Aluminum 6061 and 7075 are the two most specified alloys for CNC machined parts. Choosing correctly between 6061 vs 7075 aluminum affects strength, weight, cost and the look of your anodized finish.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Property | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical tensile strength | ≈ 310 MPa | ≈ 570 MPa |
| Yield strength | ≈ 275 MPa | ≈ 500 MPa |
| Machinability | Very good | Very good |
| Corrosion resistance | Good | Moderate |
| Weldability | Good | Poor |
| Anodizing appearance | Excellent, even color | Good, slightly different tone |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
Values are typical reference figures; confirm with material certificates for critical designs.
When to Choose 6061-T6
- General brackets, housings, plates and enclosures
- Parts that will be welded
- Cosmetic parts where an even anodized color matters
- Budget-sensitive prototypes and batches
When to Choose 7075-T6
- High-stress parts: drone arms, motorcycle levers, bike components, mounts
- Lightweight designs where strength-to-weight is critical
- Parts with thin sections that must resist bending
Machining and Finishing Notes
Both alloys machine cleanly. 7075 holds fine detail well but is more prone to corrosion, so anodizing is recommended. When matching colors across parts, keep all parts in the same alloy — 6061 and 7075 anodize to slightly different shades.
Real Applications
Our CNC machined drone parts and motorcycle levers are often made in 7075-T6, while keyboard cases and enclosures typically use 6061 for consistent anodizing.
Still Unsure?
Send your drawing and describe the load case. Our engineers will recommend the alloy that balances strength and cost.
Get a Quote for Your Parts
Send your drawing (PDF, STEP or DWG) with quantity, material and finish. An engineer from Zhufeng Precision will review it and reply within 24 hours.
FAQ
Is 7075 stronger than 6061?
Yes. 7075-T6 has roughly 1.5–2 times the strength of 6061-T6.
Can 7075 aluminum be welded?
It is generally considered poorly weldable; 6061 is preferred for welded parts.
Which alloy anodizes better?
6061 typically gives the most even anodized color, which is why it is popular for cosmetic parts.