What is the Difference between 6061 aluminum vs 7075? Here, we will list 3 main points about them， to let you know more about aluminum 6061 vs 7075.
1.6061 Aluminum Introduction
6061 is the aluminum material of 6000 series. The main alloy is magnesium and silicon. The total composition ratio is low. The strength is lower than 7005 aluminum. Due to the simple composition and low content of the alloy, the difficulty of welding and pressing is relatively easy, and the price is also cheap.
The main alloying elements in 6061 alloy are magnesium and silicon. It has medium strength, good corrosion resistance, weldability, and good oxidation effect. It is widely used in various industrial structural parts that need certain strength and high corrosion resistance.
6061 is the most common aluminum material. Light, strong, and affordable.
2. 7075 Aluminum Introduction
7075 is the lightest and strongest aluminum material. The price is also super expensive! 7075 is as strong as steel.7075 aluminum plate is a cold-treated forged alloy. High strength, far better than mild steel. 7075 is one of the strongest alloys commercially available. Normal corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties and anodic reaction. The finer grains enable better deep drilling performance. Tool wear resistance is enhanced. Thread rolling is even more different.
The high-end 7075 aluminum plate belongs to the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu series super-hard aluminum. Alloy 7075 has been used in aircraft manufacturing since the late 1940s. It is still widely used in the aviation industry.
The characteristics of ultra-high-strength deformed aluminum alloys are: good plasticity after solution treatment. Heat treatment strengthening effect is particularly good. It has high strength below 150℃. And has particularly good low-temperature strength. Welding performance is poor. There is a tendency for stress corrosion cracking. It needs to be used with aluminum cladding or other protective treatment.
According to China’s executive standard: GB/T3880.2–2006, stable solution and good plasticity after treatment. It is particularly good for heat treatment strengthening. The super-strength 7075 has the reputation of steel.
Aluminum alloy 7075 aluminum alloy, zinc is the main alloying element. Has good fatigue strength and average machinability. But the resistance is poor.
7075 is also the aluminum of the 7000 series. The ingredients are the same as those of 7005. But the content is much higher. The hardness is much greater than 6061. exceeds the hardness of steel. But, due to a large number of alloy components, the hardness is extremely high. So, welding and pressing are very difficult. The price is also much higher than the 6061 and 7005.
3. 6061 aluminum vs 7075
3.1 6061 aluminum vs 7075 Composition difference
In the 6061 specification aluminum alloy, aluminum alloy elements account for 97.9%, magnesium elements account for 1%, and silicon elements account for 0.6%. Besides, 0.28% copper and 0.2% chromium (Chromium) are added.
The composition of 7075 aluminum alloy roughly includes 5.6-6.1% 2.1-2.5% zinc, magnesium 1.2-1.6% copper, less than half a percent. Silicon, iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, and other metals. It usually produces temper grades: 7075-O, 7075-T6, 7075-T651.
Table Summary
| Element | 6061 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 95.85 – 97.90 % | 86.90 – 91.40 % |
| Silicon | 0.40 – 0.80 % | 0.00 – 0.40 % |
| Zinc | 0.00 – 0.25 % | 5.6 – 6.10 % |
| Magnesium | 0.80 – 1.20 % | 2.1 – 2.50 % |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.00 – 0.15 % | 0.00 – 0.30 % |
| Chromium | 0.04 – 0.35 % | 0.07 – 0.23 % |
| Copper | 0.15 – 0.40 % | 1.20 – 1.60 % |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.00 – 0.70 % | 0.00 – 0.50 % |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.00 – 0.15 % | 0.00 – 0.2 % |
| Zirconium | – | 0.00 – 0.25 % |
| Residuals | 0.00 – 0.15 % | 0.00 – 0.15 % |
3.2 6061 aluminum vs 7075 Hardness difference
6061 hardness is 90HB.
7075 hardness can reach 150HB.
3.3 6061 aluminum vs 7075 Series Differences
6061 is a 6000 series aluminum alloy.
7075 is a 7000 series aluminum alloy. It is a zinc-magnesium-aluminum alloy.
3.4 6061 aluminum vs 7075 Differences in mechanical properties
| Grade | Yield | Shear | Tensile |
| 6061 | 7KSI | 10KSI | 13KSI |
| 7075 | 15KSI | 22KSI | 33KSI |
| 6061—T6 | 31KSI | 17KSI | 35KSI |
| 7075–T6 | 73KSI | 48KSI | 83KSI |
3.5 6061 aluminum vs 7075 Differences in use
Because of the price, Aluminum 6061 materials can be used in all kinds of places where aluminum alloy materials are not required.
Aluminum 7075 and Aluminum 7005 are usually used in aerospace. High hardness requirements. Small density requirements are used for commercial purposes. So 7075 also became a commercial aluminum alloy.
3.6 7075 vs 6061Aluminum cost
The price of Aluminum 6061 is generally 3usd to 5 USD per kg. But the price of Aluminum 7075 is generally 8-12usdPer kg.
So the relative sales volume of 6061 is higher. And the sales volume of 7075 is less than that of 6061 due to price reasons.
3.7 6061 vs 7075 Aluminum Alloy Series
The 6061 aluminum grades exist in pre-tempered and tempered grades. This include:
- The 6061-O: Annealed (bendable condition or “soft”,)
- 6061-T4 (naturally aged)
- 6061-T6 (artificially aged)
- 6061-T65 (artificially aged)
- 6061-T6511 (artificially aged)
The 7075 Aluminum grade is produced in a wide range of tempers. This include:
- 7075-O
- 7075-T6
- 7075-T651
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