6061-T6 vs 7075-T6 Aluminum: Strength, Machining and Finish
Select the complete manufacturing route before comparing aluminum strength figures.
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Representative source rows, qualified by their reported conditions. Inspect the tables below for all values, limits, and source notes.
7075 is one of the highest-strength commercial aluminum alloys (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu). Primarily utilized in aircraft, defense, and high-stress mechanical systems, its precipitation-hardened T6 temper yields strengths exceeding 500 MPa, while T73 tempers offer enhanced stress corrosion cracking endurance.
Source-backed commercial trade name and short designations cataloged in canonical data.
Standard Designations & Applicable Specifications — Semantically classified designations distinguishing primary standard identifiers, commercial trade names, and applicable specification references.
| System | Identifier | Standard System Name | Classification Notes & Provenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPRIMARY | 7075 | Aluminum Association | —Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Technical Engineering Datasheet |
| UNS | A97075 | Unified Numbering System | —Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Technical Engineering Datasheet |
| ISO | AlZn5.5MgCu | International Organization for Standardization | —Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Technical Engineering Datasheet |
| Recognized Name / Alias | Classification | Technical Usage & Context |
|---|---|---|
| AA 7075 | Commercial Alias | Colloquial or commercial industry synonym |
| Al 7075 | Commercial Alias | Colloquial or commercial industry synonym |
| Standards Body | Specification Code | Specification Title / Scope | Relationship Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM International | ASTM B209 | Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and PlatePRODUCT_SPECIFICATION · Product form: Sheet & Plate | Specification Reference |
| ASTM International | ASTM B211 | Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rolled or Cold Finished Bar, Rod, and WirePRODUCT_SPECIFICATION · Product form: Cold Finished Rod & Bar | Specification Reference |
| ASTM International | ASTM B221 | Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and TubesPRODUCT_SPECIFICATION · Product form: Extrusions | Specification Reference |
Chemical Composition (Weight %) — Elemental limits and values from the cited source. Preserves exact semantic limits (minimums, maximums, and ranges).
| Element | Symbol | Atomic No. | Semantic Basis | Specified Value | Unit | Metallurgical Notes & Qualification | Data Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon | Si | 0 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.40 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Iron | Fe | 0 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.50 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Copper | Cu | 0 | RANGE | 1.20 – 2.00 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Manganese | Mn | 0 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.30 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Magnesium | Mg | 0 | RANGE | 2.10 – 2.90 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Chromium | Cr | 0 | RANGE | 0.18 – 0.28 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Zinc | Zn | 0 | RANGE | 5.10 – 6.10 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Titanium | Ti | 0 | MAXIMUM | ≤ 0.20 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Other Elements Each | OE | 0 | EACH | ≤ 0.05 each | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Other Elements Total | OT | 0 | TOTAL | ≤ 0.15 | wt% | Ref: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
| Aluminum | Al | 0 | REMAINDER | Remainder | wt% | Balance aluminumRef: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
Source-specific physical properties. Test temperatures are shown only where reported.
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.8 g/cm³ | TYPICAL | 2.8 g/cm³ | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
Phase change temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific heat, mean coefficients of thermal expansion across standardized temperature ranges, and recommended thermal processing windows.
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23.4 µm/(m·K) | TYPICAL | 23.4 µm/(m·K) | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Solidus Temperature | 532 °C | TYPICAL | 532 °C | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Liquidus Temperature | 635 °C | TYPICAL | 635 °C | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Thermal ConductivityCondition: O Temper | 173 W/(m·K) | TYPICAL | 173 W/(m·K) | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Thermal ConductivityCondition: T6, T651 Temper | 130 W/(m·K) | TYPICAL | 130 W/(m·K) | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Thermal ConductivityCondition: T73, T7351 Temper | 155 W/(m·K) | TYPICAL | 155 W/(m·K) | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
Electrical conductivity and resistivity in their reported units and conditions.
| Property Parameter | Canonical SI Value | Semantic Basis | Test Temperature / Context Range | Source Raw Reference | Source Reference | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical ConductivityCondition: O Temper | 45 % IACS | TYPICAL | 45.0 % IACS | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Electrical ConductivityCondition: T6, T651 Temper | 33 % IACS | TYPICAL | 33.0 % IACS | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED | |
| Electrical ConductivityCondition: T73, T7351 Temper | 40 % IACS | TYPICAL | 40.0 % IACS | Kaiser Aluminum Corporation | VERIFIED |
Contextual Mechanical Properties & Tempers: Engineering strength, ductility, and hardness values grouped by product form, temper, and section thickness. Mechanical properties are contextual and not isotropic averages.
