6061 vs 7075: which aluminium alloy is better?
Strength, extrudability, anodising and uses of alloys 6061 and 7075, side by side and with the values from the standard.
In a nutshell
- 7075 is stronger: 540 MPa tensile strength against 260 MPa, and 485 against 240 MPa yield strength.
- 6061 extrudes better (3 against 1 out of 5): it allows thinner walls, more complex shapes and a better surface finish.
- 6061 anodises better (3 against 2 out of 5).
- 6061 resists corrosion better (4 against 2 out of 5).
- 6061 welds better (4 against 1 out of 5).
| Property | 6061 | 7075 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (Rm) | 260 MPa | 540 MPa |
| Yield strength (Rp0.2) | 240 MPa | 485 MPa |
| Elongation (A) | 8% | 7% |
| Approximate hardness | 95 HB | 150 HB |
| Density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 2.81 g/cm³ |
| Composition | Si 0.40–0.80 · Mg 0.80–1.20 · Cu 0.15–0.40 · Cr 0.04–0.35 | Zn 5.1–6.1 · Mg 2.1–2.9 · Cu 1.2–2.0 · Cr 0.18–0.28 |
| Extrudability (1 to 5) | 3 | 1 |
| Decorative anodising (1 to 5) | 3 | 2 |
| Weldability (1 to 5) | 4 | 1 |
| Corrosion resistance (1 to 5) | 4 | 2 |
| Machinability (1 to 5) | 4 | 4 |
Values in T6 temper: minimums from the EN 755-2 standard for thin-walled profiles (they vary with thickness and shape). Approximate hardness. The 1 to 5 ratings compare these alloys with each other.
- Choose 6061Structural and machined parts, marine, bicycles, brackets, flanges and machine components.
- Choose 7075Aerospace, moulds, high-performance mechanical and sports parts. It is extruded in bars and simple profiles.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is stronger, 6061 or 7075?
7075: in T6 temper it has a minimum tensile strength of 540 MPa, against 260 MPa for 6061 (EN 755-2 standard, thin-walled profiles).
What are 6061 and 7075 used for?
6061: structural and machined parts, marine, bicycles, brackets, flanges and machine components. 7075: aerospace, moulds, high-performance mechanical and sports parts. It is extruded in bars and simple profiles.
Which one is better for anodising?
6061, which responds better to decorative anodising (3 out of 5 against 2).