Aluminum alloys play a vital role in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and marine. Among the vast range of aluminum grades available, AW 7075 and AW 6082 are two of the most recognized and widely used. Both offer a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and workability, but they are designed for different performance requirements.
So, what is the difference between AW 7075 and AW 6082?
In this article, we compare these two popular alloys in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, machinability, weldability, and common applications, helping you choose the right one for your project.
Introduction to AW 7075 Aluminum
AW 7075, also known as 7075 aluminum, is a high-strength aluminum-zinc alloy. It is commonly used in aerospace, military, and performance automotive parts due to its exceptional mechanical strength.
Key Features:
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Very high strength-to-weight ratio
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Used in aircraft-grade components
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Limited weldability
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Moderate corrosion resistance (can be improved with coatings)
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Often used in T6 or T651 temper
Introduction to AW 6082 Aluminum
AW 6082 is a medium-strength aluminum alloy in the 6000 series, alloyed primarily with magnesium and silicon. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, and structural integrity.
Key Features:
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High corrosion resistance
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Good machinability and weldability
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Moderate to high strength
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Commonly used in structural applications
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Typically supplied in T6 or T651 temper
Chemical Composition Comparison
| Element | AW 7075 (%) | AW 6082 (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance | Balance |
| Zinc (Zn) | 5.1 – 6.1 | ≤ 0.2 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2.1 – 2.9 | 0.6 – 1.2 |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.2 – 2.0 | ≤ 0.1 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.18 – 0.28 | ≤ 0.25 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.4 | 0.7 – 1.3 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.5 | ≤ 0.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.3 | 0.4 – 1.0 |
Summary:
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7075 is heavily alloyed with zinc and copper, contributing to its superior strength.
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6082 has magnesium and silicon, making it more corrosion-resistant and weldable.
Mechanical Properties Comparison
| Property | AW 7075-T6 | AW 6082-T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa) | 510 – 570 | 290 – 330 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 430 – 480 | 240 – 280 |
| Elongation (%) | 5 – 11 | 6 – 10 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~150 | ~100 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.81 | 2.70 |
Conclusion:
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AW 7075 is significantly stronger and harder than AW 6082.
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AW 6082 offers more ductility and corrosion resistance, ideal for general-purpose structural use.
Corrosion Resistance
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7075 offers only moderate corrosion resistance and is prone to stress corrosion cracking, especially in marine environments.
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6082 provides excellent corrosion resistance, especially in humid or salty conditions, making it ideal for marine and outdoor structures.
Weldability
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7075 is not recommended for welding due to its high copper content, which makes welds prone to cracking and weakening.
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6082 is readily weldable, and the heat-affected zone retains good strength and corrosion resistance.
Machinability
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7075 machines very well and produces high-quality finishes, making it suitable for precision components.
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6082 also machines well, though slightly inferior to 7075 in finish quality, but easier to handle during welding and forming.
Heat Treatment and Tempers
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Both alloys are available in T6 and T651 tempers (solution heat-treated and artificially aged).
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7075-T6 is one of the strongest aluminum tempers commercially available.
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6082-T6 offers a balance between strength and ease of fabrication.
Applications of AW 7075
Due to its very high strength, AW 7075 is commonly used in:
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Aircraft structural parts
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Aerospace fittings and gears
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High-performance bicycles
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Motorsport frames and suspension parts
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Mold tools and jigs
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Defense and military components
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High-end sports equipment
Applications of AW 6082
Thanks to its corrosion resistance and weldability, AW 6082 is used in:
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Bridges and load-bearing structures
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Marine vessels and ship components
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Cranes and lifting gear
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Scaffolding systems
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Pressure vessels
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Truck bodies and trailers
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Architectural components
Summary Table: AW 7075 vs AW 6082
| Feature | AW 7075 | AW 6082 |
|---|---|---|
| Series | 7000 (Zinc) | 6000 (Magnesium-Silicon) |
| Strength | Very High | Medium to High |
| Weldability | Poor | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Machinability | Excellent | Good |
| Heat Treatable | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate |
| Weight | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
Which Should You Choose?
| Requirement | Recommended Alloy |
|---|---|
| Maximum strength | AW 7075 |
| Corrosion resistance | AW 6082 |
| Weldability | AW 6082 |
| Aerospace-grade applications | AW 7075 |
| Outdoor/marine structures | AW 6082 |
| Cost-efficiency | AW 6082 |
| Precision machining | AW 7075 |
If strength is your top priority, choose AW 7075.
If corrosion resistance and weldability matter more, choose AW 6082.
Sourcing AW 7075 and AW 6082 from sasaaluminum
At sasaaluminum, we supply a wide range of high-performance aluminum alloys, including:
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AW 7075 and AW 6082 plates, sheets, bars, and tubes
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Custom cutting and CNC machining services
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Certified materials with EN 10204 3.1 or ASTM standards
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Rapid international delivery and technical support
Whether you need aerospace-grade strength or marine-grade corrosion resistance, sasaaluminum provides the right alloy for your project needs.
Conclusion
What is the difference between AW 7075 and AW 6082? In short:
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AW 7075 offers superior strength, making it ideal for aerospace, military, and high-performance engineering.
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AW 6082 provides excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, perfect for structural, marine, and architectural applications.
Both alloys are excellent in their own right — the choice depends on your application requirements, budget, and fabrication processes. For precision sourcing and quality assurance, choose sasaaluminum as your trusted aluminum partner.
Post time: Aug-05-2025