Why 6063 Aluminum is a Key Material for Aviation
6063 aluminum alloy is not as widely used in critical structural components in the aerospace sector as high-strength alloys like 7075 or 2024, but its characteristics make it suitable for certain specialized applications.
6063 aluminum mainly contains magnesium and silicon as alloying elements, offering good extrudability, corrosion resistance, and surface treatment performance. It is suitable for parts where high strength is not required, but appearance, machinability, and durability are important.
Aviation Aluminum 6063 Characteristics
1. Excellent Machinability
6063 aluminum has excellent extrudability and can be made into complex profiles and tubing, which is highly valuable in the aerospace industry. The aviation sector requires a large number of lightweight, complex-shaped non-critical structural parts, such as brackets, frames, tracks, and interior components, which 6063 aluminum can easily meet.
2. Surface Treatment Performance
6063 aluminum alloy has a high surface finish, and after anodizing, it can achieve a beautiful and durable surface layer. This makes it widely used in applications where high demands for appearance and corrosion resistance are present, such as aviation interior parts, window frames, seat structures, etc.
3. Corrosion Resistance
6063 aluminum alloy excels in corrosion resistance, particularly in humid or chemically exposed environments. The aerospace industry often encounters harsh climate conditions, and the corrosion resistance of 6063 makes it suitable for non-load-bearing structures exposed to external environments, such as aircraft tracks, window frames, and door frames.
4. Suitable for Extrusion and Lightweight Structures
Due to its relatively low strength, 6063 aluminum is not typically used for primary load-bearing structures or high-stress applications. Its relatively low strength-to-weight ratio means it is mainly used for secondary structures, frames, tracks, and other lightweight parts that do not directly bear flight loads. The extrudability of 6063 makes it suitable for manufacturing large cross-sectional profiles, such as aircraft window frames, door frames, seat rails, and other lightweight structural components.
5. Good Weldability
6063 aluminum alloy has good weldability, making it suitable for components that need to be assembled, spliced, or custom-designed. Materials with good weldability enhance the maintainability of structures and reduce damage to material performance during repairs.
Aviation Aluminum 6063 Specific Applications
1. Aircraft Window Frames and Door Frames
6063 aluminum is commonly used for aircraft window frames and door frames, where high demands for appearance and corrosion resistance are required, but no significant stress is applied. The extrudability of 6063 allows it to be made into complex shapes to meet structural needs.
2. Aircraft Interior Frames and Supports
6063 aluminum is also used for some support and frame structures inside aircraft, which do not directly bear major loads during flight. 6063 provides a lightweight, easily machinable, and economical solution.
3. Seat Rails and Supports
6063 aluminum alloy is also suitable for seat rails and support structures in aircraft seats. These components need to be lightweight, durable, and able to withstand some impact and wear. The strength of 6063 is sufficient to support the weight of seats and passengers while maintaining good corrosion resistance.
Aviation Aluminum 6063 Comparison with Other Alloys
- Compared to 7075 and 2024: The strength of 6063 aluminum is far lower than that of 7075 and 2024, so it is not used in high-stress critical structures like wings, fuselage frames, or landing gears. However, in non-load-bearing parts that require lightweight, machinability, and appearance, 6063 holds a place.
- Compared to 6061: 6063's strength is slightly lower than 6061, but its extrudability and surface treatment performance are better, making it more advantageous in applications requiring complex section profiles.
Although 6063 aluminum alloy is not used in aircraft load-bearing structures, it is widely applied in secondary components, interior frames, and decorative structures.