6082 vs. 7075 Aluminum Forging

With the development of forging technique, aluminum alloys are more and more popular in forging production due to their great strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. CFS Forge is the top China aluminum forging company, specializing producing custom forged aluminum parts in various alloys, such as 2014, 6061, 6063, 6082, and 7075 alloys. Among these alloys, each has its special features and advantages. In this article, we would like to compare 6082 and 7075 aluminum alloys for forging, which can help our customers to choose a proper alloy for their project.

Introduction to Aluminum Forging

Aluminum forging is the manufacturing process to produce parts by shaping aluminum alloys under a die with compressive forces. Compared to other metal forming techniques, forging can enchance the mechnical properties of aluminum effectively, including superior strength-to-weight ratios, fatigue resistance and toughness. All these features make aluminum forging a perfect solution for high-performance applications, such as automotive, aerospace, marine, food machinery and others.

Understanding 6082 Aluminum Forging

6082 aluminum is a medium-strength forging alloy that belongs to the 6000 series, which is known for its excellent formability, corrosion resistance, and weldability. The alloy primarily consists of aluminum, magnesium, and silicon, giving it a well-balanced combination of strength and flexibility.

Chemical Composition of 6082 Aluminum:

Aluminum (Al): 95.2–98.3%
Magnesium (Mg): 0.6–1.2%
Silicon (Si): 0.7–1.3%
Manganese (Mn): 0.4–1.0%
Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.5%
Others: Small amounts of chromium, zinc, and titanium.

Key Properties of 6082 Aluminum:

Strength: Medium, with tensile strength ranging from 260 to 310 MPa.
Weldability: Excellent, making it ideal for applications that require joining.
Machinability: Good, providing ease of machining for complex components.
Corrosion Resistance: High, especially in marine and industrial environments.
Formability: High, allowing for intricate designs without significant cracking.

Understanding 7075 Aluminum Forging

7075 aluminum is one of the strongest aluminum forging alloys available. Belonging to the 7000 series, it is primarily composed of aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and copper. This alloy is well-known for its exceptional strength and hardness, which often rival that of mild steel, making it suitable for high-stress applications.

Chemical Composition of 7075 Aluminum:

Aluminum (Al): 87.1–91.4%
Zinc (Zn): 5.1–6.1%
Magnesium (Mg): 2.1–2.9%
Copper (Cu): 1.2–2.0%
Others: Small amounts of chromium, iron, silicon, manganese, and titanium.

Key Properties of 7075 Aluminum:

Strength: Extremely high, with tensile strength ranging from 510 to 540 MPa, making it one of the strongest aluminum forging alloys available.
Weldability: Poor, as 7075 is prone to cracking during welding due to its high zinc content.
Machinability: Good, though more challenging to machine compared to 6082.
Corrosion Resistance: Moderate, as 7075 is more prone to corrosion, especially in marine environments.
Formability: Lower than 6082, as the alloy is more brittle and less flexible.

Comparison of 6082 vs. 7075 Aluminum Forging

Features	6082	7075
Strength	Medium strength (260-310 MPa). Suitable for general-purpose structural components.	Very high strength (510-540 MPa). Ideal for high-stress applications like aerospace and defense.
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments.	Moderate corrosion resistance; prone to corrosion in saltwater or humid conditions.
Weldability	Excellent weldability; can be welded using various techniques.	Challenging to weld due to cracking tendencies. Requires special techniques and post-weld heat treatment.
Machinability	Good machinability; allows production of intricate parts without excessive wear on tools.	Machinable but harder; wears tools more quickly compared to 6082.
Cost and Availability	More affordable and widely available. Preferred for cost-sensitive projects.	More expensive and less available than 6082. Limited in larger quantities or specialized forms.
Weight-to-Strength Ratio	Good weight-to-strength ratio; better balance of weight and formability for most applications.	Excellent weight-to-strength ratio; outperforms 6082 in strength.

When to Choose 6082 vs. 7075 Aluminum Forging

The decision between 6082 and 7075 aluminum mainly depends on the specific requirements of the project. Here’s a general guide on when to choose each:

Choose 6082 Aluminum Forging if:

Your project requires a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and cost.
Weldability is important, such as in structural components or assemblies.
You need a material that offers good formability and machinability for intricate designs.
The component will be used in marine or other corrosive environments.

Choose 7075 Aluminum Forging if:

Maximum strength is a priority, such as in aerospace, defense, or high-performance automotive components.
Your application involves high-stress, high-impact environments where durability is critical.
Corrosion resistance is not a primary concern, or proper surface treatment is applied.
The design does not involve extensive welding, or special welding techniques can be used.

Conclusion

Both 6082 and 7075 aluminum alloys offer unique advantages for drop forging applications. 6082 excels in corrosion resistance, weldability, and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for structural components and environments where these factors are critical. On the other hand, 7075 provides unmatched strength and hardness, suitable for high-stress applications in the aerospace and defense industries. Understanding the specific requirements of your application is essential in making the right choice. CFS team can recommend the best suitable aluminum alloy for your forged item.

At CFS Forge, we focus on closed die aluminum forging with forging equipments ranging from 300 tons to 2,500 tons. We have the capability to forge aluminum parts in 0.02kg to 20kgs. Besides forging, we are also able to provide CNC machining and surface finishing services, which enable us a one stop shop for all your aluminum forging sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which alloy is stronger, 6082 or 7075?
A: 7075 aluminum is significantly stronger than 6082. It has higher tensile and yield strengths, making it suitable for high-stress applications.

Q: Can CFS Forge 7075 aluminum Alloy?
A: Yes, 7075 aluminum can be forged at CFS Forge. However, due to its high strength and lower ductility, it requires precise temperature control and forging techniques. Although 7075 alloy has better properties, 6082 aluminum alloy is more commonly used in forging due to its higher cost performance.

Q: Which alloy is more difficult to forge？7075 or 6082 alloy?
A: Absolutely. 7075 aluminum is more diffcult to forge than 6082 alloy, due to its higher hardness. For the same design, 7075 aluminum forging may require 2 pairs of forging dies to complete production, while for 6082 aluminum alloy, one pair of forging dies might be enough.

Q: How do the costs of 6082 and 7075 compare?
A: 6082 aluminum is generally more affordable than 7075. The higher alloying content in 7075, particularly zinc and copper, increases its cost.

Q: What are the common temper designations for 6082 and 7075?
A: For 6082, common tempers include T6 and T651, indicating solution heat-treated and artificially aged conditions. For 7075, T6, T651, and T73 are common, each offering different balances of strength and stress relief.

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