A tiny quantity of other metals is injected into pure aluminum to create aluminum alloy, which is essentially an enhanced engineering material. The specific properties also vary widely depending on the various alloying elements added, which can satisfy the majority of production needs.
In particular, 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys will be examined in this article. Knowing the two alloys' chemical makeup, mechanical characteristics, yield strength, industrial use, and cost advantages will enable you to distinguish between them and the typical uses for each aluminum alloy, which will improve your decision-making. Below, let's examine this article.
Magnesium and silicon are the primary alloying elements in 6061 aluminum alloy, which is a representative alloy of the 6000 series. Medium strength, good corrosion resistance, weldability, no post-process deformation, easy coloring, and good oxidation effect are all attributes of 6061 aluminum alloy. It is also frequently utilized for 6061 extruded aluminum profiles due to its ease of processing.
Numerous industrial structural components that need to be strong and resistant to corrosion, like mobile phone slots and shells, manufacturing trucks, tower buildings, structural materials, ships, railroad vehicles, precision machining, etc., use 6061 aluminum.
The following are the best-selling products of 6061 aluminum alloy:
6061 T6 T651 Aluminum Sheet Plate
6061 T6 T6511 Aluminum tube
6061 T6 T6511 Aluminum rod bar
6061 T6 T651 Aluminum flat bar
What is 7075 aluminum alloy?
Zinc is the primary alloying element in 7075 aluminum alloy. As a result, 7075 has a higher strength-to-weight ratio. The strongest and lightest aluminum is 7075, which is comparable to steel in strength, fatigue strength, and machinability. This is a crucial aspect of the military, aerospace, and defense sectors. However, 7075 aluminum has a very high hardness because of its high alloy composition. As a result, pressing and welding are extremely challenging.
A wide range of industries, including national defense, transportation, sporting goods, high-end bicycles, mold manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and aircraft frames, use 7075 aluminum alloy because of its exceptional strength, resistance to corrosion, and resistance to wear.
The following are the best-selling products of 7075 aluminum alloy:
7075 T651 T7651 T7351 Aluminum Sheet Plate
7075 T6 T651 Aluminum Rod Rar
7075 Mobile Middle Plate Aluminum Sheet
NO.1 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy chemical components
| Element | Composition (%) | |
| 6061 Alloy | 7075 Alloy | |
| Si | 0.4-0.8 | 0.40 |
| Fe | 0.7 | 0.50 |
| Cu | 0.15-0.4 | 1.2-2.0 |
| Mn | 0.15 | 0.30 |
| Mg | 0.8-1.2 | 2.1-2.9 |
| Cr | 0.04-0.35 | 0.18-0.28 |
| Ni | - | - |
| Zn | 0.25 | 5.1-6.1 |
| Ti | 0.15 | 0.20 |
| Others: Each | 0.05 | 0.05 |
| Others: Total | 0.15 | 0.15 |
| Aluminum | Remainder | Remainder |
NO.2 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy specification
| Alloy | 6061 | 7075 |
| Thickness (mm) | 0.3-500 | 1-300 |
| Width (mm) | 100-2800 | 500-3000 |
| Length (mm) | 500-16000 | 1000-12000 |
NO.3 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy tempers
| Alloy | 6061 | 7075 |
| temper | F, O, T4, T451, T42, T5, T6, T651, T6511, H112 | F, O, T6, T651, T62, T652, T76, T7651, T73, T7351, T7451, H112 |
NO.4 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy main product forms
Generally speaking, 6061 aluminum alloy can be made as 6061 aluminum sheets, 6061 aluminum alloy thick plates, 6061 aluminum tubes, 6061 aluminum profiles, 6061 aluminum angles, and 6061 T4/T651/T651 aluminum bars.
Generally speaking, 7075 aluminum alloy can be made as 7075 aluminum sheet, 7075 aluminum thick plates, 7075 aluminum mold plate, 7075 aluminum forging, 7075 T6 aluminum plate, 7075 aluminum bar, 7075 aluminum tube, and 7075-T6 aluminum levers.
NO.5 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy mechanical properties
To illustrate the differences between 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys, the following material properties are compared. The most representative T6 temper of the two alloys is chosen for comparison in this paper to aid comprehension.
