Many products on the streets and in your homes are all products of aluminum alloys. They are some of the best materials used in the auto, sports equipment, electrical, construction, and aerospace industries because of their high relative strength, corrosion resistance, and strength-to-weight ratio. Considering the wide range of aluminum alloys, choosing the right one for your project can be hard. This article compares two common aluminum alloys, 6061 and 7075, from different points of view, such as composition, mechanical properties, and cost. It will help you decide which is best for your project.
This alloy is a well-known 6000 series component. Due to its adaptability and superior mechanical qualities, it is commonly referred to as a "jack of all crafts." Its utility is greatly increased by the fact that it is relatively inexpensive.
Exceptional machinability, great corrosion resistance, and good tensile strength are all characteristics of 6061 aluminum. Manufacturers use 6061 aluminum for many extrusion applications since it is easy to work. It is a good option for use in pipes, consumer goods, automotive and aerospace industries, electrical products, and more.
7075 aluminum alloy is well known for its high-strength applications, particularly in the aerospace and defense sectors. Its primary alloying constituents are zinc and copper, so it is one of the strongest aluminum alloys currently on the market. It has exceptional mechanical qualities, including high strength, toughness, strong flexibility, and good fatigue resistance.
7075 aluminum is rated good to medium for its corrosion resistance, anodizing reaction, and machinability. Although grade 7075 aluminum is simple to manufacture, welding is not advised. 7075 aluminum has several benefits but is more expensive than other alloys, which is why 6061 Aluminum is more popular.
In this section, we shall compare 6061 and 7075 aluminum using several different criteria:
The names of 6061 and 7075 aluminum reveal their primary distinction. 6061 aluminum belongs to the 6000 alloy series. This class's main alloy constituents are silicon and magnesium. On the other hand, the 7075 series belongs to the 7000 alloy series. The 7000 main alloys constituents are copper and zinc. Below is a detailed comparison of the chemical compositions of 6061 and 7075 aluminum:
7075 aluminum alloy: 1.6% copper, 0.23% Chromium, 0% of silicon, 5.6% Zinc, 2.5% Magnesium,90% Aluminum.
6061 aluminum: 0.28% Copper, 0.2% Chromium, 0.6% Silicon, 0% Zinc, 1.0% Magnesium, 97.9% Aluminum.
Their hardness determines materials' resistance to deformation by indentation, penetration, or other techniques. Both alloys are tough enough to withstand pressure without breaking or changing shape. Aluminum 7075 is tougher than 6061, nevertheless.
Temperature sensitivity
The majority of aluminum alloys are effective heat conductors. However, there are differences in the heat conductivity of 7075 aluminum and 6061 aluminum. The thermal conductivity of 6061 aluminum is marginally higher than that of 7075 aluminum. As a result, it is a great option for heat exchangers whose main function is heat dissipation.
Understanding materials' resilience and their resistance to deformation are made easier by their elastic properties. It also refers to the stiffness of the material. Aluminum alloys 7075 and 6061 similarly respond to elastic deformation.
Compared to 6061 aluminum, the 7075 aluminum alloy offers a higher yield strength. As a result, 7075 aluminum can bear higher force and impact without deforming. The chemical makeup and heat treatment of 7075 aluminum gives it its yield strength. The yield strength of 6061 aluminum is 276 MPa; therefore, it is not completely weak.
Corrosion resistance is higher in 6061 aluminum alloy than in 7075. This has a plausible explanation. The 7075 alloy has a lot more copper than the 6061 does. Corrosion is inevitable because copper reacts more with the environment.
By comparing the melting points of 7075 T6 and 6061 T6, we may compare the thermal resistance of each material. Compared to 6061 aluminum, which has a melting point of 582–652°C, 7075 aluminum has a slightly lower melting point of 477–635°C. As a result, 6061 alloy is better able to endure higher temperatures than 7075 alloy. You should be aware that 7075 aluminum responds to heat treatment very well. Additionally, it enables a considerably better elemental distribution inside the metal.
7075 and 6061 aluminum alloys have low electrical resistivities, making them effective electrical conductors. These alloys can therefore be used electrically. However, 6061 aluminum has the lowest electrical resistivity compared to 7075 aluminum, which is a difference between the two. As a result, it is a better electrical conductor than 7075 aluminum.
The applications of the alloys 6061 and 7075 kind of "overlap." Both alloys can create consumer goods, aeronautical parts, and automobile components. They vary, nonetheless, in terms of precise applications.
Aluminum 6061 Applications
These are some of the applications of 6061 aluminum alloy:
● Building products
● Piping
● Bicycle frames
● Electrical products
● Automotive parts
Applications for 7075 aluminum piping
These are some of the applications of 7075 aluminum:
● Regulating valves
● Fuse parts
● Gears and shafts
● Aircraft components
● Missile parts
The 6061 aluminum alloy is better than the 7075 aluminum alloy in terms of fabrication. This is a result of the 6061 alloy's reduced hardness and tensile strength. Its lower tensile strength ensures improved formability, while its reduced hardness makes machining simple. Both materials can be joined using adhesives, brazing, or soldering. However, 6061 aluminum can be welded, but 7075 aluminum can't be welded.
Your decision will be influenced by many variables, the most important of which is the intended use. Other concerns will be costs and production circumstances.
The versatile alloy 6061 can be used for a various purposes like:
● Cost is a key element
● It requires a lot of machining
● A concern is a corrosion
● Cost is a key element
However, 7075 aluminum is more useful in the following situations:
● Cost is not as important
● High strength-to-weight ratio is important
● The plant will be exposed to heat regularly.
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We produce parts out of more than 100 different materials, so you can pick the ones that best suit your requirements. The highest-quality rapid prototyping services are something we can provide thanks to our production standards and engineering capabilities. All of these and a lot more are offered at affordable pricing.
The importance of material selection in product development cannot be overstated. One of the most used metals for fabrication operations is aluminum alloy. This article compared the two types of aluminum, 7075 and 6061, based on several factors, such as their distinctive qualities and intended uses.
You must consider each material to choose the best material for your project. Do you need help to choose between 7075 t6 and 6061 t6? Get in touch with Ares Prototyping today!
When deciding between the 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys, there are a few key considerations. Your financial situation is important. As a result, you must consider the alloys' price. Your choice of alloy must also consider the final product's intended use. The manufacturing method must also be considered because not all materials must meet the same specifications for machinability.
Compared to 6061 aluminum, the 7075 aluminum alloy offers a higher yield strength. This is a result of its chemical makeup. As a result, it can withstand more impact and deformation than 6061.
Compared to 7075 aluminum, 6061 aluminum has a lower tensile strength and less hardness. As a result, it may be formed and joined more easily. Because of this, 6061 aluminum alloy works more readily with machining than 7075 alloys.
