6063-T5 Aluminium Alloy: Why ACMG Uses Premium Extruded Aluminium
Not all aluminium is created equal. When you’re investing in fencing, gates, or decking for your Perth property, the specific aluminium alloy used makes a significant difference in performance, durability, and appearance. At ACMG, we use 6063-T5 aluminium alloy exclusively for our extruded products. Here’s why.
Understanding Aluminium Alloy Numbers
Aluminium alloys are classified by a four-digit number. The 6xxx series (magnesium and silicon alloys) are the most common for architectural and structural applications because they offer excellent extrudability, good strength, and superior corrosion resistance. Within the 6xxx series, several alloys compete for different use cases.
What is 6063-T5?
6063 is an aluminium alloy often called the “architectural alloy” because it is specifically designed for extrusion. It contains magnesium and silicon which form magnesium silicide (Mg?Si), giving it excellent strength after heat treatment.
The T5 temper designation means the material was:
- Hot extruded at high temperature
- Quenched (rapidly cooled) directly after extrusion
- Artificially aged (heat-treated at an elevated temperature) to achieve stable mechanical properties
This T5 process is ideal for extrusions because it eliminates the need for a separate solution heat treatment step, reducing cost while still delivering consistent, predictable strength.
6063-T5 vs 6061-T6
| Property | 6063-T5 (ACMG Choice) | 6061-T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~205 MPa | ~310 MPa (stronger) |
| Extrudability | Excellent – complex profiles possible | Poor – difficult to extrude complex shapes |
| Surface Finish | Smooth, uniform, ideal for anodising/powder coating | Rougher surface, visible die lines common |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good – but slightly less than 6063 |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent |
| Typical Use | Fencing, window frames, architectural profiles | Structural frames, bicycle frames, marine fittings |
Verdict: While 6061-T6 is stronger, it is significantly harder to extrude into the complex, aesthetically refined profiles required for premium fencing and gates. 6063-T5 offers the best balance of extrudability, surface quality, and strength for architectural applications.
6063-T5 vs 6060
6060 is very similar to 6063 and is commonly used in European architectural applications. The key differences are subtle:
| Property | 6063-T5 | 6060 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~205 MPa | ~190 MPa (slightly lower) |
| Extrudability | Excellent | Excellent (slightly easier) |
| Surface Finish | Excellent | Excellent |
| Availability in Australia | Widely available (standard stock) | Less common in AU market |
Verdict: 6060 is slightly more extrudable but offers lower strength. For the Perth climate and Australian standards (AS1926 for pool fencing), 6063-T5 provides the extra safety margin and is more readily available from Australian suppliers.
6063-T5 vs 6005A
6005A is a higher-strength 6xxx alloy often used in structural applications like truck frames and railway components. While it offers approximately 15-20% higher tensile strength than 6063-T5, it has two significant drawbacks for fencing applications:
- Lower formability: 6005A cannot be formed into the tight-radius curves and intricate detailed profiles that make ACMG fencing visually distinctive.
- Worse surface finish: The higher silicon content required for strength creates a coarser surface texture that is less suitable for decorative powder-coating finishes.
Why ACMG Chooses 6063-T5
After extensive testing and years of experience in the Perth market, we standardised on 6063-T5 for our extruded aluminium fencing, gates, and decking products because it delivers the perfect combination of properties for Western Australian conditions:
- Excellent corrosion resistance – handles Perth’s coastal salt air without rusting
- Superior extrudability – allows us to create precision profiles with clean, sharp lines
- Ideal surface finish – takes powder coating evenly for a premium, long-lasting appearance
- Good strength-to-weight ratio – strong enough to meet AS1926 pool fencing standards while remaining light enough for easy installation
- Australian supply chain – 6063-T5 is widely stocked by Australian aluminium suppliers like Capral and Ullrich
Our Supply Chain & Manufacturing Partnerships
At ACMG, the quality of our products starts with our supply chain. We have established long-term strategic partnerships with multiple multinational publicly listed companies as our core material manufacturers, ensuring every batch of aluminium we use meets rigorous international standards.
