Architectural extrusion guide

6063 Aluminium U Channel: Sizes, Weights, Finishes and Uses

6063 aluminium U channel is an extruded three-sided section, a flat base with two parallel legs, made in the architectural alloy 6063. Usually supplied in T52 or T5 temper, it is the standard section for glass and panel edging, LED strip housings, trims, slide tracks and light frames because it extrudes accurately and anodises evenly. Below are size and weight tables, guaranteed properties, finishing options and the checks that prevent ordering mistakes.

By Metline Technical Team · Updated 17 October 2026

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Extruded 6063 aluminium U channels and architectural sections

Alloy: 6063 (EN AW-6063)
Tempers: T52, T5, T6
Sizes: About 10 – 125 mm base width
Standards: ASTM B221 · EN 755-2 · QQ-A-200/9

Overview

What is 6063 U channel?

A U channel has a base (the web) and two legs of equal height standing at right angles to it, with square or slightly radiused inside corners. Dimensions are given as outside base width A × outside leg height B × thickness t.

The U shape is a natural carrier: a sheet of glass, acrylic, plywood or composite panel slides into it; an LED strip sits on its base under a diffuser; a drawer runner or sliding panel runs along it. In 6063 the channel comes off the extrusion press with accurate internal dimensions and a smooth, uniform surface, so the fit stays consistent and visible faces look the same after anodising.

U channel differs from structural C channel. Structural channels (for example the Aluminum Association and American Standard series in 6061-T6) have wide, thick flanges and tapered or radiused sections designed for bending loads. Architectural U channel in 6063 is lighter, usually of uniform thickness, and designed for fit and appearance. If your channel is a beam, see the aluminium channel guide.

Product types

Types of 6063 channel

Equal-leg U channel

Base and legs the same size, such as 1 × 1 × 1/8 in or 25 × 25 × 2 mm. General trim, edging and light framing.

Unequal or deep U channel

Legs taller than the base for holding panels deeply, or a wide base with short legs for capping and slide tracks.

Architectural channel (sharp corner)

Square inside and outside corners, uniform thickness. The usual 6063 stock form.

LED channel

U channels with diffuser grooves and end-cap features. 6063 conducts heat well (about 200 W/m·K), helping LED strips run cooler.

Glazing and panel channel

U channels sized to hold glass, polycarbonate or composite panels with gaskets, used in balustrades, partitions and display cases.

Custom channel

Lips, inward-turned flanges, screw bosses or snap features extruded to drawing for system suppliers.

Size and weight tables

6063 U channel sizes and weights

Weights are calculated for sharp-corner channel of uniform thickness: area = t × (A + 2B − 2t), multiplied by 2.70 g/cm³. Mill lengths are usually 12 or 20 ft, or 6 m; cut lengths are available.

A × B × t (in)	Area (in²)	Weight (lb/ft)	Weight (kg/m)
0.375 × 0.375 × 0.109	0.099	0.116	0.172
0.5 × 0.5 × 0.0625	0.086	0.101	0.150
0.5 × 0.5 × 0.125	0.156	0.183	0.272
0.5 × 0.75 × 0.125	0.219	0.256	0.381
0.625 × 0.625 × 0.125	0.203	0.238	0.354
0.75 × 0.375 × 0.125	0.156	0.183	0.272
0.75 × 0.75 × 0.125	0.250	0.292	0.435
0.75 × 1.5 × 0.125	0.438	0.512	0.762
1 × 0.5 × 0.125	0.219	0.256	0.381
1 × 0.75 × 0.125	0.281	0.329	0.490
1 × 1 × 0.0625	0.180	0.210	0.313
1 × 1 × 0.125	0.344	0.402	0.599
1 × 1.5 × 0.125	0.469	0.548	0.817
1 × 2 × 0.125	0.594	0.695	1.034
1.25 × 0.625 × 0.125	0.281	0.329	0.490
1.25 × 1.25 × 0.125	0.438	0.512	0.762
1.5 × 0.75 × 0.125	0.344	0.402	0.599
1.5 × 1 × 0.125	0.406	0.475	0.708
1.5 × 1.5 × 0.125	0.531	0.622	0.925
1.75 × 1.75 × 0.125	0.625	0.731	1.089
2 × 1 × 0.125	0.469	0.548	0.817
2 × 2 × 0.125	0.719	0.841	1.252
2 × 2 × 0.25	1.375	1.609	2.395
2.5 × 1 × 0.125	0.531	0.622	0.925
3 × 1.5 × 0.125	0.719	0.841	1.252
3 × 1.5 × 0.1875	1.055	1.234	1.837
3 × 3 × 0.125	1.094	1.280	1.905
4 × 1 × 0.125	0.719	0.841	1.252
5 × 2 × 0.1875	1.617	1.892	2.817

