Difference between 6063-T6 Aluminum Plate and 6063-T5 Aluminum Plate

The 6 series aluminum plate is an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy, and its representative grades are 6061, 6063 and 6082. Unlike the seven other grade aluminum plates, the state of the 6063 aluminum plate is dominated by the T state, and the common state are T5 and T6. There is only one word difference. What is the difference between these two states?

Production Process of 6063 Aluminum Plate

Before explaining the difference between the T5 and T6 states, we must first understand the following two noun explanations:
Aging: The process of eliminating internal stress in metals.
Quenching: The metal is heated to a certain temperature and suddenly cooled to meet the required hardness. 2, 6, 7 series aluminum plates can be strengthened by quenching treatment.

6063-T5 Aluminum Plate

The T5 means that the aluminum plate is extruded from the extruder, and then use air cooling to quickly lower the temperature of it, so as to achieve the desired hardness requirement (8–12 hardness of Webster).

6063-T6 Aluminum Plate

The T6 refers to the aluminum plate being extruded from the extruder and then cooled by water to cool the aluminum plate instantaneously, so that the aluminum plate reaches a higher hardness requirement (above 13.5 hardness).

Difference between 6063-T6 Aluminum Plate and 6063-T5 Aluminum Plate

T5 takes a long time for air cooling, usually 2-3 days, we call it natural aging. The cooling time of T6 with water is short, we call it artificial aging. The main difference between the T5 and T6 states is that the intensity of the T6 state is higher than that of the T5 state, and the performance of other aspects is similar. In terms of price, because of the difference in production process, the price per ton of T6 aluminum plate is 500-1000 yuan higher than that of T5.

What is the Elimination of Internal Stress?

In the production process, the aluminum plate is uneven in density due to heat and extrusion, and the energy is not completely released, accumulating inside the aluminum plate. This energy is called internal stress. Some users’ production processes (such as heating, bending, deep drawing, stretching, etc.) will release the internal stress of the aluminum plate, causing the aluminum plate to bend, wave, and surface inequality, so it is necessary to release the internal stress of the aluminum plate.
The process of eliminating internal stress is very simple. After the aluminum plate leave the assembly line, the manufacturer will add a process, and the machine will stretch the aluminum plate to release the energy inside the aluminum plate.
The state of the aluminum plate for eliminating internal stress is represented by the number Tx51, such as: 6061T651, 6082T651, etc.

Manufacturer of Mingtai 6063 Aluminum Plate

Mingtai is a large aluminum foil and foil manufacturer specializing in the research and development of 6063 aluminum plate. We are committed to creating the best quality 6063 aluminum plate. We will answer any questions about 6063 aluminum plate with professional knowledge and good service. Let’s work together hand in hand, on the road of aluminum plate, go further and further, mutual benefit and win-win!