6063 Aluminum Extrusions Scrap consists of architectural profiles, structural shapes and manufacturing offcuts made from aluminum alloy 6063. This heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy is widely used for window frames, doors, railings, architectural trim and other products requiring good surface finishing and corrosion resistance.
Scrap value depends on verified alloy composition, cleanliness, coatings, attached materials and buyer requirements. Under ReMA/ISRI specifications, qualifying old aluminum extrusions of a single alloy may meet the Tutu trade grade.
6063 Extrusions Scrap: Quick Facts
- Material category: Nonferrous aluminum scrap
- Alloy designation: Aluminum 6063 (AA 6063)
- Alloy family: 6000 series, aluminum-magnesium-silicon
- Common tempers: T5, T6 and other specified conditions
- Relevant ReMA/ISRI code: Tutu (Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade)
- Common sources: Window frames, door frames, storefronts, architectural trim, tubing and fabrication offcuts
- Key grading factors: Alloy identity, iron attachments, thermal breaks, coatings and contamination
- Potential buyers: Nonferrous scrap yards, extrusion recyclers and secondary aluminum processors
What Are 6063 Aluminum Extrusions?
6063 is a wrought aluminum alloy from the 6000 series, with magnesium and silicon as its principal alloying elements. It is frequently called an architectural aluminum alloy because of its suitability for producing profiles with complex cross-sections and attractive surface finishes.
Extrusion is a manufacturing process in which aluminum is forced through a die to produce a continuous shape, such as tubing, channel, angle or a custom architectural section.
6063 offers good extrudability, general corrosion resistance, anodizing characteristics and useful mechanical properties. Its actual strength depends on the temper and product specification.
Important distinction: 6063 identifies the aluminum alloy, while extrusion identifies the manufacturing process. Not every aluminum extrusion is 6063, and not every aluminum product containing 6063 qualifies as clean extrusion scrap.
6063 Aluminum Alloy Composition and Properties
Aluminum 6063 is an aluminum-magnesium-silicon alloy with controlled limits for additional elements. Its chemistry distinguishes it from 6061 and other aluminum grades.
Typical AA 6063 Composition Limits
| Element | Weight Percentage |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.45–0.90% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.20–0.60% |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.35% maximum |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.10% maximum |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.10% maximum |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.10% maximum |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.10% maximum |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.10% maximum |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
These are alloy composition limits, not measured results for a particular scrap shipment. Other-element limits also apply under the relevant material specification.
Key Properties of 6063 Aluminum
- Extrudability: Suitable for producing complex architectural profiles.
- Surface finish: Often selected for decorative anodized and other finished surfaces.
- Corrosion resistance: Performs well in many atmospheric applications, subject to environmental and design conditions.
- Heat treatment: Can be supplied in different tempers to achieve specified mechanical properties.
- Fabrication: Suitable for common forming, cutting, joining and machining applications using appropriate procedures.
- Recycling: Identified 6063 scrap can be recovered as secondary aluminum feedstock.
Temper designations such as T5 or T6 describe processing and mechanical condition. They do not change the alloy designation, and the original temper does not survive remelting.
ReMA/ISRI Tutu: Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade
The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) maintains the ISRI Specifications used as reference descriptions in recycled commodity trading.
The January 2026 specifications identify Tutu as Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade. This grade covers old extruded aluminum of one alloy, typically including 6063, 6061 or 7075.
Material must be free of iron, thermal breaks, saw chips, zinc corners, dirt, paper, cardboard and other foreign contamination. Paint percentages and allowances for other alloys are subject to agreement between buyer and seller.
6063 Materials That May Qualify
- Clean, identified 6063 aluminum window and door profiles
- Suitable clean architectural framing and storefront sections
- Verified single-alloy 6063 tubing and channels
- Clean extrusion-manufacturing offcuts
- Other old 6063 extrusions meeting the buyer's agreed specifications
Materials Requiring Separate Evaluation
- Profiles containing steel screws, brackets or fasteners
- Window frames with plastic thermal breaks
- Aluminum with attached rubber seals, glass or insulation
- Mixed 6061, 6063 and other alloy profiles
- Painted or powder-coated profiles outside agreed allowances
- Saw chips, turnings and machining residues
- Profiles containing zinc fittings, corners or other disallowed components
Specification note: Tutu is not an exclusively 6063 grade. Single-alloy requirements and permitted exceptions must be agreed upon for the shipment.