Common metric U channels:

A × B × t (mm)	Area (mm²)	Mass (kg/m)
10 × 10 × 1.5	40	0.109
12 × 12 × 1.5	50	0.134
15 × 15 × 1.5	63	0.170
20 × 10 × 2	72	0.194
20 × 20 × 2	112	0.302
25 × 25 × 2	142	0.383
30 × 15 × 2	112	0.302
30 × 30 × 3	252	0.680
40 × 20 × 2	152	0.410
40 × 40 × 3	342	0.923
50 × 25 × 3	282	0.761
50 × 50 × 4	568	1.534
60 × 30 × 3	342	0.923
80 × 40 × 4	608	1.642
100 × 50 × 5	950	2.565

A = outside base width, B = outside leg height, t = thickness. Listed sizes are typical catalogue sections; availability is confirmed at quotation.

Material data

Composition and mechanical properties

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

Temper	Tensile strength	Yield strength (0.2 %)	Elongation	Brinell hardness
O	90 MPa / 13 ksi	48 MPa / 7 ksi	18 – 25 %	25 HB
T1	152 MPa / 22 ksi	90 MPa / 13 ksi	20 %	42 HB
T4	172 MPa / 25 ksi	90 MPa / 13 ksi	22 %	—
T5	186 MPa / 27 ksi	145 MPa / 21 ksi	12 %	60 HB
T6	241 MPa / 35 ksi	214 MPa / 31 ksi	12 %	73 HB

Typical values (Aluminum Association / ASM). Design to the specified minimums below.

Temper and size band	ASTM B221 tensile, min	ASTM B221 yield, min	ASTM elongation, min	EN 755-2 Rm / Rp0.2, min
T1, up to 12.7 mm (0.500 in)	117 MPa / 17 ksi	62 MPa / 9 ksi	12 %	—
T5, up to 12.7 mm (0.500 in)	152 MPa / 22 ksi	110 MPa / 16 ksi	8 %	—
T5, wall up to 10 mm	—	—	—	175 MPa / 130 MPa, A 8 %
T52, up to 25 mm (1.000 in)	152 – 205 MPa / 22 – 30 ksi	110 – 170 MPa / 16 – 25 ksi	8 %	—
T6, up to 25 mm (1.000 in)	207 MPa / 30 ksi	172 MPa / 25 ksi	8 – 10 %	—
T6, wall up to 10 mm	—	—	—	215 MPa / 170 MPa, A 8 %
T66, wall up to 10 mm	—	—	—	245 MPa / 200 MPa, A 8 %

Physical properties

Density: 2.70 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³)
Modulus of elasticity: 68.9 GPa (10,000 ksi)
Melting range: About 615 – 655 °C
Thermal conductivity: About 209 W/m·K (T5), 200 W/m·K (T6)
Electrical conductivity: About 55 % IACS (T5), 53 % IACS (T6)
Thermal expansion: 23.4 µm/m·°C (20 – 100 °C)

Standards & tolerances

Standards and dimensional tolerances

Standard	Scope
ASTM B221 / B221M	Chemistry, temper and minimum properties of extruded channel
AMS-QQ-A-200/9	6063 extrusions for aerospace and defence; often quoted on North American stock channel
ANSI H35.2	Dimensional tolerances for ASTM orders: base width, leg height, thickness, angularity, straightness, twist and length
EN 755-2 / EN 755-9	European properties and general profile tolerances
EN 12020-2	Precision tolerances for 6060 / 6063 profiles in window, door and façade systems

On U channel, the dimension that matters most is usually the slot width A − 2t. Leg spread (legs splaying outwards) or closing inwards is the most common fit problem; it is controlled by the angularity tolerance and by the stretching and straightening practice of the extruder. For channels that must hold glass or panels with a set gasket, state the slot width and its tolerance on the drawing rather than relying on the general tables.

Typical stock-length tolerances are about ±6 mm (1/4 in) on mill lengths and about ±1.5 mm (1/16 in) on saw-cut lengths; tighter cut-length tolerances are available on request.

Finishing

Finishes and colours

Mill finish

As extruded; for hidden use or parts finished after fabrication.

Anodised

Clear, champagne, bronze, black and gold; 6063 gives the most even anodised colour of the common alloys.