By Mat Grades Editorial Desk · Updated 2026-11-14. Use alongside the specified product standard and supplier certificate.
For 7075 Aluminum, a qualified cutting-speed or tool-life recommendation is not supplied in the available record. A relevant hardness example is HB Hardness: 60 HB (typical; O Temper, O, Cold Finished Rod & Bar). Use that supplied condition for a trial of the difficult feature. Record tool changes, burr removal, unclamped dimensions and accepted parts per hour. Relative machinability ratings from different reference scales should not be compared as if they were one common test.
No qualified weld procedure, filler selection or preheat/interpass schedule is established by this material record. Obtain a procedure for the actual joint, supplied condition and section rather than copying one from a nearby grade. The first cataloged strength example is Ultimate Tensile Strength: 228 MPa (typical; O Temper, O, Cold Finished Rod & Bar). Assess the final part after joining or thermal processing. Include distortion, cleanup and inspection in the quotation. A material designation or favorable process rating is a starting point for qualification, not evidence that an untested joint meets the drawing.
Review the finish, moisture traps and contact with other metals before accepting an assembly for service. Alloy, temper and surface treatment answer different questions. A stronger listed condition does not automatically solve corrosion, wear or deflection, and thermal-property data is not a maximum operating-temperature rating. The recorded thermal example is Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 23.4 µm/(m·K) (typical; additional condition not stated). State the exposure and inspection access in the design record so that a change of installation or cleaning method triggers a review. The selected composition entries are Si maximum 0.4 wt%, Fe maximum 0.5 wt%, Cu 1.2–2 wt%. Chemistry documents identity; it does not establish fluid compatibility.
For a highly loaded machined part, compare qualified tempers and orientations before selecting the strongest listed row. Review joining and corrosion requirements early; a higher tensile figure does not make the alloy a routine welded substitute for 6061. The listed forms include Cold Finished Rod & Bar; confirm the actual stock offered by the supplier. Compare the complete route through machining, joining, finish and inspection. Keep the certificate, required test location and acceptance criteria with the first-article record. A later change of grade, condition or source should be assessed against that same requirement.
Technical references: Kaiser Aluminum Corporation
Wrought aluminum alloys grouped under the 7xxx metallurgical series sharing fundamental alloying systems and physical characteristics.
Contextual technical guides explaining degradation mechanisms, testing methodologies, and selection criteria relevant to 7075 Aluminum.
Select the complete manufacturing route before comparing aluminum strength figures.
Choose a material and process route that remain defensible when quantity, finish and inspection change.
Aluminium possesses distinct physical and metallurgical properties—including a tenacious refractory oxide layer that melts at 2,072°C, thermal conductivity five times higher than structural steel, extreme liquid hydrogen solubility, and a lack of visible color change before melting. Successful aluminium-to-aluminium welding requires matching the base alloy series to an appropriate process (AC TIG, pulsed MIG, or SMAW) and compatible filler metal while designing for unavoidable heat-affected zone softening.
Sources & Provenance Trail: Authoritative reference publications, standards specifications, and data registers cited across this material record.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Chemical Composition Limits. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties DENSITY. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties ELASTIC_MODULUS. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties THERMAL_EXPANSION. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties SOLIDUS_TEMPERATURE. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties LIQUIDUS_TEMPERATURE. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties O Temper. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties T6, T651 Temper. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Physical Properties T73, T7351 Temper. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Mechanical Properties O Cold Finished Rod & Bar. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Mechanical Properties T651 Cold Finished Rod & Bar. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Mechanical Properties T7351 Cold Finished Rod & Bar. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Hardness O Cold Finished Rod & Bar. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Hardness T651 Cold Finished Rod & Bar. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Hardness T7351 Cold Finished Rod & Bar. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Designation AA 7075. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Designation UNS A97075. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Designation ISO AlZn5.5MgCu. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Specification ASTM B209. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Specification ASTM B211. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.
Reviewed factual transcription from Kaiser Aluminum technical product datasheets: mat-phase4c-7075 Specification ASTM B221. Selected facts only; no decorative text or full standard tables reproduced.