Why choose 6063 aluminum grinding rods?
In precision machining and automatic feeding, customers care most about dimensional stability, smooth feeding, and consistent anodized appearance. Conventional extruded bars often fail to meet these requirements at the same time, which may lead to feeding jams, deformation during machining, or color inconsistency after anodizing.
6063 aluminum grinding rods are designed to overcome these challenges.
- Precision up to 0.02 mm, stable even at 8,000 rpm;
- Straightness ≤0.2 mm/m, roundness ≤0.005 mm, ensuring smooth feeding in Swiss-type and guide bushing lathes;
- Double-end chamfer, preventing jamming and downtime, improving production efficiency;
- "Turned stock” option, outer diameter can be pre-turned to match customer’s machine requirements, reducing trial cutting time;
- Coarse grain ring <0.5 mm, anodized color is more uniform, avoiding white spots and snowflake defects;
- T651 stress relieving, minimizing deformation after machining, especially suitable for carbide tooling and precision components.
As an Al-Mg-Si heat-treatable alloy, 6063 offers better weldability and finer anodized appearance than 6061, although its strength is slightly lower. It is particularly suitable for components where appearance and weldability are equally important.
Stock sizes
| Product | Alloy | Temper | Diameter (mm) | Length (mm) |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 10 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 12 | 3000 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 14 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 18 | 3000 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 20 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 25 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 27 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 28.5 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 28 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 29 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 30 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 31 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 32 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 35 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 37 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 8 | 2500 |
| Ground rod | 6063 | T6 | 9 | 2500 |
Chemical composition (GB/T 3190-2020)
| Element | Content (%) |
| Si | 0.20–0.60 |
| Fe | ≤0.35 |
| Cu | ≤0.10 |
| Mn | ≤0.10 |
| Mg | 0.45–0.90 |
| Cr | ≤0.10 |
| Zn | ≤0.10 |
| Ti | ≤0.10 |
| Zr | — |
| Others (each) | ≤0.05 |
| Others (total) | ≤0.15 |
| Al | Balance |
Mechanical properties (GB/T 3191-2019)
| Temper | Tensile strength Rm (MPa) | Yield strength Rp0.2 (MPa) | Elongation A (%) | Hardness (HB) |
| T6 | ≥215 | ≥170 | ≥10 | ≈75 |
Standards and certifications
Chemical composition complies with GB/T 3190-2020, and mechanical properties comply with GB/T 3191-2019.
EN 10204 3.1 material certificate can be provided upon delivery.
Production system certified to ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949.
Optional UT ultrasonic testing, air-tightness and dimensional inspection reports available to ensure traceability and reliability.
Dimensions and precision (tolerance, straightness, roundness, chamfer)
Diameter tolerance: standard –0.02 mm negative deviation, optional ±0.02 mm customized.
Straightness: ≤0.2 mm/m; Roundness: ≤0.005 mm.
Chamfer: double-end chamfered, ensuring smooth automatic feeding and reducing guide bushing wear.
High-speed stability: no visible vibration marks at 8,000 rpm, supporting stable mass production yield.
Material tempers and stress relieving (T4 / T6 / T651)
T4: Excellent formability, suitable for subsequent aging and anodizing.
T6: Higher strength (Tensile ≥215 MPa, Yield ≥170 MPa, Hardness ≈75 HB).
T651: Stress relieved on the basis of T6, significantly reducing deformation and residual stress after machining; ideal for carbide tooling and precision parts.
Machining performance
Chip breaking and tool life
6063 aluminum grinding rods feature uniform microstructure. Combined with sharp rake-angle carbide tools and proper coolant, they generate short chips efficiently, avoiding chip entanglement and tool marks.
→ This ensures smoother machining, better surface finish, longer tool life, fewer tool changes, and lower production costs.
Anodizing consistency
The coarse grain ring is strictly controlled to <0.5 mm, with stable pretreatment rhythm, which significantly reduces the risk of color deviation and anodizing blotches.
→ Customers benefit from consistent appearance across batches, minimizing sorting, rework, and scrap.
Swiss-type machine friendly
All rods are double-end chamfered, with straightness ≤0.2 mm/m and roundness ≤0.005 mm, enabling smoother feeding on Swiss-type and guide bushing lathes.
→ This minimizes jamming and downtime, enhancing production efficiency in automated lines.
Stress relieving
Supplied in T651 stress-relieved condition, which greatly reduces residual stress in the bar, ensuring dimensional stability after machining.
→ Particularly critical for high-precision parts, reducing rework and improving yield.
Applications
Construction industry
Widely used for window frames, curtain walls, and railings. 6063 combines light weight and corrosion resistance, with anodizing available in various colors to meet both structural and aesthetic needs.
Irrigation systems
6063 aluminum tubes are applied in agricultural and municipal irrigation systems. They provide excellent corrosion resistance and processability, enabling long-term stable water transport with reduced maintenance costs.
Transportation and vehicles
Applied in vehicle frames, support racks, and lifting equipment. 6063 reduces overall weight while maintaining sufficient strength, improving energy efficiency and safety.
Furniture and light industry
Commonly used in furniture supports, handrails, trim strips, and stands. After anodizing, surfaces are bright and uniform with a wide range of color choices, combining functionality with decorative appeal.
Aerospace and marine
Used in non-load-bearing components of aircraft and ships. 6063 provides good corrosion resistance and low weight, extending service life and reducing maintenance.
Decorative profiles
6063 aluminum can be anodized into silver, black, gold, and other colors, making it ideal for decorative trims, railings, and panels in architectural applications, enhancing overall aesthetics.
Packaging and delivery
Packaging: pearl cotton + moisture-proof film + impact-resistant pads + fumigated wooden cases; chamfered ends and rod surfaces are individually protected.
Delivery: supports samples (MOQ 5–50 kg), 3–7 days delivery for stock sizes, with DDP/FOB/CIF terms available.
Documents: EN 10204 3.1 certificate, dimensional inspection reports, and optional ultrasonic testing.
Cutting and sizing: customized lengths and multi-section cutting available; pre-turned stock can be supplied to match customer equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How to choose between 6063 and 6061 grinding rods?
A: Choose 6063 when consistent anodizing appearance and weldability are critical. Choose 6061 for higher strength or wider stock availability. Both alloys can be centerless ground, but 6061 is more common in stock.
Q2: What tolerances can you achieve?
A: Standard supply is –0.02 mm negative deviation (customized ±0.02 mm available), with straightness ≤0.2 mm/m and roundness ≤0.005 mm. All rods are double-end chamfered for smooth feeding.
Q3: Is stability ensured at 8,000 rpm?
A: Yes. With T651 stress relieving and controlled straightness/roundness, the rods run without visible vibration at 8,000 rpm. Actual performance also depends on clamping, tooling, and coolant.
Q4: Can anodized color remain consistent?
A: Yes. By controlling the coarse grain ring <0.5 mm and using stable pretreatment, the risk of blotches and color deviation is minimized. We recommend processing in the same batch for best consistency.
Q5: Do you provide 3.1 certificates and samples?
A: Yes. We support EN 10204 3.1 material certificates, samples, and small trial orders. Submit your drawing and tolerance requirements, and we can provide manufacturability feedback and quotations within 24–48 hours.