Powder coated

RAL colours, matt or gloss, and wood-grain effects for furniture, windows and outdoor use.

Electrophoretic and PVDF

Electrophoretic lacquer over anodising, or PVDF coating, for demanding façade and coastal exposure.

Brushed, polished, sandblasted

Mechanical surface textures before anodising for decorative trim and shopfitting.

Protective film

Peel-off film on visible faces for transport and installation.

Working with 6063 channel

Cutting, bending, joining and machining

Cutting: carbide-tipped fine-pitch blade with lubricant; clamp the channel on its base and support both legs to stop them vibrating
Drilling and machining: sharp, high-rake tools and high speeds; T6 machines more cleanly than T5 or T52
Bending: bend T52 or T4 for curves; legs on the inside of a bend tend to buckle, so use filled or formed tooling and generous radii
Joining: end caps, corner keys and screws are usual; TIG or MIG welding with 4043 or 5356 filler works but softens the metal locally and damages finishes
Galvanic corrosion: separate the channel from steel fixings with washers or tape in damp locations

Applications

Where 6063 U channel is used

Sector	Typical uses
Architecture	Glass and panel edging, balustrade base and top channels, partition tracks, ceiling and wall trims, window and door details
Lighting	LED strip channels, concealed cove lighting, heat-sinking tracks
Industrial	Cable management, edge protection, machine guards, light structural frames, conveyor guides
Furniture and display	Wardrobe and cabinet trims, sliding-door tracks, drawer runners, sign and poster frames
Transport and marine	Interior trims, panel edging and window channels in buses, rail coaches, caravans and boats

Typical example: an interior glass partition uses a 6063-T5 U channel at floor and ceiling, with the slot sized to the glass thickness plus a wedge gasket on each side and a clear or champagne anodised finish to match the door frames.

Comparison

6063 U channel vs 6061 channel

Property	6063 U channel	6061 channel
Usual temper	T52, T5, T6	T6
Yield strength, min (ASTM B221)	110 MPa (T5) – 172 MPa (T6)	241 MPa (T6)
Typical section	Uniform thin wall, sharp corners	Structural shape, thicker flanges
Anodised appearance	Bright and uniform	Good, slightly duller
Formability	Better, especially in T52	Lower in T6
Machinability	Fair	Very good
Cost	Lower	Higher
Typical use	Edging, trims, LED, display and light frames	Beams, trailer and machine frames, structural supports

Choose 6063 when fit, finish and cost matter more than load capacity; choose 6061 when the channel is a load-bearing member.

Ordering

How to order 6063 U channel

SpecifyA × B × t (outside dimensions) or a drawing, critical slot width, temper, length, finish and quantity; state ASTM B221 or EN 755.
QuoteWe match your size to an existing die where possible to avoid tooling cost, and quote EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP.
ProcessCutting, drilling, machining and finishing to your requirements.
DocumentEN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate, plus coating reports where applicable.
ShipBundled with interleaving and film, packed in wooden crates for export.

Sources

References and standards

ASTM B221 – Standard specification for extruded bars, rods, wire, profiles and tubes
EN 755-2 – Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties
EN 12020-2 – Extruded precision profiles in alloys EN AW-6060 and EN AW-6063: tolerances
ANSI H35.2 – Dimensional Tolerances for Aluminum Mill Products

FAQ

6063 aluminium U channel: frequently asked questions

How do I calculate the weight of 6063 U channel?

Area = t × (A + 2B − 2t). In millimetres, multiply the area by 0.0027 for kg/m. A 25 × 25 × 2 mm channel weighs about 0.38 kg/m; a 1 × 1 × 1/8 in channel about 0.40 lb/ft.

What is the inside width of a U channel?

Outside base width minus twice the thickness. A 1 in channel with 1/8 in walls has a 3/4 in slot. Allow for gaskets or tape when sizing for panels.

Which temper should I choose for 6063 channel?

T52 or T5 for trims, edging and LED channels; T52 bends most predictably. T6 for channels that span further or carry more load.

Can 6063 aluminum U channel be bent into curves?

Yes, preferably in T52 or T4 with formed tooling and generous radii. Bend before anodising or coating.

Is 6063 U channel suitable for LED strips?

Yes. Its thermal conductivity of about 200 W/m·K spreads heat from the strip, and it anodises to clean silver or black finishes.

What lengths are available?

Usually 12 or 20 ft, or 6 m mill lengths, and cut lengths to order.

Need 6063 U channel?

Send the size, temper, finish, length and quantity. We will reply with availability and a delivered price.

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