Omalco works with all 5000, 6000 and 7000 series aluminium alloys. Final alloy, temper and process selection remains dependent on the profile geometry, application, fabrication route, finish and order requirements.
Start with the alloying system, then return to the drawing.
The three series do not form a simple good-better-best ladder. Each has a different strengthening and processing route, and suitability changes with section geometry and end use.
5xxx01
Aluminium-magnesium series
Magnesium is the principal alloying element.
Non-heat-treatable; strength is developed primarily through composition and strain hardening.
Known for corrosion resistance and weldability, with grade-specific strength and forming behaviour.
Extrusion guidance
Magnesium level, section geometry, finish, forming and welding requirements must be reviewed together before selecting a grade and temper.
Is welding, forming or bending part of the downstream route?
What corrosion environment and surface finish will the profile see?
Which dimensions, loads and joint details control the section?
6xxx02
Aluminium-magnesium-silicon series
Magnesium and silicon are the principal alloying elements.
Heat-treatable; temper is developed through a controlled thermal route.
A widely used extrusion family that balances extrudability, strength, fabrication and surface-finish response.
Extrusion guidance
The exact grade and temper should follow the required strength, profile complexity, machining, joining, bending, anodizing or coating route.
Is visual anodizing, powder coating or a functional mill finish required?
Does the drawing contain thin walls, hollows, screw ports or tight interfaces?
Which machining, welding, bending or assembly steps follow extrusion?
7xxx03
Aluminium-zinc series
Zinc is the principal alloying element; magnesium and, in some grades, copper are also important.
Heat-treatable; grade and temper strongly influence the final property and processing route.
Offers high-strength potential, with extrusion, forming, joining, corrosion and finish behaviour that must be checked grade by grade.
Extrusion guidance
Use a drawing-led review. Strength alone does not establish extrusion feasibility, corrosion suitability, weldability or the right temper.
Which load cases and acceptance properties are controlled by the design?
Are welding, forming, machining or fatigue-sensitive details involved?
What corrosion protection, inspection and material documentation are required?
Chemistry in context
What the principal elements do.
Composition limits define an alloy designation, but finished behaviour also depends on temper, section design and processing. These are selection cues, not standalone performance promises.
Mg
Magnesium
Principal element in 5xxx and part of the strengthening system in 6xxx and many 7xxx grades.
Si
Silicon
Works with magnesium in 6xxx alloys and influences the heat-treatment and extrusion response.
Zn
Zinc
Principal element in 7xxx alloys and part of their grade-specific strength-development route.
Mn
Manganese
Used in selected grades to influence structure, strength and processing behaviour.
Cu
Copper
Present in selected alloys; it can influence strength, heat treatment, corrosion and joining considerations.
Cr
Chromium
A controlled addition in selected alloys that can influence microstructure and processing response.
Registered chemistry reference
Composition limits for 6xxx alloys referenced on this website.
Values are percentage by mass from the Aluminum Association's December 2025 Teal Sheets. A range gives minimum and maximum limits; "max" gives the maximum permitted value. Elements without a registered limit are omitted from this compact comparison.
Confirm the complete, current standard and the order's material certificate before acceptance. Website context does not establish stock or temper availability.
Registered chemical composition limits by mass for alloys 6005, 6061, 6063 and 6082
Alloy
Si
Fe
Cu
Mn
Mg
Cr
Zn
Ti
Other each
Other total
Al
6005
0.60-0.90
0.35 max
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.40-0.60
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.05 max
0.15 max
Remainder
6061
0.40-0.80
0.70 max
0.15-0.40
0.15 max
0.80-1.20
0.04-0.35
0.25 max
0.15 max
0.05 max
0.15 max
Remainder
6063
0.20-0.60
0.35 max
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.45-0.90
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.05 max
0.15 max
Remainder
6082
0.70-1.30
0.50 max
0.10 max
0.40-1.00
0.60-1.20
0.25 max
0.20 max
0.10 max
0.05 max
0.15 max
Remainder
Temper language
Alloy and temper are one decision.
A bare alloy number is incomplete for quotation and engineering review. Include the full temper when known, or mark it unknown and share the required function so the technical route can be reviewed.
F
As fabricated
No special control of strain hardening or thermal treatment is implied by the basic designation alone.
O
Annealed
A softened condition selected where the controlled product specification calls for it.
H
Strain hardened
Used with non-heat-treatable alloys; additional digits define the hardening and stabilization route.
T
Thermally treated
Used with heat-treatable alloys; the complete designation, process control and product specification matter.
Drawing-led selection
The information that turns a series into a usable specification.
01
Profile geometry
Dimensioned cross-section, critical dimensions, wall balance, hollows, mating parts and functional datums.
02
Service requirement
Loads, environment, appearance, corrosion exposure, design life inputs and controlled acceptance criteria.
Have a profile drawing but not the final alloy or temper?
Send the cross-section, application, fabrication route, finish, quantities and critical requirements. Unknown alloy or temper is acceptable at the first review stage.
Omalco works with all 5000, 6000 and 7000 series aluminium alloys. Final alloy and temper selection remains subject to profile geometry, application, properties, finish, fabrication, standards, and process review.
6000 series aluminium extrusion
6060, 6061, 6063, 6082, 6005, 6005A, 6101, and 6351 are distinct alloy designations, not interchangeable labels. Confirm chemistry, temper, mechanical-property, finish, and application requirements for the specific profile.
T4, T5, and T6 aluminium profiles
Temper terms describe processing condition and expected property routes. Heat treatment, quenching, natural or artificial ageing, section geometry, and governing specification affect what can be supplied and verified.