Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52

6063-T52 square aluminum bar is a square-section bar made from 6063 aluminum alloy as the base material, processed in the T52 heat treatment temper, and belongs to the Al-Mg-Si series of heat-treatable strengthening alloys.

6063 square aluminum bar 6063-T52 is a lightweight extruded aluminum product, known for its excellent formability, corrosion resistance, and structural versatility.

6063 T52 square aluminum bar is an extruded aluminum product made from 6063 alloy in the T52 temper. The 6063 alloy is commonly referred to as an "architectural alloy", with magnesium and silicon as the primary alloying elements, offering good corrosion resistance, excellent surface finish, and moderate strength. The T52 temper indicates that the material has been cooled after a high-temperature forming process and then artificially aged to achieve a balance of strength and ductility. Square aluminum bars made from this alloy and temper are favored for their smooth, sharply defined 90° edges, consistent dimensions, and suitability for various manufacturing methods including machining, welding, and anodizing.

6063-T52 square aluminum bar is a lightweight, high-corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy material specifically designed for applications requiring excellent surface finishing performance and moderate strength. Using the 6063-T52 alloy formulation, it offers good machinability (such as welding, cutting, and hot/cold forming capabilities), making it suitable for architectural structures, window and door frames, furniture manufacturing, decorative engineering, and electrical equipment components.

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Standards and Specifications

• ASTM B221: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
• AMS 4150 / AMS QQ-A-200/8: Aerospace aluminum extrusion material specifications
• ISO 6361 / EN 755-2: Wrought aluminum and aluminum alloy extruded bars/rods, tubes, and profiles

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Stock Sizes

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Chemical Composition

The nominal composition range of 6063 aluminum alloy is standardized by the Aluminum Association of the United States:

• Aluminum (Al): 97.5–99.35%
• Magnesium (Mg): 0.45–0.90%
• Silicon (Si): 0.20–0.60%
• Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.35%
• Chromium (Cr): ≤ 0.10%
• Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.10%
• Manganese (Mn): ≤ 0.10%
• Titanium (Ti): ≤ 0.10%
• Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.10%
• Other residuals: Total ≤ 0.15%

This composition makes the alloy easy to extrude into complex shapes and provides good surface finish, making it ideal for anodizing or painting.

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Mechanical Properties

The 6063-T52 square bar has the following typical mechanical properties:

• Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS): ~180 MPa (25 ksi)
• Yield Strength (0.2% offset): ~140 MPa (20 ksi)
• Elongation at Break: ≥ 8–17% (depending on cross-sectional size)
• Fatigue Strength: ~67 MPa (9.7×10³ psi)
• Brinell Hardness: ~60 HB

These properties achieve a balance between strength and ductility, making 6063-T52 ideal for structural and decorative applications.

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Performance Characteristics

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Manufacturing and Forming

• Extrusion Process: 6063-T52 square bars are produced via direct extrusion, resulting in smooth, uniform bars with sharp 90° corners and seamless surfaces.
• Machinability: Rated as “average” among aluminum alloys; can be easily drilled, milled, and turned with appropriate tooling conditions.
• Weldability: Excellent, especially suitable for TIG or MIG welding; post-weld artificial aging can restore strength if needed.
• Surface Finish: Smooth extruded surface, easy to anodize (natural or colored) and powder coat.

Square Aluminum Bar 6063 Temper Designation T52

• T5: Cooled from a high-temperature forming process (typically extrusion) and then artificially aged.
• T52: A variant of the T5 temper, achieved by controlling the aging curve (time/temperature) to optimize the tensile properties and straightness of extruded bars and profiles, resulting in slightly higher strength.
• T52 temper offers greater mechanical strength than T5, while maintaining excellent extrudability and surface finish.

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Physical Properties

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Common Applications

6063-T52 square bar is widely used in applications that require a combination of lightweight, corrosion resistance, and an attractive appearance:

• Architectural components: door and window frames, curtain wall frames, handrails, and decorative trims.
• Structural components: lightweight frames for mechanical guards, display racks, and shelving.
• Furniture and fixtures: table legs, chair components, and decorative hardware.
• Marine hardware: non-critical accessories, brackets, and railings used in corrosive environments. Electrical and thermal: enclosures, heat sinks, and conduits where thermal conductivity and surface finish are essential.

Square Aluminum Bar 6063-T52 Manufacturing Process

Extrusion Forming

Formed through high-temperature, high-pressure extrusion process, suitable for complex cross-section requirements, producing thin-walled and hollow profiles.

Heat Treatment Process

• Solution Treatment: Heated to 515–525°C followed by rapid cooling (water quenching or air quenching) to dissolve strengthening phases.
• Artificial Aging (T5): Aged at 150–180°C to precipitate Mg₂Si strengthening phases, enhancing hardness and tensile strength.

6063-T52 square aluminum bar combines the excellent extrudability of 6063 alloy with the high strength of T52 temper. It provides a versatile solution for architectural, structural framing, and decorative element applications, offering standardized specifications and proven performance.