What are the main differences between aluminum alloys 7075 and 6061 and where they are best used for? Although these are both widely used in the manufacture of bicycle frames and components, there is a world of difference between the constitution and implementation of both.
Where is the difference?
The main difference between aluminum alloys 6061 and 7075 starts with their main composition. 6061 uses magnesium and silicon as the principal component of aluminum alloy while 7075 uses zinc. In general, the 6061 aluminum content is highly weldable using tungsten inert gas (TIG) or metal inert gas (MIG), highly resistant to corrosion and has good mechanical properties. Alloy 7075, on the other hand, has better tensile strength, but is much less resistant to corrosion.
The mechanical properties of the two alloys are largely dependent on the treatment of mood or heat the material. Annealing year or pre-hardened 6061-O provides the least tensile strength (18,000 psi) and yield strength (8000 psi), while hardened quality 6061-T6 provides the most traction (42,000 psi) and the limit of elasticity (35,000 psi) from 6061 alloys.
For 7075 alloy, the untreated 7075-O is thermally at the lower end of the traction performance and spectrum strength (40,000 psi and 21,000 psi, respectively), while 7075-T6 provides the most traction (74000-78000 psi) and yield strength (63000-00 psi).
Practical Applications
Since 7075 is considerably more expensive compared to other aluminum alloys, it is used only when cheaper alloys would not be enough to do the job. It is most often used in applications that require strength-to-density. As such, 7075 is the alloy of choice in material transport (automotive, aviation and marine) applications
Due to its lightweight nature, 7075 is also used in the production of hang glider fuselages, climbing equipment. , Stick lacrosse shafts and bicycle components. 7075 alloy is also used in the manufacture of precision and M16 rifles for the US Army, the combined arms tactical desert and the French company armaments.
Alloy 6061, on the other hand, is considered to be aluminum alloy of choice for general use. highly resistant nature of the alloy makes it suitable for the production of heavy structures such as trucks and marine components, tank fittings, diving scuba tanks and other high pressure applications. It can also be used in the manufacture of small-scale aircraft, utility boats and yacht, bicycle components, reels fly fishing and aluminum cans for food packaging. In addition, the alloy 6065 is also most suitable for the hot forging.
So if you simply want to know what hardware your bicycle frame was made with or you want to determine the most appropriate material to use for a particular project, knowing the difference between 6061 and alloys 7075 can come in quite handy.
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