6061 and 7075 aluminum sheet are two common aluminum alloys and widely used. There are an analysis of their chemical element, mechanical properties, processing performance and price.
1. Chemical Element
Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Zr | Ti | Al |
6061 | 0.4-0.8 | 0.7 | 0.15-0.4 | 0.15 | 0.8-1.2 | 0.10 | 0.10 | - | 0.10 | Remainder |
7075 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 1.2-2.0 | 0.30 | 2.1-2.9 | 0.18-0.28 | 5.1-6.1 | 0.05 | 0.20 | Remainder |
The main trace elements of 6061 aluminum plate are Mg and Si, forming the Mg2Si. A small amount of copper or zinc is added to increase the strength of the alloy without significantly reducing its corrosion resistance.
7075 aluminum plate has high content of trace elements. The main element is zinc that forms Al-Zn-Mg-Cu with the addition of copper and magnesium.
2. Mechanical properties
7075 aluminum plate is well known as aircraft aluminum,which is very superior in mechanical properties. 7075-T6 is currently the highest strength aluminum alloy, which is better than ordinary steel.
In industrial manufacturing, it is often used in occasions with higher standards, and its advantages are self-evident. Not only the degree of precision is higher, but the service life is longer.
In consumer electronics, Apple uses 7-series aluminum sheet for the middle and back covers of iPhone phones. The Apple computer casing is also made of all 7-series aluminum alloys. Other smart phone manufacturers such as OPPO and Xiaomi also uses 7075 aluminum plate.
In Equipment materials: In many special fields, it has an irreplaceable advantage. For example, ski poles and golf heads need to withstand the impact of external forces repeatedly, so 7075 aircraft aluminum sheet is more preferred.
At present, more and more fields are trying to use aircraft aluminum sheet to improve the appearance and performance of products to achieve differentiation from competing products.
3. Processing Performance
In terms of machinability, both can be milled well on CNC machine tools.
6061 aluminum sheet can be welded, but 7075 aluminum plate is difficult to weld.
6061 aluminum is suitable for the surface treatment such as anodizing or coloring. 7075 has unstable anodizing effect.
Without further processing, 6061 aluminum alloy has better corrosion resistance.
Both 6061-T6 and 7075-T6 aluminum plate is of high hardness, which cannot be bent.
4. Price difference
Generally speaking, the 7075 aluminum sheet price is about 20-40% more expensive than 6061 aluminum plate.
In conclusion, In most cases, 7075 aluminum plate is indeed superior to 6061 aluminum plate. But we can't simply draw conclusions that 7075aluminum must be better. We still need to consider the uses and the budget.
In general, 6061 aluminum sheet can basically meet the general industrial manufacturing requirements. And 7075 is used in demanding occasions, such as aerospace, military products, precision equipment, high-end electronic equipment,etc. As an aluminium sheet supplier, we have both 6061 and 7075 aluminum plate. Welcome to leave message below