aluminium. Aluminium 5083 is commonly used in the marine industry due to its high resistance to corrosion in saltwater environments. It is also used to construct pressure vessels and storage tanks due to its high strength. Aluminium 6063, on the other hand, is commonly used in architectural applications such as window frames, door frames, and roof trusses due to its high malleability and ease of shaping.
Properties
In addition to their differences in composition and applications, aluminium 5083 and 6063 also have different properties. Aluminium 5083 has a high melting point, making it suitable for high-temperature environments. It also has good weldability and is resistant to cracking. Aluminium 6063 has a lower melting point, making it easier to work with and highly conductive.
Cost
Another important consideration when choosing between aluminium 5083 and 6063 is the cost. Aluminium 5083 is typically more expensive than aluminium 6063 due to its higher strength and corrosion resistance. However, the higher cost may be worth it in certain applications where the added strength and resistance are necessary.
Environmentally Friendly
Lastly, it is worth noting that aluminium 6063 is more environmentally friendly than 5083 due to its lower carbon dioxide emissions during production. This may be an important consideration for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint or meet sustainability goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, aluminium 5083 and 6063 have unique properties and applications. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs of your project. If corrosion resistance and strength are important factors, aluminium 5083 may be the better choice, while aluminium 6063 may be a better option for projects requiring malleability and ease of shaping. Regardless of the choice, both types of aluminium have their benefits and should be carefully considered before deciding which one to use.
