Aluminum 6061 vs 7075: Which Alloy for Your CNC Project?

Aluminum 6061 is the versatile, cost-effective choice for most applications with excellent weldability and corrosion resistance. Aluminum 7075 offers nearly double the strength for aerospace and high-stress applications but at higher cost and with poor weldability.

Side-by-Side Property Comparison

PropertyAluminum 6061-T6Aluminum 7075-T6
Tensile Strength310 MPa (45 ksi)572 MPa (83 ksi)
Yield Strength276 MPa (40 ksi)503 MPa (73 ksi)
Hardness95 HB (Brinell)150 HB
Density2.70 g/cm³2.81 g/cm³
Machinability Rating90/10070/100
Thermal Conductivity167 W/m·K130 W/m·K
Melting Point582–652 °C477–635 °C
Tolerance±0.005 mm±0.005 mm

Key Differences

PropertyAluminum 6061-T6Aluminum 7075-T6Winner
Tensile Strength310 MPa572 MPaAluminum
Machinability90/10070/100Aluminum
Corrosion ResistanceExcellentGoodAluminum
WeldabilityExcellentPoorAluminum
Cost~$3/lb~$5/lbAluminum
Fatigue ResistanceGoodExcellentAluminum

Which Material Should You Choose?

Choose Aluminum 6061-T6 when:

  • General-purpose structural components
  • Parts requiring welding
  • Budget-sensitive projects
  • Corrosion resistance is important
  • Good anodizing finish needed
View Details Aluminum 6061-T6

Choose Aluminum 7075-T6 when:

  • Aerospace structural components
  • High-stress load-bearing parts
  • Maximum strength-to-weight ratio needed
  • Fatigue resistance is critical
  • Military/defense applications
View Details Aluminum 7075-T6

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