Aluminum 6013 · temper
Aluminum 6013-O
Properties of the O condition, compared with the other 6013 tempers.
Softest condition for deep forming or severe bending before solution heat treatment.
What is 6013-O?
6013-O is 6013 in the O temper — softest condition for deep forming or severe bending before solution heat treatment. 6013-O has a yield strength of 76 MPa (11 ksi) and a tensile strength of 152 MPa (22 ksi) — weaker than 90% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 6013-O has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 579°C (1,074 °F).
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 40 MPa·√m (36.4 ksi·√in), better than 98% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 93% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 47 % IACS, better than 88% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 175 W/m·K (101.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 85% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 76 MPa (11 ksi), worse than 90% of aluminum grades
6013-O properties
Typical room-temperature values for 6013-O — 11 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 6013 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
6013-O has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 579°C (1,074 °F).
Mechanical14
6013-O has a yield strength of 76 MPa (11 ksi) and a tensile strength of 152 MPa (22 ksi) — weaker than 90% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
6013-O is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 175 W/m·K (101.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 85% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
6013-O conducts electricity at 47 % IACS, better than 88% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (62/100), better than 67% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 6013-O takes about 205 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 75% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability7
6013-O's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability good (60/100); formability excellent (90/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 6013 tempers and conditions
6013 is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 6013 overview.
- T6Standard full-strength aerospace sheet condition — 2024-T3 level strength with better corrosion and weld behaviour.365 MPa yield · 128 HB
- T651Plate/thick-section full-strength temper with minimal residual stress — the choice for machined aerospace structural parts.360 MPa yield · 126 HB
- T451Plate version of T4 with stretch stress relief — low residual stress for parts to be machined then aged.195 MPa yield · 85 HB
- T4Formable aerospace condition: stretch-form or draw parts in T4, then artificially age to T6 for full strength.190 MPa yield · 85 HB
- OSoftest condition for deep forming or severe bending before solution heat treatment.76 MPa yield · 42 HB
Working with 6013-O
Is 6013 easy to machine?
Excellent for a 6xxx alloy — the Cu addition breaks chips well; use polished-flute carbide, high speed, and flood or MQL lubrication.
Can 6013 be welded?
Weldable by TIG/MIG/FSW with 4043 or 4047 filler; expect HAZ softening to near-T4 levels and post-weld age if strength is critical.
Can 6013 be formed, bent or molded?
Form, draw or stretch in O or T4 then artificially age to T6; T6 sheet has limited bend radii (typ. 2–4t).
What surface finishes work on 6013?
Anodizes well (clear/hard); the copper gives a slightly grey cast, so chromate or type II + seal is preferred for corrosion protection, and clad/primer for aerospace exteriors.
6013 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.6 – 1 | 0.8 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Cugives 2xxx-level strength | 0.6 – 1.1 | 0.9 |
| Mn | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.35 |
| Mg | 0.8 – 1.2 | 1 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Ti | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
6013-O — frequently asked
What is 6013-O used for?
6013-O is typically used for aerospace valves, hydraulic components and fasteners. In short: aerospace performance; high strength.
What is the yield strength of 6013-O?
6013-O has a typical yield strength of 76 MPa (11 ksi) and a tensile strength of 152 MPa (22 ksi) — weaker than 90% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is 6013-O easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades). Excellent for a 6xxx alloy — the Cu addition breaks chips well; use polished-flute carbide, high speed, and flood or MQL lubrication.
Can 6013-O be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Weldable by TIG/MIG/FSW with 4043 or 4047 filler; expect HAZ softening to near-T4 levels and post-weld age if strength is critical.
What surface finishes work on 6013-O?
Anodizes well (clear/hard); the copper gives a slightly grey cast, so chromate or type II + seal is preferred for corrosion protection, and clad/primer for aerospace exteriors.
Can 6013-O be formed, bent or molded?
Form, draw or stretch in O or T4 then artificially age to T6; T6 sheet has limited bend radii (typ. 2–4t).
What is the maximum service temperature of 6013-O?
6013-O is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in 6013-O?
Yes — 6013-O is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- Alcoa 6013 Sheet and Plate alloy data — Alcoa/Arconic (2015)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- MMPDS metallic materials properties (typical values) — Battelle/FAA (2023)
- AMS 4216 / AMS 4347 6013 sheet and plate specifications — SAE International (2019)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.