Which aluminum alloy is best suited for your custom aluminum profile needs: 6061, 6063, or 7075?
2025-11-10
The most commonly used aluminum alloys for custom aluminum profiles are the 6-series, with the 7-series as a supplement. The choice depends on requirements such as strength, machinability, and corrosion resistance. Core Commonly Used Models (6-series): 6061: Offers optimal overall performance, can be heat-treated for strengthening, has good weldability and corrosion resistance, and is easy to process and form. 6063: Has excellent extrusion performance and a high surface finish, commonly used in architectural doors and windows, decorative profiles, and other applications where aesthetics are paramount. 7-series (e.g., 7075): A high-strength alloy with outstanding hardness and load-bearing capacity, suitable for aerospace, high-end equipment, and other custom applications requiring extremely high strength. 1. Fundamental Differences in Aluminum Alloy Selection for Custom Aluminum Profiles: Alloy Composition The core difference lies in their main alloying elements, which determine all key properties: 6061 and 6063 (6000 series): Aluminum-magnesium-silicon (Al-Mg-Si) alloys. 6061 has a higher magnesium (0.8–1.2%) and silicon (0.4–0.8%) content, and contains trace amounts of copper (0.15–0.4%). 6063 has a lower magnesium (0.45–0.9%) and silicon (0.2–0.6%) content, and extremely low copper content. 7075 (7000 series): Aluminum-zinc (Al-Zn) alloy, reinforced with magnesium and copper. This alloy has extremely high strength. 2. Applications of Aluminum Alloys for Custom Aluminum Profiles 6061 aluminum alloy is suitable for projects requiring a balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance. Common Applications: Industrial Structures: Truck frames, marine components, towers. Transportation: Aircraft components, electric vehicle chassis. Machinery: Precision mechanical parts, valves, and brackets. 6063 aluminum alloy combines aesthetics, ease of extrusion, and outdoor durability. Common Applications: Construction: Aluminum alloy doors and windows, curtain walls, fences. Decorative Components: Furniture frames, balcony railings. Lightweight Structures: Irrigation pipes, vehicle trim. 7075: High-strength alloy designed for extreme loads or aerospace-grade applications. Common Applications: Aerospace: Aircraft wings, satellite components. High-Performance Equipment: Golf club heads, bicycle frames, climbing equipment. Molds: Blow molding molds, ultrasonic welding tools. Summary: Custom aluminum profile alloys depend on the application and requirements: For complex extrusion and bending, choose 6063; for machining and welding, choose 6061; for high strength requirements, choose 7075.
