Choosing the right material is very important for CNC machining. 7075 aluminum alloy and 6061 aluminum alloy are two commonly used aluminum alloy materials, and there are big differences between them. Understanding their respective advantages and limitations can help us choose the most appropriate one. This article will further introduce the comparison of the main characteristics of these two aluminum alloys to help make a choice.
Definition of 6061 and 7075 Aluminum, Advantages and Applications
| 6061 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum | |
| Definition | Medium strength non-structural aluminum alloy | High strength non-nuclear structural aluminum alloy |
| Alloy Series | Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloy Series | Aluminum-Zinc-Magnesium-Copper Alloy Series |
| Main Chemical Components | Al(93.8 | Al(86 |
| Nominal tensile strength (MPa) | >240MPa | >480MPa |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | >105MPa | >420MPa |
| Tensile strength to density ratio | Lower,>30KN·m/kg | Higher,>40KN·m/kg |
| Advantage | High cost performance, easy to process, good corrosion resistance | High strength and good fatigue resistance |
| Application Examples | -Non-load-bearing parts such as automobile body interior panels and windshield brackets -Light mechanical structural parts -Bicycle wheels, seat frames and other parts that require forming processing -Robot joint shafts and transmission devices are not the main load-bearing parts -Sporting goods such as baseball bats, rowing boats, etc. where beautiful surfaces are required | -Non-load-bearing parts such as automobile body interior panels and windshield brackets -Light mechanical structural parts, -Bicycle wheels, seat frames and other parts that require forming processing -Robot joint shafts and transmission devices are not the main load-bearing parts -Sporting goods such as baseball bats, rowing boats, etc. where beautiful surfaces are required |
| Not recommended application | Where high strength is required, such as mechanical structures | Consumer goods requiring cheap materials |
During CNC machining, is there any difference in the processing performance of 6061 aluminum and 7075 aluminum?
6061 aluminum has better processing performance and is suitable for various conventional processes; 7075 aluminum has high strength but is difficult to process, so appropriate process parameters and tools need to be selected. There are differences between the two in terms of adhesion, cutting temperature, etc., and the appropriate strategy must be selected based on actual conditions. During CNC machining, there are the following main differences in processing performance between 6061 aluminum and 7075 aluminum:
Processing properties of 6061 aluminum:
- -The processing temperature range is wide and can be processed below room temperature.
- -Can carry out various milling, sawing, and drilling processes.
- -The viscosity is weak and chip breakage is easy to occur. Appropriate flexible fixing and other measures need to be used to increase stability.
- -Cutting speed and feed speed can be faster.
Processing properties of 7075 aluminum:
- -It is recommended to cut above 100°C to reduce workpiece deformation.
- – Vibration or chip breakage may easily occur during cutting.
- – Need to use higher hardness tools for processing.
- -The cutting speed and feed speed are slightly slower than 6061 aluminum.
- -Potential tool wear and overheating issues exist.
How to Choose between 6061 and 7075 Aluminum?
When selecting, you need to consider the product usage environment and conditions:
- -If the focus is cost and strength is not important, choose 6061 aluminum;
- -If high strength or long-term load-bearing is required, it will be safer to choose 7075 aluminum;
- -6061 aluminum is also preferred in environments prone to corrosion;
- -Other factors are similar and cost-effective 6061 aluminum can be selected.
The Price Difference between 6061 Aluminum and 7075 Aluminum
| Material | Surface Treatment | Thickness (mm) | Price range (USD/kg) |
| 6061 Aluminum | Wire Flow Pressing | 6-25 | 2-2.5 USD/kg |
| 6061 Aluminum | Die Forging | 10-50 | 2.5-3 USD/kg |
| 7075 Aluminum | Wire Flow Pressing | 6-12 | 3-3.5 USD/kg |
| 7075 Aluminum | Die Forging | 12-25 | 3.5-4 USD/kg |