Computer Nuclear Control machining is the process in which pre-programmed software is used to control the working machining and tools. For this process, different types of materials are used like stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, etc. but what suits best for the CNC project is aluminum.
As steel is too hard but aluminum has the most favorable properties to fit in the CNC projects. let’s jump in. The properties which make aluminum good to choose from. Aluminum has great machinability and corrosion resistance ability which allows customers to use it in electrical wires, different types of equipment, and construction as well.
Aluminum can be converted into different alloys to make it a better choice for CNC machining, but which one is best between the two Aluminum 6061 or 7075?
Aluminum 6061 vs Aluminum 7075
These both are alloys of aluminum, made by small changes in their composition of it. To know about the better material for the CNC machining we have to review the requirements of the CNC project. For which type of tools you are going to make.
Whether it’s for the structural components or for the making of the hard materials. The following properties of aluminum alloys will help you to do things right.
Properties of Aluminum 6061
Aluminum 6061 is an alloy of aluminum made to use in different projects where simple aluminum can’t fit. Like most aluminum and its alloys, it has good corrosion resistance ability and contains magnesium, chromium, and titanium but the difference lies in the composition. let’s jump in to know in detail.
Features of aluminum 6061
- Aluminum 6061 has a vast area of usage. It’s best to use in the frame making and for the structural makings.
- Its good welding nature makes it a great option to use in the makings of vehicle frames, boats, bicycle equipment, and step floorings.
- It contains less amount of Zinc, which increases its machinability and welding abilities.
- It doesn’t have good strength.
- It’s best to use it if you need to do a lot of machining on your CNC project. It will be a good option also if you choose welding as it will happen in the CNC projects.
- It is expensive so you have to look at your budget before selecting it for the CNC machining projects.
- It has an elongation to break at 12%, thermal conductivity at 170 W/m-K, yield point, and tensile strength at 40000 psi and 45000 psi respectively.
Properties of Aluminum 7075
Aluminum 7075 has a great strength-to-weight ratio which is a plus point over the aluminum 6061. Aluminum 7075 can be used in the transportation industries, especially in the aerospace field. It is a good conductor of heat so if your CNC projects need a material or alloy of aluminum that must be a good heat conductor, then Aluminum 7075 will be a great choice.
Things to know about aluminum 7075
- It is used in industries where strength and weight abilities are focused like airframe making, to make molds, and firearm-grade materials.
- It is less expensive than the aluminum 6061 and can be proven as a cost-friendly material.
- It is preferred because of its heat conduction and high ability of friction and strength and a good approach to the low weights.
- Aluminum 7075 is a hard material that can bear stress.
- It has greater tensile strength and yield point than aluminum 6061, 83000 psi, and 74000 psi respectively.
- It has a Barnwell hardness of 150 as compared to 95 of aluminum 6061.
- The strength-to-weight ratio is 196 kN-m/kg while aluminum 6061 has only 115 kN-m/kg.
Wrap Up
For CNC machining projects, both materials possess good properties that make them favorable for machining. Their selection depends upon the requirements of the projects as to what type of conditions you are doing to introduce them.
Aluminum 7075 is cost-friendly and a good conductor of heat whereas aluminum 6061 is a great welding material and can be used in the making of frames. For making the parts for hard use, aluminum 7075 is a good choice with a hardness of 150.
