6061 vs 7075 Aluminum: Applications, Differences, and How to Choose the Right Alloy

What Is 6061 Aluminum?

6061 aluminum is one of the most versatile and widely used aluminum alloys in the 6xxx series. It contains magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements, offering a good balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability.

6061 Aluminum Composition

• Magnesium: 0.8–1.2%

• Silicon: 0.4–0.8%

• Iron: ≤0.7%

• Copper: 0.15–0.4%

• Chromium: 0.04–0.35%

• Zinc: ≤0.25%

• Titanium: ≤0.15%

• Aluminum: Remainder

6061 Aluminum Properties

• Hardness: Approx. 95 Brinell (T6 temper)

• Density: ~2.70 g/cm³

• Young’s Modulus: ~69 GPa

• Yield Strength: ~276 MPa (T6); higher in T651

• Thermal Conductivity: ~167 W/m·K

• Weight: Lightweight and easy to transport

• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in most environments, especially marine

Popular Tempers of 6061 Aluminum 

6061 aluminum is available in multiple tempers that influence its mechanical performance and machinability. Two popular ones are:

• 6061-T6: Solution heat-treated and artificially aged

• 6061-T651: Stress-relieved version of T6 after stretching

Shenzhen Chinalco Metal Hot-Sale 6061 Aluminum Forms

• 6061 Aluminum T651 Plate – Precision flatness, ideal for tooling and structural bases

• 6061 Aluminum Tread Plate – Excellent slip resistance, used in flooring and ramps

• 6061 T6 Aluminum Sheet – Lightweight and strong, perfect for panels and enclosures

• 6061 T651 Hexagon Bar – Common in fasteners and connectors

• 6061 T6 Flat Bar – Used in framing and structural reinforcements

• 6061 T6 Forged Seamless Pipe – High integrity and strength for pressure-sensitive applications

• 6061 T6 Extruded Seamless Pipe – Smooth finish, suitable for piping systems and hydraulic lines

These forms are widely used in industries ranging from construction to transportation and marine engineering.

What Is 7075 Aluminum?

7075 aluminum is a high-strength, heat-treatable alloy known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. As part of the 7xxx series, it mainly consists of zinc and is often chosen for demanding structural applications.

7075 Aluminum Composition

• Zinc: 5.1–6.1%

• Magnesium: 2.1–2.9%

• Copper: 1.2–2.0%

• Chromium: 0.18–0.28%

• Silicon: ≤0.4%

• Iron: ≤0.5%

• Aluminum: Remainder

7075 Aluminum Properties

• Hardness: ~150 Brinell (T6 condition)

• Density: ~2.81 g/cm³

• Young’s Modulus: ~71.7 GPa

• Yield Strength: ~503 MPa (T6)

• Thermal Conductivity: ~130 W/m·K

• Corrosion Resistance: Moderate (enhanced in T73/T7351)

Popular Tempers of 7075 Aluminum 

• 7075-T6:
  This is the most common temper for 7075. It’s solution heat-treated and artificially aged for maximum strength. However, its corrosion resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance are lower, which limits its use in marine or humid environments.

• 7075-T6511:
  Similar to T6 but stress-relieved by stretching after solution heat treatment. It offers better dimensional stability and is typically used for extruded bars, rods, and profiles.

• 7075-T73:
  This temper is overaged slightly to significantly improve corrosion resistance, especially stress corrosion cracking resistance, though it sacrifices some strength compared to T6.

• 7075-T7351:
  A stress-relieved version of T73 (like T6511 is for T6). It combines high corrosion resistance with good strength and toughness, and is widely used in aircraft structures and components exposed to harsh environments.

Hot-Sale Forms of 7075 Aluminum Alloy:

• 7075 T6 Aluminum Seamless Tube

• 7075-T73 Forged Aluminum

• Cold Drawn 7075 T6 T6511 Aluminum Round Bar

• Extruded 7075 T6 T6511

• Aluminum Clad Sheet 7075 T6

• 7075 T7351 Aircraft Aluminum Plate

6061 vs 7075 Aluminum: Application Comparison

When to Choose 7075 Aluminum

7075 is your best choice when maximum strength is a non-negotiable requirement:

• Aerospace Components: wing spars, landing gear, fuselage frames

• Military Equipment: firearms, armor parts, UAV components

• Motorsports: high-performance chassis, brackets, and control arms

• Extreme Sports: rock climbing gear, performance bike frames, snowboarding hardware

Its ability to handle high loads with minimal weight makes it ideal for mission-critical applications.

When to Choose 6061 Aluminum

6061 is more suitable for applications where ease of processing, corrosion resistance, and cost-efficiency are more important than ultra-high strength:

• Marine Hardware: boat hulls, docks, ladders

• Structural Uses: building frames, staircases, load-bearing beams

• Consumer Electronics: casings, mounts, housings

• General Manufacturing: pipes, brackets, plates, automotive parts

• DIY & Prototyping: easily machinable and weldable material for custom builds

6061 is also preferred in environments where corrosion is a major concern or welding is required.

How to Choose: Three Simple tips

1. Does your project demand extreme strength or fatigue resistance?
   → Choose 7075 aluminum.

2. Will the parts be welded, shaped, or exposed to moisture or chemicals?
   → 6061 aluminum is better suited.

3. Is budget a concern, and are you working on general-purpose structures?
   → Go with 6061 for value and versatility.

Both 6061 and 7075 aluminum serve critical roles in modern engineering and manufacturing. Whether you're building a drone frame, a boat hull, or a heavy-duty bracket, choosing the right alloy will directly impact performance, cost, and durability.

Shenzhen Chinalco Metal offers a complete range of 6061 and 7075 aluminum products in plates, bars, pipes, and custom extrusions.

Contact us today for expert advice, up-to-date pricing, and reliable sourcing for your next aluminum project.