We hope that the following table, which compares the mechanical properties of 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys, will help you better analyze and comprehend these two alloys.
| Material properties | 6061 Aluminum alloy | 7075 Aluminum alloy |
| Yield strength | 276 MPa | 503 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 GPa | 71.7 GPa |
| Thermal conductivity | 167 W/m-K | 130 W/m-K |
| Melting point | 582 - 652°C | 477 - 635°C |
| Electrical resistivity | 3.99 x 10⁻⁶ ohm-cm | 5.15 x 10⁻⁶ ohm-cm |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 95 | 150 |
| Machinability | Good | Fair |
Yield strength of 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy
The maximum stress at which a material starts to permanently deform is known as its yield strength. On the other hand, 7075 aluminum has a yield strength that is almost twice that of 6061 aluminum alloy and significantly higher than 6061 aluminum. As a result, 7075 aluminum can endure increased pressure and impact for a while without deforming. The 7075 aluminum alloy's chemical makeup and heat treatment determine it.
Since its yield strength of 276 MPa is only marginally less than that of some low-carbon steels, the 6061 aluminum alloy industry should obviously not be regarded as fragile.
Modulus of elasticity of 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy
It is a measurement of the material's resistance to plastic deformation and can be regarded as the alloy's "rigidity." Since it takes more effort to permanently deform a material with a higher modulus, it is thought to be more elastic.
Compared to 6061 aluminum alloy, 7075 aluminum alloy has a higher elastic modulus (71.7 GPa vs. 68.9 GPa). The two alloys' Young's tensile modulus values do not differ when compared.
Thermal conductivity of 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy
A measure of a material's capacity to transfer or conduct heat is called thermal conductivity. Aluminum alloys are typically not utilized for insulation. This is due to the fact that aluminum alloys in all their forms are excellent heat conductors. The thermal conductivity of the two heat-treated aluminum alloys is significantly influenced by their chemical makeup.
In these conditions, 6061 aluminum thermal conductivity has a marginally higher thermal conductivity (130 W/m-K vs. 167 W/m-K) than 7075 aluminum thermal conductivity. As a result, 6061 aluminum ought to be chosen for products like radiators and heat exchangers where heat dissipation is crucial.
Temperature resistance of 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy
By comparing the melting points of 7075 T6 and 6061 T6, we are able to determine their temperature resistance. Compared to 6061 aluminum, 7075 aluminum has a slightly lower melting point (477–635°C vs. 582–652°C). As a result, 6061 alloy is more heat-resistant than 7075 alloy. It should be mentioned, though, that the 7075 aluminum alloy reacts to heat treatment very well. It has the ability to disperse other alloy constituents in the metal uniformly.
Hardness of 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy
The aerospace and national defense industries primarily use 7075 aluminum because it has the highest strength to weight ratio of any aluminum alloy. The tensile strength of 7075 T6 aluminum in the "T6 state" is nearly twice that of 6061 T6 aluminum. According to estimates, 7075-T6 aluminum has a shear strength that is 1.5 times greater than 6061-T6 aluminum. It has a tensile strength that is on par with many steel grades. Compared to 6061, it is far more difficult.
Even though 6061's strength is only roughly half that of 7075 aluminum, its hardness is still adequate for a variety of uses in the automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors.
Machinability of 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy
When processing a particular alloy, machinability determines the material's reaction to milling, cutting, die-casting, and other processing techniques. It also determines the tool life, surface finish, and processing speed. Machinability can be defined in a variety of ways, much like hardness.
In general, the machinability of 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys is good. Nevertheless, 6061 alloy has a low tensile strength and hardness. Its lower tensile strength guarantees superior formability, while its lower hardness makes processing easier. As a result, processing it is simpler than 7075. Because it strikes a balance between strength, machinability, and other desirable qualities, the general manufacturer considers 6061 aluminum alloy to be the best option for the majority of machined parts.
NO.6 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy corrosion resistance
The fact that 7075 has a general corrosion resistance is one of its main drawbacks when compared to 6061. This is due to the fact that 7075 aluminum alloy has a significantly higher copper content than 6061. Corrosion is unavoidable because copper reacts more with the environment.
Because 6061 contains more aluminum and less copper than 7075, it creates a more uniform protective oxide layer that inhibits corrosion.
NO.7 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy welding performance
Since silicon and magnesium make up the majority of the alloy, 6061 aluminum has good weldability and formability. Aluminum 6061 is regarded as weldable and can be joined using adhesive, brazing, or welding techniques. After welding, heat treatment and aging treatment might be necessary to return the weld to its original "T" temper.
