Why 6061 and 7075 Aluminum Are Ideal Materials for Drone Parts Machining？
In the world of drone manufacturing, precision and performance come down to the materials used. As UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) continue to evolve in complexity and application, from aerial photography to delivery and defense, the need for lightweight yet high-strength components becomes increasingly important.
Aluminum alloys, especially 6061 and 7075, have become the perfect materials for CNC-machined drone parts. These two grades offer a unique balance of weight, strength, and workability, making them ideal for everything from drone frames to motor housings.
Typical CNC-machined drone aluminum parts
| Drone Part | Function | Recommended Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Frame plates (top/bottom) | Structural base for drone assembly | 6061 or 7075 |
| Motor housings | Enclose and support motors, dissipate heat | 7075 |
| Arms and brackets | Connect frame and motors, must be lightweight yet strong | 6061 |
| Landing gear (T-leg) | Absorb shock upon landing | 6061 |
| Propeller adapters | Connect propellers to motors | 7075 |
| Battery trays | Hold and protect battery pack | 6061 |
| Gimbal mounts | Stabilize camera or sensors | 6061 |
| Wing connectors (UAV) | Attach wings in fixed-wing drones | 7075 |
| Cooling plates or fins | Allow passive heat dissipation | 6061 |
| Shaft collars and spacers | Provide structural spacing and positioning | 7075 |
6061 Aluminum: Balanced Performance & Excellent Machinability
6061 aluminum is a heat-treatable alloy composed mainly of aluminum, magnesium (~1.0%), and silicon (~0.6%). It offers a versatile balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability—making it a popular choice for drone components that require precision and moderate load-bearing capacity.
Key Material Properties of 6061-T6
| Property | 6061-T6 Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~290 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 0 MPa |
| Density | 2.7~240 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~95 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
| Weldability | Very Good |
| Machinability | Very Good |
Drone Parts Typically Made with 6061
Arms and structural brackets – require good strength-to-weight balance
Battery trays – benefit from corrosion resistance and rigidity
Sensor mounts and gimbal brackets – demand high accuracy and vibration resistance
Landing gear (aluminum tee leg) – requires shock resistance and easy formability
Frame plates – need easy cutting and anodizing for customization
Other Common Applications of 6061
Laptop and smartphone frames
Bicycle frames and seat posts
Automotive engine mounts
Robotic arms and jigs
Marine fittings and boat hulls
7075 Aluminum: Superior Strength for High-Stress Drone Parts
7075 aluminum is a zinc-dominant, high-strength alloy with magnesium (~2.5%) and copper (~1.5%) as significant secondary elements. It’s widely regarded as an aerospace-grade alloy due to its superior strength and fatigue resistance. While slightly more expensive and less corrosion-resistant than 6061, its strength-to-weight ratio makes it indispensable for critical drone parts.
Key Material Properties of 7075-T6
| Property | 7075-T6 Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~570 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~505 MPa |
| Density | 2.81 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~150 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate |
| Weldability | Poor |
| Machinability | Good |
Drone Parts Typically Made with 7075
Motor housings and mounts – where vibration and heat stress are concentrated
Frame connectors and arm joints – subjected to high load and torque
Heavy-lift drone frames – industrial drones require exceptional stiffness
Propeller adapters and collars – for precise rotation without deformation
UAV wing attachment lugs – for high-speed, fixed-wing performance
Other Common Applications of 7075
Aerospace wing spars and fuselage frames
High-performance bicycles (cranks, stems)
Firearms components (upper/lower receivers, rails)
Automotive racing parts
Military and tactical equipment
CNC Machining process for drone parts
Laser Cutting / Sawing
Aluminum plates are cut into rough shapes with tolerances within 0.1 mm
6061 is easier to cut; 7075 requires sharper tools and more control
Turning (Lathe Work)
Used for shafts, collars, and round parts
7075 maintains dimensional stability under stress; 6061 offers smoother chip flow
Milling
Enables the creation of complex geometries like motor grooves, cooling fins, and housings
Both alloys respond well, but tool wear is higher with 7075 due to its hardness
Surface Finishing & Anodizing
6061 anodizes easily and uniformly, offering protective and aesthetic finishes
7075 can be anodized with proper pre-treatment but may result in uneven tone
Why 6061 and 7075 Are the Backbone of Drone CNC Machining
When it comes to CNC-machined drone parts, material selection is far more than a technical detail—it's the foundation of structural integrity, flight performance, and long-term reliability.
Aluminum alloys like 6061 and 7075 have proven themselves time and again as indispensable materials in drone manufacturing. 6061 offers a highly versatile balance of machinability, corrosion resistance, and affordability, making it ideal for frame plates, landing gear, and general-purpose brackets. Meanwhile, 7075 delivers unmatched strength and fatigue resistance, perfect for high-stress components like motor housings, propeller adapters, and heavy-lift drone structures.
Their outstanding properties also extend far beyond drones, powering industries like aerospace, robotics, automotive, and high-end consumer products.
But none of this performance is possible without reliable, high-quality raw material. That's where we come in.
At Shenzhen Chinalco Metal, we specialize in supplying certified 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys in various forms—including precision-cut plates, bars, and CNC-ready stock. Our aluminum materials meet strict international standards and are trusted by machining shops and component manufacturers worldwide.
If you're looking for consistent, machinable, and high-performance aluminum for your next drone or industrial project, we're here to support your production with materials that meet your demands—on time, every time.
📩 Reach out today to learn more or request a quote. Shenzhen Chinalco Metal is your dependable source for quality aluminum alloy solutions.