Aluminum alloys are widely used in different machining process due to its lightweight, easy to be machined properties. Aluminum 6061 and Aluminum 7075 are mostly used in precision machining. but what are difference between these two aluminum alloys? how to choose when you design a product? In this blog, we will anwser these questions for you.

What Is 6061 Aluminum Grade?
Aluminum grade 6061 is the most commonly used aluminum alloy. it is the most famous member of the 6000 series of aluminum alloys. Due to its strength, 6061 aluminum alloy is referred as structural aluminum. it is Composed primarily of aluminum(97.9%) and also magnesium, silicon, copper, chromium, and a tiny amount of other elements.
What Is 7075 Aluminum Grade?
Aluminum 7075 is a heat-treatable aluminum alloy with high strength used for highly stressed structural parts. it is a member of the 7000 series aluminum alloys. as a primarily zinc-based aluminum alloy, It contains 5.6% zinc, 2.1% magnesium, 1.2% copper.

Key Differences between Aluminum 6061 and 7075
6061 vs. 7075 Aluminum: Chemical Composition Comparison
Below is table to show the Chemical Composition of both materials and you will find how each Chemical affect the performance of the materials.
Element | Property Affected | Aluminum 6061 Composition (%) | Aluminum 7075 Composition (%) |
Aluminum (Al) | Strength, Hardness | Approximately 97.9 | Balance (Over 90%) |
Silicon (Si) | Machinability | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.4 |
Magnesium (Mg) | Strength, Corrosion Resistance | 0.8 – 1.2 | 2.1 – 2.9 |
Zinc (Zn) | Strength | 0.25 | 5.1 – 6.1 |
Copper (Cu) | Corrosion Resistance., Strength | 0.15 – 0.4 | 1.2 – 2.0 |
Iron (Fe) | Strength | 0.7 | 0.5 |
Manganese (Mn) | Strength, Machinability | 0.15 | 0.3 |
Chromium (Cr) | Corrosion Resistance | 0.04 – 0.35 | 0.18 – 0.28 |
Titanium (Ti) | 0.15 | 0.2 |
6061 vs. 7075 Aluminum: mechanical properties comparison
A comparison table as below for mechanical properties of both materials.
Property | Aluminum 6061 | Aluminum 7075 |
Tensile Strength (MPa) | 276 | 572 |
Yield Strength (MPa) | 241 | 503 |
Hardness (Brinell HB) | 95 | 150 |
Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 96 | 159 |
Shear Strength (MPa) | 207 | 331 |
Young’s Modulus (GPa) | 69 | 71 |
Poisson’s Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
Thermal Conductivity (W/m¡K) | 167 | 130 |
Electrical Resistivity (Ί¡mm²/m) | 0.036 | 0.0003 |
Elasticity | Good | Good |
Temperature Resistance | Up to 300°C | Up to 160°C |
Corrosion Resistance | Good | Average |

6061 vs. 7075 Aluminum: machinability comparison
Here’s a table that includes both the machinability factors and additional machining characteristics of Aluminum 6061 and Aluminum 7075.
machinability Property / Aspect | Aluminum 6061 | Aluminum 7075 |
CNC Machinability | Excellent | Good |
Weldability | Good | Fair |
Bending | Good | Fair |
Sawing | Good | Fair |
Grinding | Good | Fair |
EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) | Good | Fair |
Plating/Coating | Good | Fair |
Chip Formation | Longer, continuous chips | Shorter, segmented chips |
Tool Wear | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
Surface Finish | Generally smooth | May require post-processing |
Machining Precision | High | Requires careful setup |
Aluminum 6061 VS 7075, how to choose?
With the answer to following three questions , you will know how to choose.
Which One is Stronger: 6061 or 7075 Aluminum?
7075 aluminum alloy has a higher yield strength compared to 6061 aluminum, So it can withstand impacts better than 6061.
Which One is Easier to Machine: 6061 or 7075 Aluminum?
6061 aluminum has lower tensile strength and hardness compared to 7075 aluminum. So, 6061 aluminum is more easier to be machined and shaped.
Which One is More Cost-Effective?
The raw material cost and machining expenses for 7075 are higher. So Aluminum 6061 is more cost-effective.

Application for 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum 6061 can be considered to use in following situations:
- When parts require a lot of welding process.
- When there’s a high demand for corrosion resistance.
- When a lower cost is priority.
6061 aluminum alloy is commonly used in the production of the following components:
- Building products
- Automotive parts
- Electrical products
- Bicycle frames
- Pipelines
Application for 7075 Aluminum Alloy
7075 aluminum is more suitable for the following situation:
- When achieving a high strength-to-weight ratio is needed.
- When parts need to withstand high temperatures.
- When parts will be subjected to high stress.
- When the budget allows for higher material costs.
Some typical applications of 7075 aluminum include:
- Missile components
- Aircraft parts
- Gears and axles
- Fuse components
- Regulating valves
Conclusion
Aluminum alloys are the most widely used metal materials in machining processes such as CNC aluminum, Aluminum die casting ,aluminum extrusion, Aluminum sheet fabrication. KUSLA is a manufacture with precision aluminum alloy machining in China. Feel free to get in touch with us for your aluminum machining projects.