6063 vs. 6061 Aluminum Extrusions: Key Differences
Both 6063 and 6061 belong to the 6000-series aluminum family, but they differ in composition, properties and common uses.
| Characteristic | 6063 Aluminum | 6061 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Common applications | Architectural and decorative profiles | Structural, machinery and transportation components |
| Extrudability | Especially suitable for complex profiles | Suitable for many structural shapes |
| Typical strength | Generally lower in comparable common tempers | Generally higher in comparable common tempers |
| Finishing | Often preferred for decorative anodizing | Can also be anodized |
| Scrap sorting | Separate identified 6063 when required | Separate identified 6061 when required |
These differences matter for alloy-controlled recycling. Mixing identified 6063 with 6061 may cause a shipment to be purchased as mixed extrusion scrap rather than a single-alloy grade.
Where Does 6063 Extrusion Scrap Come From?
6063 scrap is commonly generated by architectural fabrication, construction, renovation, deconstruction and manufacturing operations.
- Window manufacturers: Profile offcuts, rejected sections and frames
- Door manufacturers: Architectural door frames and extruded components
- Storefront contractors: Glazing systems and commercial framing
- Construction and renovation: Removed frames, trim and other building profiles
- Extrusion manufacturers: Production offcuts and out-of-specification profiles
- Metal fabricators: Identified tubes, channels, angles and finished profiles
- Equipment dismantlers: Suitable extruded components from end-of-life equipment
Some irrigation tubing and other extruded products may also use 6063. However, product appearance or application alone cannot establish an alloy designation.
How to Identify 6063 Aluminum Extrusions
6063 extrusions often resemble 6061 and other aluminum alloys. Reliable sorting requires more than visual inspection.
- Review material documentation: Check mill certificates, purchase records or manufacturing specifications for AA 6063.
- Inspect markings: Some profiles or packaging identify alloy and temper.
- Confirm product form: Distinguish extruded profiles from sheet, casting and other aluminum scrap forms.
- Check for attachments: Identify steel fasteners, plastic thermal breaks, glass and rubber seals.
- Record coatings: Separate painted or powder-coated profiles when required.
- Use suitable alloy testing: Qualified processors may employ validated analytical instruments to verify alloy chemistry.
- Confirm buyer grading: Determine whether the load meets a single-alloy 6063 category or a mixed extrusion grade.
Identification tip: Conventional handheld XRF instruments have limitations when measuring light elements such as magnesium and silicon. A suitable optical emission spectroscopy system or another validated analytical method may be needed for certain alloy distinctions.
Clean, Painted and Contaminated 6063 Extrusions
Clean 6063 Extrusions
Clean, correctly identified profiles without prohibited attachments are generally easier for aluminum processors to purchase and prepare for alloy-controlled recycling.
Painted or Powder-Coated Extrusions
Coated 6063 profiles can be recycled, but coating type and quantity may affect processing and purchasing grades. Paint allowances under Tutu require buyer-seller agreement.
6063 Extrusions With Iron Attachments
Steel screws, fasteners and brackets can prevent an extrusion load from meeting clean single-alloy requirements.
Thermally Broken Window Frames
Thermally broken profiles include insulating material between aluminum sections. These assemblies require appropriate separation or a buyer that accepts them under a different grade.
Mixed Alloy Extrusions
Loads containing 6063, 6061 and other identified or unidentified alloys may be purchased as mixed extrusions rather than a clean single-alloy grade.
6063 Aluminum Extrusion Scrap Prices
6063 scrap prices depend on the accepted grade, alloy verification, cleanliness, market conditions, shipment size and buyer requirements.
Scrap yards may distinguish ordinary 6063 extrusions, prepared 6063, painted extrusions and mixed 6000-series aluminum.
What Affects the Buying Price?
- Alloy verification: Confirmed 6063 can be evaluated separately from mixed alloy material.
- Cleanliness: Iron, rubber, plastics and other attachments can affect grading.
- Coatings: Painted and powder-coated profiles may require separate treatment.
- Preparation: Buyer-ready lengths and separated components may reduce handling requirements.
- Quantity: Consistent industrial lots may qualify for different commercial terms.
- Market conditions: Aluminum markets and demand for secondary feedstock affect purchasing economics.
- Location: Transportation costs and regional processing capacity influence net returns.
Available 6063 Extrusions Scrap Prices
Review available RecyclingMonster price records below. Verify the exact grade, reporting date, location, currency and weight unit before comparing quotations.
price
For specific price categories, consult 6063 Extrusions Scrap Prices, Prepared 6063 Aluminum Extrusion Prices and 6063 Painted Extrusion Prices.
These are distinct purchasing categories. General aluminum prices or older observations should not be presented as guaranteed current 6063 quotations.
