Aluminium Alloy 6060 vs 6063: Differences for Pergola and Railing Systems.
Both alloys belong to the 6xxx series (aluminium-magnesium-silicon) and are used for extruded profiles in outdoor architecture. The differences are subtle but relevant for structural performance, surf
Both alloys belong to the 6xxx series (aluminium-magnesium-silicon) and are used for extruded profiles in outdoor architecture. The differences are subtle but relevant for structural performance, surface quality, and specification accuracy.
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Mechanical properties after heat treatment
| Property | 6060-T66 | 6063-T5 | 6063-T6 | |---|---|---|---| | Proof stress Rp0.2 | 160 MPa | 110 MPa | 170 MPa | | Ultimate tensile strength Rm | 195 MPa | 145 MPa | 205 MPa | | Elongation A | ≥ 8% | ≥ 8% | ≥ 8% |
6060-T66 and 6063-T6 are close in structural terms. 6063-T5 (air-quenched directly from the press) is softer — and is the most widely used temper for pergola structures.
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Application in outdoor architecture
EN AW-6060 is preferred when: very fine profile geometries with tight tolerances are required; anodising with a particularly smooth surface finish is specified (6060 has a finer grain structure); thin-walled profiles with high dimensional accuracy are needed.
EN AW-6063 is preferred when: maximum strength at a given cross-section is required (structural members, posts); powder coating is the defined surface treatment (grain structure difference is irrelevant); standardised profiles with good availability are being sourced.
For pergola structures (main and cross beams, posts), 6063-T5 is the established standard. All LuxaShade structural components use 6063-T5.
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Anodising vs powder coating
For anodising, 6060 is superior: the finer microstructure produces a more even anodic layer with fewer blemishes. For powder-coated systems (pergolas, railings in RAL colours), the difference is irrelevant — the powder layer entirely covers the microstructure.
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Specification wording
- Structural members: *"EN AW-6063-T5 or EN AW-6060-T66, minimum proof stress Rp0.2 ≥ 110 MPa"* - Anodised visible surfaces: *"EN AW-6060-T66, anodic coating to EN 12373, minimum film thickness 20 µm"* - Powder-coated systems: *"EN AW-6063-T5 or EN AW-6060-T66, powder coating to Qualicoat Class 2"*
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*PONARC/Alcodec produces extrusion profiles in 6063-T5 for all LuxaShade and VisioMod systems. Profile cross-sections and technical data sheets on request: alcodec.com*
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