The higher zinc content of 7075 aluminum, a harder material, makes it difficult to form and weld. Welding defects like hot cracks are very common after welding and are typically regarded as non-weldable. Only rivets or other fasteners can be used to join parts if they must be joined.
NO.8 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy weight
Aluminum 6061 has a density of 2.7 g/cm3 (0.0975 lb/in3) and weighs about the same as pure aluminum.
Aluminum 7075 weighs more and has a density of 2.81 g/cm3 (0.102 lb/in3), making it marginally larger than pure aluminum. This is among the factors that make 7075 aluminum alloy better than 6061. Because it is significantly lighter than steel and has the same hardness, 7075 aluminum alloy can be used to create lightweight aerospace frames.
You can click the aluminum weight calculation for more information about the weight of the particular alloy.
NO.9 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy application
6061 aluminum alloy application
One of the most widely used aluminum alloys for extrusion is 6061, sometimes referred to as "structural aluminum." Because of its formability, it can be rolled, extruded, squared, rounded, or sheeted. The following are just a few applications for 6061 aluminum alloy because of its excellent formability:
Shipbuilding includes the production of sailing boats, yachts, marine frames, and marine hardware and accessories.
Manufacturing of automobiles: wheels, brakes, hydraulic pistons, truck and bus bodies, and various transport terminal applications.
Aerospace: fuselage and structural components of aircraft.
Rail transit: subway platforms, stairs, floors, covers, walkways, and railroad vehicle parts.
Food industry: food and drink cans, canned food.
In addition, there are submersible gas cylinders, pipe fittings, hinge pins, valves and valve parts, bicycle frames, fire ladders, bridge components, camera lens brackets, couplings, electrical accessories and connectors, magneto parks, 6061 aluminum frames, basic equipment, and gusset plates.
7075 aluminum alloy application
7075 aluminum alloy has been widely used in a variety of industries, including but not limited to aviation, aerospace, national defense, transportation, sporting goods, mold manufacturing, and machinery manufacturing, because of its high strength, exceptional wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Aerospace: producing elevators, engine parts, and the main structure of aircraft.
Manufacturing rocket warheads, weapon parts, tank bodies, armored vehicles, ships, and other military items is part of the country's defense and military industry.
Transportation: wheel hub, frame, engine support, braking system, and other components of cars, trains, and ships.
Sports goods: producing motorcycles, skis, golf clubs, and frames made of 7075 aluminum.
Manufacturing of machinery: producing die-casting dies, extrusion dies, automation equipment, precision processing equipment, and other types of machinery.
NO.10 6061 vs 7075 aluminum alloy price
7075 aluminum alloy has been widely used in a variety of industries, including but not limited to aviation, aerospace, national defense, transportation, sporting goods, mold manufacturing, and machinery manufacturing, because of its high strength, exceptional wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Aerospace: producing elevators, engine parts, and the main structure of aircraft.
Manufacturing rocket warheads, weapon parts, tank bodies, armored vehicles, ships, and other military items is part of the country's defense and military industry.
Transportation: wheel hub, frame, engine support, braking system, and other components of cars, trains, and ships.
Sports goods: producing motorcycles, skis, golf clubs, and frames made of 7075 aluminum.
Manufacturing of machinery: producing die-casting dies, extrusion dies, automation equipment, precision processing equipment, and other types of machinery.
Comprehensive summary
In summary, both of these alloy types are good choices for general-purpose, non-intensive applications because of their good qualities. They are more effective in their particular applications, though.
When products must be welded or have high corrosion resistance requirements, 6061 aluminum alloy is a better option. 6061 aluminum alloy is more widely used than 7075 aluminum alloy because it is simpler to process, easier to extrude, and more corrosion resistant. Due to cost differences, 6061 aluminum alloy is also more cost-effective. As a result, most suppliers typically favor 6061 aluminum.
Selecting the right ally material requires extensive professional knowledge of aluminum. GNEE, the superior manufacturing, can assist you in this regard. We are a sizable contemporary aluminum supplier that combines manufacturing, processing, and scientific research.
Aluminum plates, strips, and foils from the 1–8 series can be produced by GNEE to meet your specific processing requirements with full specifications, high capacity, ample inventory, and competitive pricing. The products can be tailored to meet customer needs, including Japanese, European, and American standards, and have successfully completed the CE and ISO9001 certification process.
You can check our inventory information directly or get in touch with us for more information.