How to Sort and Prepare 6063 Extrusions for Recycling
- Separate identified alloys: Keep verified 6063 profiles apart from 6061 and other aluminum grades when required.
- Remove disallowed attachments: Separate screws, steel brackets, plastic inserts and rubber components using safe procedures.
- Address thermal breaks: Confirm whether the buyer requires these materials to be removed.
- Identify coatings: Keep painted and clean profiles separate if the purchaser applies different grades.
- Separate other scrap forms: Do not mix extrusion profiles with saw chips, turnings or castings without approval.
- Control contamination: Keep material free of excess dirt, paper, cardboard and unrelated waste.
- Confirm dimensions: Obtain the buyer's cutting, bundling and packaging requirements before preparation.
- Maintain records: Record grade, weight, known alloy identification and shipment information.
Safety note: Cutting aluminum can create sharp edges and airborne particles. Aluminum fines and dust can present combustible-dust hazards in certain conditions. Commercial processing requires suitable equipment and safety procedures.
How Are 6063 Aluminum Extrusions Recycled?
Recovered 6063 profiles can become feedstock for secondary aluminum manufacturing when their composition and condition meet the receiving processor's requirements.
A typical industrial recycling operation may involve:
- Receiving and inspection: Extrusion scrap is weighed and classified.
- Alloy sorting: Material is segregated by known alloy or appropriate analytical testing.
- Contamination removal: Steel, plastic, rubber, glass and other unwanted materials are separated.
- Size reduction: Profiles are prepared to meet handling and processing requirements.
- Melting: Suitable aluminum scrap is processed in industrial furnaces.
- Alloy adjustment: Metal chemistry is managed to meet downstream product specifications.
- Quality control: Recovered metal is checked for the intended manufacturing application.
Recycled 6063 may be used to manufacture suitable aluminum products, including new extrusions where composition and production requirements are met. Not every shipment is recycled into the same alloy or product.
Where Can You Sell 6063 Aluminum Extrusions?
6063 aluminum scrap may be purchased by nonferrous scrap yards, aluminum processors, extrusion recyclers and secondary aluminum consumers.
Not every facility purchases verified 6063 separately. Some buyers use general extrusion grades, while others distinguish clean 6063, painted 6063 and mixed aluminum.
yards
Search 6063 Aluminum Recycling Centers or explore the broader Extruded Aluminum Recycling Centers directory.
Contact each recycler to verify current acceptance, exact grade requirements, minimum quantities and collection services.
Bulk 6063 Extrusion Scrap: Commercial Selling Requirements
Window and door manufacturers, metal fabricators, extrusion plants, construction contractors and architectural dismantlers can generate significant quantities of 6063 aluminum scrap.
Before negotiating a commercial sale, confirm:
- Whether the buyer purchases 6063 separately from mixed aluminum
- Accepted Tutu or buyer-specific specifications
- Required alloy documentation and testing
- Paint and powder-coating allowances
- Rules for iron attachments and thermal breaks
- Glass, gasket and insulating-material restrictions
- Minimum shipment quantities and collection frequency
- Maximum profile lengths and packaging requirements
- Pricing units, currency and applicable deductions
- Freight, loading, weighing and settlement procedures
Separately documented production offcuts may be easier to grade than mixed demolition material, but the best preparation strategy depends on buyer requirements and processing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About 6063 Extrusions
What is the ReMA/ISRI code for 6063 aluminum extrusions?
Tutu is the Aluminum Extrusion Dealer Grade covering qualifying old extrusions of one alloy, including separately identified 6063.
What is the difference between 6063 and 6061 aluminum?
6063 is often used for architectural profiles and decorative finishes. 6061 is commonly selected for structural and machinery applications. Their compositions and mechanical properties differ.
Can painted 6063 extrusions be recycled?
Yes. Painted 6063 can enter suitable recycling processes, although coatings may affect grading, processing costs and acceptance requirements.
Can 6061 and 6063 extrusions be mixed for scrap sale?
Some buyers accept mixed extrusions. However, single-alloy shipments should keep the alloys separate unless the purchaser expressly agrees otherwise.
What affects the price of 6063 extrusion scrap?
Alloy verification, coatings, contamination, preparation, quantity, location and aluminum market conditions affect buyer quotations.
Related Aluminum Scrap and Recycling Resources
Explore these RecyclingMonster resources to compare aluminum extrusion grades, reported prices and recycling facilities.
Material information notice: Aluminum alloy identification, trade specifications, prices and recycling requirements vary by buyer, location and reporting date. This guide is educational. Final material acceptance and settlement terms depend on the applicable buyer-seller agreement.