TV and monitor back covers
Large, thin panels stamped in T4 and finished by anodising or brushing.
Electronics housing material guide
6063 O, T4 and T6 Aluminium Sheet for 3C Electronics Housings
6063 sheet is used for computer, communication and consumer-electronics (3C) housings where a flawless anodised surface matters more than maximum strength. Its lean chemistry gives an even, bright anodic finish with few streaks or spots, and it forms well in O and T4 before ageing to T6. This guide covers tempers, properties, the surface requirements to put on your order and how 6063 compares with 5052, 6061 and 6013 for device shells.
- Alloy
- 6063 (EN AW-6063)
- Tempers
- O, T4, T6
- Thickness
- About 0.4 – 12.5 mm
- Key benefit
- Even, bright anodised finish
Why use 6063 sheet for electronics housings?
A metal device shell has three jobs: it must look perfect after anodising, survive drops and flexing, and help move heat away from the electronics inside. 6063 is chosen when the first of those jobs leads the specification.
6063 carries less magnesium and silicon than 6061 and only traces of copper, iron and chromium. Fewer intermetallic particles in the surface means fewer dark spots, streaks and "material lines" after etching and anodising, and colours such as silver, space grey, gold and blue come out even. Its thermal conductivity of about 200 W/m·K also helps a thin shell act as a heat spreader.
6063 sheet is less common than 6063 extrusion, so buyers should confirm that the sheet is rolled and processed for decorative anodising, with fine and uniform grain, controlled iron content and clean surfaces. The right supply is quite different from general-purpose 6063 sheet for building trim.
6063 sheet tempers and typical properties
| Temper | Condition | Typical tensile / yield | Typical use in 3C |
|---|---|---|---|
| O | Annealed, softest | 90 / 48 MPa | Deep-drawn or heavily stamped shells, aged afterwards if strength is needed |
| T4 (and T4P) | Solution treated, naturally aged; T4P with pre-ageing for stable forming | 172 / 90 MPa | Stamped or bent covers and back panels that are aged to T6 after forming |
| T6 | Solution treated and artificially aged | 241 / 214 MPa | CNC-machined frames, mid-frames and flat panels |
Typical values (Aluminum Association / ASM data) for comparison. Guaranteed minimums depend on the order standard (for example EN 485-2 or GB/T 3880.2) and thickness, and are reported on the mill certificate.
| Element | Min % | Max % |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20 | 0.60 |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.35 |
| Copper (Cu) | — | 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | 0.10 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.45 | 0.90 |
| Chromium (Cr) | — | 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 0.10 |
| Titanium (Ti) | — | 0.10 |
| Others, each / total | — | 0.05 / 0.15 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
Typical supply range
- Thickness
- About 0.4 – 12.5 mm; thin gauges as sheet or coil
- Width
- About 600 – 2100 mm, or slit strip
- Length
- Cut-to-length sheets or coil
- Surface
- Anodising-quality surface, protective film or paper interleaving
- Standards
- EN 485 / EN 573-3, GB/T 3880, or customer specification
Typical 6063 parts in 3C products
Laptop lids and keyboard decks
Stamped or CNC-machined shells where a uniform anodised colour across large areas is critical.
Phone and tablet parts
SIM trays, buttons, decorative frames and some mid-frames; high-strength 6013 or 7xxx alloys are used where drop resistance governs.
Accessories
Speaker grilles, router and set-top box housings, camera bodies and chargers.
6063 vs other aluminium alloys for device shells
| Alloy | Anodised appearance | Strength (T6 / hard temper) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6063 | Excellent, bright and uniform | Medium | Cosmetic panels and shells with moderate loads |
| 5052 / 5252 | Good (5252 very good) | Medium, non-heat-treatable | Stamped covers and keyboard decks |
| 6061 | Good, slightly duller | Higher | Machined frames needing more stiffness |
| 6013 | Good | High for a 6xxx alloy | Thin-walled phone and tablet frames |
| 7xxx (e.g. 7021) | Good with controlled process | Very high | Drop-resistant phone frames |
Many products mix alloys: a 6063 or 5252 cosmetic cover on a stronger 6013 or 7xxx frame. If parts in different alloys sit side by side, approve anodised samples together, because each alloy takes colour slightly differently.
What to specify when buying 6063 3C sheet
- Temper and forming route: O or T4 for stamping and drawing, T6 for machining, and whether ageing is done after forming
- Surface class: no dents, scratches, roll marks, oxidation or inclusions visible after anodising; agree limit samples
- Anodising trial: request a sample anodised with your process to check streaks, bands and colour
- Grain and flatness: fine, uniform grain to avoid orange peel and banding; flatness suited to your press or CNC fixtures
- Tolerances: thickness, width, length and diagonal tolerances, usually tighter than EN 485-4 for precision stamping
- Packing: protective film or interleaving, sealed packing with desiccant for sea freight
- Documents: EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate with chemistry and tensile results
References and standards
- EN 485-2 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys: sheet, strip and plate, mechanical properties
- EN 573-3 – Chemical composition and form of wrought products
- GB/T 3880 – Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy plates, sheets and strips for general engineering
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits
6063 sheet for 3C electronics: frequently asked questions
Why is 6063 preferred for anodised electronics housings?
Its low copper, iron and chromium content leaves fewer particles in the surface, so the anodic film grows evenly and colours look uniform with few streaks or spots.
Can 6063 sheet be stamped and then strengthened?
Yes. Form it in O or T4, then artificially age the parts to reach T6 strength. T4P material is designed to stay stable in storage before forming.
Is 6063 strong enough for a phone frame?
Usually not for the main frame of a modern phone, where 6013 or 7xxx alloys give better drop resistance. 6063 suits covers, trays, buttons and larger panels.
6063 vs 5052 aluminum sheet for laptop shells: which is better?
5052 is cheaper and forms well but anodises less brightly; 6063 gives a better cosmetic finish and can be heat-treated for extra strength. Many brands choose by the finish they want.
What thickness of 6063 sheet is used for electronics?
Commonly 0.5 – 2 mm for stamped covers and 3 – 12 mm for CNC-machined shells and frames.
Need 6063 sheet for device housings?
Send the temper, size, quantity and anodising requirements. We will reply with availability and a delivered price.
