Datasheet · Aluminum
Light, corrosion-resistant and easy to machine — but the grades are not interchangeable. Match strength, weldability and finish to the job.
Aluminum alloys trade strength against formability, weldability and finish. The heat-treatable 6000 and 7000 series gain strength from aging; the 5000 series stays soft and formable. Picking across them is mostly about how the part is made and finished.
Grades & properties (typical T6/H32)
| Grade | Strength | Weldable | Forms well | Best for |
|---|
| 6061 | High (yield ≈276 MPa) | Yes | OK | All-round machined & structural |
| 6063 | Medium | Yes | OK | Extrusions, architectural, anodized finish |
| 7075 | Very high (yield ≈503 MPa) | No | No | Aerospace, high-load machined parts |
| 5052 | Low–medium | Yes | Excellent | Sheet metal forming, marine |
How to choose
- Machined bracket, housing or structural part → 6061-T6.
- Extruded profile or part you will anodize for looks → 6063.
- Maximum strength-to-weight, no welding → 7075-T6.
- Bent or deep-drawn sheet metal, especially marine → 5052.
Frequently asked questions
Which aluminum grade is best for machined parts?
6061-T6 is the all-round choice — good strength, machinability and weldability. For high-strength structural or aerospace parts choose 7075-T6; for sheet that will be formed, 5052.
Can you weld 7075 aluminum?
7075 is difficult to weld and prone to cracking, so it is normally machined or fastened rather than welded. 6061 and 5052 weld well.
What does the temper (T6, T651) mean?
The temper describes heat treatment and stress relief. T6 is solution-treated and artificially aged for peak strength; T651 adds stress relief for stable machining of plate.
Which grade anodizes best?
6063 and 6061 anodize cleanly and evenly, which is why architectural and finished parts use them; 7075 anodizes but can look less uniform.