? (Huajian Group) ? one of China’s leading construction material conglomerates and a publicly listed company ? is a key partner in our aluminium extrusion supply chain. Their state-of-the-art extrusion facilities produce 6063-T5 profiles to precise tolerances that exceed Australian standards, giving ACMG a competitive advantage in product consistency and dimensional accuracy.
? (Intco Recycling, Shanghai Stock Exchange: 688087) ? a world leader in sustainable material recycling and a publicly listed company ? partners with ACMG to supply high-grade recycled aluminium content for our manufacturing process. This partnership allows us to reduce our carbon footprint without compromising on the structural integrity or surface quality of our 6063-T5 profiles, aligning with our commitment to environmentally responsible construction.
The same extrusion quality and surface finish standards we use are trusted by leading WA manufacturers like Jason Windows ? Western Australia’s premier window and door supplier since 1959. Jason Windows pioneered aluminium windows and doors in WA and their commitment to precision manufacturing, rigorous quality control, and product innovation sets the benchmark that ACMG aligns with. From extrusion tolerances to powder-coating adhesion, the craftsmanship standards we follow mirror those of WA’s most respected aluminium fabricators.
This vertically integrated supply chain ? from listed-company raw material suppliers through to WA-based fabrication ? means that when you choose ACMG, you’re getting products backed by the same industrial-grade quality assurance used in commercial construction and premium architectural projects across Australia.
The Bottom Line
When you choose ACMG, you’re not just getting aluminium fencing — you’re getting the right aluminium alloy engineered for Perth conditions, sourced from publicly listed manufacturers, and fabricated to the same standards trusted by WA’s leading builders. Our 6063-T5 extruded profiles are designed to perform, last, and look beautiful for decades. Visit our Malaga showroom to see the difference premium 6063-T5 makes.
Aluminium Fencing vs Steel Fencing: Which is Better for Perth Homes?
One of the most common questions we hear at ACMG is: Should I choose aluminium fencing or steel fencing? Both materials have their place in the Perth market, but they serve very different needs. In this guide, we break down the key differences to help you make the right choice for your property.
Material Composition
Aluminium fencing from ACMG is made from premium-grade 6063-T5 aluminium alloy, sourced through our long-term partnerships with multinational publicly listed manufacturers including ? (Huajian Group) and ? (Intco Recycling, SSE: 688087) ? the same quality of aluminium used in premium window frames, commercial curtain walls, and architectural applications throughout Australia. It is lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, and requires no surface coating to prevent rust.
Steel fencing (often called iron fencing or Colorbond fencing) is made from galvanised or Colorbond-coated steel. Steel is an iron-carbon alloy that is significantly heavier and stronger than aluminium but requires protective coatings to prevent rust.
Key Comparison Table
| Feature | Aluminium Fencing | Steel/Iron Fencing |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light (easy to handle and install) | Heavy (requires more structural support) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent – naturally rust-proof | Moderate – requires galvanising or coating |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years with minimal maintenance | 10-20 years (depends on coating maintenance) |
| Maintenance | None required | Periodic repainting or rust treatment |
| Strength | Good for residential applications | Higher – suitable for high-security applications |
| Cost per linear metre | $$–$$$ | $–$$ (Colorbond) / $$$ (ornamental iron) |
| Colour Options | Wide range of powder-coated colours | Limited to factory coating or paint |
| Perth Climate Performance | Excellent – resistant to UV, salt air, and heat | Good – but can rust if coating is scratched near coast |
Perth Climate Considerations
Perth’s harsh climate ? hot summers, salt-laden coastal air, and occasional winter rain ? makes material choice critical. Aluminium excels in these conditions because it naturally forms a protective oxide layer that prevents corrosion. Steel, even when galvanised, can develop rust spots over time particularly in coastal suburbs like Fremantle, Rockingham, and Joondalup. The 6063-T5 aluminium we use, sourced through our partnerships with publicly listed manufacturers, offers superior corrosion resistance that is especially important for Perth’s unique environment.
