Introduction
When sourcing materials for high-volume production, choosing the right aluminum alloy can impact not only product performance but also supply chain stability and cost efficiency.
Among the most used in industrial and mechanical design, 6061 T6 and 7075 T6 aluminum each offer different advantages for bulk orders. At YISHANG, we help global buyers—from OEM engineers to procurement teams—understand how to select the right alloy based on application, compliance, and processing needs.
This guide combines real manufacturing insight with specification-backed comparisons, designed to support your purchase planning.
Key Properties of 6061 T6 and 7075 T6 Aluminum
6061 T6 Aluminum
6061 T6 is a versatile aluminum alloy known for its corrosion resistance and excellent weldability.
Standards & Certifications
RoHS-compliant, basic ISO-aligned in-house standards
Commonly used in aluminum extrusion design, aluminum anodizing service, and aluminum CNC projects
Why Procurement Teams Choose 6061
Affordable and easy to source in standard formats
Well-suited for aluminum powder coating and laser cut aluminum processes
Compatible with high-speed aluminum CNC service for parts under 6061 aluminum hardness constraints
Industrial Uses
Marine and structural components
Consumer electronics casings
Automotive supports
7075 T6 Aluminum
Known for high tensile strength and fatigue resistance, 7075 T6 is ideal for performance-critical components.
Spec Highlights
Tensile Strength: ~572 MPa | Yield Strength: ~503 MPa
Often used in aluminum die casting parts and aerospace-grade applications
Benefits in Large-Scale Production
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio (preferred for robotics, defense)
Compatible with surface finishing like alodine aluminum or aluminum anodization
Challenges to Consider
Limited weldability
Requires more advanced tooling and longer CNC cycle times
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Feature / Spec | 6061 T6 | 7075 T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ~310 MPa | ~572 MPa |
| 7075 Aluminum Yield Strength | — | ~503 MPa |
| Brinell Hardness | 95 HB | 150 HB |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Moderate |
| Anodizing Compatibility | High | Moderate |
| Cost Efficiency (bulk) | ✅ Better for large orders | ❌ More expensive |
| CNC Machinability | ✅ Faster setup | ❌ Complex / slower throughput |
| MOQ Flexibility | High | Medium |
Source: MatWeb, ASM International, YISHANG internal QC Lab (2023)
💡 Buyer Insight: 6061 T6 supports various aluminum anodized colors, offers smoother laser cutting machine aluminum output, and allows for scalable procurement in 2020 aluminum extrusion sizes.
Strategic Trade-Offs in Procurement Decisions
Strength vs. Weldability: 7075 is stronger, but 6061 is easier to weld and form—ideal for multi-part assemblies and DFM.
Machining Time vs. Precision: 6061 minimizes tool wear and supports faster CNC runs; 7075 allows tighter tolerances but raises tooling costs.
Finish Uniformity: 6061 delivers more consistent results in anodizing and powder coating, critical for product line aesthetics.
Lifecycle Cost: Though 7075 can reduce unit count, the high machining cost and tooling fatigue may offset savings.
Export Restrictions: 7075, being aerospace-grade, can raise ITAR or customs scrutiny in some jurisdictions. 6061 offers broader customs compliance.
Additional Considerations for Procurement Professionals
Surface Treatment Compatibility
6061 excels in aluminum anodizing service and aluminum powder coating consistency.
7075 requires more careful pretreatment and benefits from alodine aluminum applications.
Supplier Consultation & Tolerance Strategy
YISHANG offers CNC path optimization based on material hardness, thickness, and cut geometry to balance cycle time and surface finish.
Sustainability & Material Recovery
Both are recyclable, but 6061’s scrap-to-part yield is higher. Lower energy input makes it greener at scale.
Industry-Specific Recommendations
Aerospace & UAV
7075 for structural strength, low weight, high fatigue resistance
Use aluminum bead blasting, alodine on aluminum for surface prep
Electronics & Enclosures
6061 for thermal conductivity and anodizing
Smooth surfaces suit aluminum brushed finish or anodized matte black
Automotive & Transport
6061 in aluminum automotive components, trim, brackets
7075 for chassis and suspension arms with high stress loads
Renewable Energy
6061 used in battery cases, inverter frames
Preferred for aluminum extrusion enclosure applications
Medical Equipment
Use 6061 for housings and brackets that require aluminum anodization colors and consistent finishes
Compliant with RoHS, supports aluminum anodizing service cost control
Decision Pitfalls to Avoid
Avoid these missteps:
Over-specifying strength without considering manufacturability
Assuming anodized finish behaves the same across alloys
Neglecting lifetime CNC tooling cost in quotation
Skipping certification checks for export markets
Why Global Buyers Work with YISHANG
YISHANG supplies over 100,000 precision aluminum parts annually to 50+ countries, supporting OEM buyers with full-factory capabilities.
Materials: 6061, 7075, 2020 aluminum extrusion, SS304, red copper
Processes: CNC, aluminum die casting, powder coating, bead blasting
Surface: aluminum anodizing, alodine on aluminum, conversion coating
Certifications: ISO 9001, RoHS, MTRs, REACH-compliant
Trade Terms: EXW / FOB / CIF / DDP
Case Study: Japan UAV supplier – 10,000 pcs 7075 drone mounts/year
FAQs: Buyer Essentials
Do you offer aluminum anodizing services?
Yes. Full color range, batch matching, and aluminum anodizing service cost breakdown available.
Can you process custom drawings?
Yes, via DXF, STEP, IGES, PDF.
How fast is delivery?
Typically 7–12 days for 6061; 12–20 days for 7075 depending on volume.
Do you export globally?
Yes. We support clients across EU, North America, Southeast Asia, and MENA.
Final Thoughts
Both 6061 and 7075 aluminum serve key roles in modern product development. 6061 is ideal for scalable, cost-effective production; 7075 is perfect where strength and weight savings are mission-critical.
Choosing the right alloy means matching performance with manufacturability—and that’s where YISHANG delivers value beyond material.