6061 vs 6063 vs 7075: Difference Explained

I. 6061-T6 6061-T6, known as aviation hard aluminum, is lightweight, high-strength, and has high production costs, hence its high price. It is an abbreviation for the T6 hardening treatment of 6061 aviation aluminum alloy, which has excellent formability, weldability, machinability, and medium strength. It can still maintain good operability after annealing. Typical applications are aviation […]

6061 vs 6063 vs 7075 Difference Explained

Table Of Contents

I. 6061-T6

6061 vs 6063 vs 7075 Difference Explained

6061-T6, known as aviation hard aluminum, is lightweight, high-strength, and has high production costs, hence its high price.

It is an abbreviation for the T6 hardening treatment of 6061 aviation aluminum alloy, which has excellent formability, weldability, machinability, and medium strength. It can still maintain good operability after annealing.

Typical applications are aviation fixtures, trucks, tower buildings, ships, pipes, and other areas requiring strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance.

The chemical composition range is 0.4-0.8Si, 0.70Femax, 0.15-0.40Cu, 0.15Mnmax, 0.80-1.20Mg, 0.04-0.35Cr, 0.25Znmax, 0.15Timax, with each component having a maximum content of 0.05, and the total maximum content of other components is 0.15, the remainder being Al.

The main alloying elements in the 6061 alloy are magnesium and silicon, which provide medium strength, good corrosion resistance, weldability, and better oxidation effects.

It is widely used in various industrial structural parts that require certain strength and high corrosion resistance, such as manufacturing trucks, tower buildings, ships, trams, railway vehicles, furniture, etc.

1. Chemical Composition Limits wt%

Cu0.15-0.4
Si0.4-0.8
Fe0.7
Mn0.15
Mg0.8-1.2
Zn0.25
Cr0.04-0.35
Ti0.15
Pb.Bi/
AlRemaining

2. Typical Mechanical & Physical Properties

WeldabilityMachinabilityCorrosion resistanceElectrical Conductivity at 20°C (68°F) 
(%IACS)
Density (20℃)
(g/cm3)
Very goodGeneralGood40-502.70
Tensile strength
(25°C MPa)
Yield Strength
(25°C MPa)
Hardness 500kg force 10mm ballElongation rate 1.6mm
(1/16in) Thickness
Maximum Shear Stress MPa
3102769512205

II. 6063 Alloys

6063 Alloys

The primary alloying elements in 6063 alloy are magnesium and silicon.

According to expert analysis, it has excellent machinability, superior weldability, extrudability, and electroplating, good corrosion resistance, and toughness.

It is easy to polish, color, and the anodizing effect is excellent, making it a typical extrusion alloy.

The 6063 alloy is widely used in architectural profiles, irrigation pipes, vehicles, stands, furniture, elevators, fencing, and other pipes, rods, and profiles.

1. Chemical Composition Limits wt%

Cu0.1
Si0.2-0.6
Fe0.35
Mn0.1
Mg0.45-0.9
Zn0.1
Cr0.1
Ti0.1
Pb.Bi/
AlRemaining

2. Typical Mechanical & Physical Properties

WeldabilityMachinabilityCorrosion resistanceElectrical Conductivity  20℃(68℉)

(%IACS)
Density
(20℃)(g/cm3)
Very goodGeneralVery good55-632.70
Tensile strength

(25°C MPa)
Yield Strength
(25°C MPa)
Hardness500kg force 10mm ball Elongation rate
1.6mm(1/16in)
Thickness 
Maximum Shear Stress
MPa
1851456012115

III. 7075-T6

7075-T6

After solution treatment, 7075-T6 has good plasticity and excellent heat treatment strengthening effects.

It maintains high strength at temperatures below 150 degrees and has particularly good low-temperature strength.

However, it has poor welding performance and a tendency for stress corrosion cracking.

Double aging can improve its resistance to SCC. The main alloying element of 7075 is zinc, which gives it high strength, good mechanical properties, and anodic reactions.

It is mainly used to manufacture aircraft structures and other high-stress structural parts that require high strength and strong corrosion resistance, such as the upper and lower wing wall panels and stringers on aircraft.

After solution treatment, it has good plasticity, good heat treatment strengthening effects, good strength at temperatures below 150 degrees, and particularly good low-temperature strength, but poor welding performance and a tendency for stress corrosion cracking.

It is also widely used in mold processing, mechanical equipment, and fixture clamps.

1. Chemical Composition Limits wt%

Cu1.2-2.0
Si0.4
Fe0.5
Mn0.3
Mg2.1-2.9
Zn5.1-6.1
Cr0.4
Ti0.06
Pb.Bi/
AlRemaining

2. Typical Mechanical & Physical Properties

WeldabilityMachinabilityCorrosion resistanceElectrical Conductivity 20℃(68℉)
(%IACS)
Density
(20℃)
(g/cm3)
BadVery GoodAverage40-502.85
Tensile Strength

(25°C MPa)
Yield Strength
(25°C MPa)
500kg force 10mm ball Elongation Rate 
1.6mm(1/16in) 
Thickness
Maximum Shear Stress 
MPa
57050515011330
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Shane
Author

Shane

Founder of MachineMFG

As the founder of MachineMFG, I have dedicated over a decade of my career to the metalworking industry. My extensive experience has allowed me to become an expert in the fields of sheet metal fabrication, machining, mechanical engineering, and machine tools for metals. I am constantly thinking, reading, and writing about these subjects, constantly striving to stay at the forefront of my field. Let my knowledge and expertise be an asset to your business.

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