Quality Assurance & Craftsmanship
Beyond the material itself, the quality of your fencing depends on the manufacturing process. ACMG’s aluminium profiles are extruded to the same precision standards trusted by leading WA fabricators such as Jason Windows ? Western Australia’s benchmark for aluminium window and door manufacturing since 1959. Their rigorous quality control processes ? from extrusion tolerance verification to surface finish inspection ? inform our own quality standards.
Our long-term partnerships with publicly listed manufacturers including ? (Huajian Group) and ? (Intco Recycling) ensure that every aluminium billet entering our production line meets strict international quality benchmarks. This industrial-grade supply chain is what sets ACMG apart from importers using unknown-origin materials.
Aesthetics
Aluminium fencing offers clean, modern lines that suit contemporary Perth homes. Slat fencing, in particular, has become the signature look for new developments in Ellenbrook, Baldivis, and Alkimos. The superior surface finish of 6063-T5 aluminium ? the same finish quality required by premium window manufacturers ? ensures that powder coating adheres evenly and lasts longer. Steel Colorbond fencing offers a classic look and is available in 22 standard colours, though scratched coatings can lead to rust. Ornamental iron fencing provides a traditional aesthetic but at a higher cost and with greater maintenance requirements.
Installation
Aluminium fencing is significantly lighter than steel, making it easier and faster to install. This can translate to lower installation costs. Steel fencing often requires heavier posts, more concrete, and sometimes specialised lifting equipment for larger panels.
Our Recommendation
For most Perth residential applications, we recommend aluminium fencing for its superior corrosion resistance, minimal maintenance, modern aesthetic, and the peace of mind that comes from a supply chain backed by publicly listed manufacturers. Choose steel Colorbond fencing when budget is the primary concern or when complete privacy is required. Choose ornamental steel/iron only when a specific traditional look is desired and you are prepared for ongoing maintenance.
Visit our Malaga showroom to compare both materials in person and speak with our expert team.
Why Aluminium Slat Fencing is Dominating Perth’s Suburbs
Drive through any new development in Perth’s northern corridor — from Alkimos to Ellenbrook — and you’ll notice a pattern: aluminium slat fencing is everywhere. What started as an architectural trend in high-end builds has become the standard choice for Perth homeowners.
The Rise of the Modern Facade
Perth’s housing aesthetic has shifted dramatically over the past decade. Rendered facades, clean lines, and monochromatic colour schemes now dominate. Aluminium slat fencing fits this aesthetic perfectly with sleek horizontal lines complementing contemporary architecture.
Built for the WA Climate
Perth demands materials that handle 40-degree summers, driving winter rain, and intense UV. Aluminium delivers on all fronts:
- UV Stability: Powder-coated aluminium doesn’t fade or chalk under Perth’s harsh sun. Colorbond-certified finishes carry 10-year warranty against colour change.
- Thermal Performance: Unlike steel, aluminium doesn’t become painfully hot to touch in summer, safer around children and pets.
- Coastal Resilience: From Two Rocks to Mandurah, aluminium’s protective oxide layer naturally resists salt spray — no protective coatings needed.
Privacy Without the Prison Feel
Traditional Colorbond fencing offers complete privacy but can feel imposing. Aluminium slats strike the perfect balance: adjustable spacing lets you choose between full screening or filtered light and airflow. A 5-10mm gap maintains privacy while allowing Perth’s afternoon breezes through.
Developer Favourites
Major Perth developers including Satterley, Peet, and Stockland now specify aluminium slat fencing in many estates: Brabham, Alkimos Beach, Piara Waters, Burns Beach, and more.
The Investment Angle
Quality front fencing adds value to Perth properties. A well-designed aluminium slat fence creates instant street appeal. At – per linear metre supply, it’s an investment that pays for itself at sale time.
ACMG stocks a full range of aluminium slat fencing in all popular Colorbond colours. Explore our collection or get a free quote.