AR15 80% lowers and jigs 10% off w/ promo code

Dave T said:

What's the difference between 6061 and 7075, other than $10?

Click to expand...

6061-T6
T6 temper 6061 has an ultimate tensile strength of at least 42,000 psi (300 MPa) and yield strength of at least 35,000 psi (241 MPa). More typical values are 45,000 psi (310 MPa) and 40,000 psi (275 MPa), respectively.[4] In thicknesses of 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) or less, it has elongation of 8% or more; in thicker sections, it has elongation of 10%. T651 temper has similar mechanical properties. The typical value for thermal conductivity for 6061-T6 at 80°C is around 152 W/m K. A material data sheet [5] defines the fatigue limit under cyclic load as 14,000 psi (100 MPa) for 500,000,000 completely reversed cycles using a standard RR Moore test machine and specimen. Note that aluminum does not exhibit a well defined "knee" on its S-n graph, so there is some debate as to how many cycles equates to "infinite life". Also note the actual value of fatigue limit for an application can be dramatically affected by the conventional de-rating factors of loading, gradient, and surface finish.

6061-T6 is used for:
the construction of bicycle frames and components.
many fly fishing reels.
The famous Pioneer plaque was made of this particular alloy.
the secondary chambers and baffle systems in firearm sound suppressors (primarily pistol suppressors for reduced weight and functionality), while the primary expansion chambers usually require 17-4PH or 303 stainless steel or titanium.[9][10]
The upper and lower receivers of many AR-15 variants.

7075-T6
T6 temper 7075 has an ultimate tensile strength of 74,000–78,000 psi (510–572 MPa) and yield strength of at least 63,000–69,000 psi (434–503 MPa). It has a failure elongation of 5–11%.

7000 series alloys such as 7075 are often used in transport applications, including marine, automotive and aviation, due to their high strength-to-density ratio.[2][4] Their strength and light weight is also desirable in other fields. Rock climbing equipment, bicycle components, and hang glider airframes are commonly made from 7075 aluminium alloy. Hobby grade RC models commonly use 7075 and 6061 for chassis plates. One interesting use for 7075 is in the manufacture of M16 rifles for the American military. In particular high quality M16 rifle lower and upper receivers as well as extension tubes are typically made from 7075-T6 alloy. It is also commonly used in shafts for lacrosse sticks, and camping knife and fork sets. Desert Tactical Arms and French armament company PGM use it for their precision rifles.
Due to its strength, high density, thermal properties and its ability to be highly polished, 7075 is widely used in mold tool manufacturing

Click to expand...

Alloy Composition 6061 Aluminum
The 6061 alloy of aluminum is primarily composed of magnesium and silicon. This gives 6061 aluminum alloy superior welding ability over other alloys of aluminum, which are traditionally difficult to weld because of their chemical makeup and lack of conductivity. Some other elements of 6061 aluminum alloy include small amounts of iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, chromium, zinc and titanium.

Manufacturing Uses of 6061 Aluminum
The 6061 composition of aluminum is an extensively used material for the construction of a wide variety of materials. Bicycles, airplane parts, automotive parts and aluminum cans are all constructed utilizing 6061 aluminum. In many cases, the foil interior wrapper on food containers is also made with 6061 aluminum alloy. Because the material is extremely workable, it is an ideal material for use in these products. Bicycles in particular benefit greatly from the use of 6061 aluminum alloy because of the ease with which it is welded and the rigid strength of the final product when compared to its overall weight.

7075 Aluminum Alloy Composition
The 7075 aluminum alloy, while not being entirely different from 6061 aluminum alloy, is both more expensive and more prone to corrosion than 6061 aluminum alloy. The 7075 alloy is primarily composed of zinc as the alloying agent of the aluminum, as well as higher levels of magnesium and copper than are found in 6061 aluminum. This makes this composition of aluminum alloy as hard as many steels while still retaining the lightweight qualities of aluminum.

7075 Aluminum Alloy Uses
Uses for 7075 aluminum alloy include many applications in which it is important to have the strength of steel with the light weight of aluminum. For this reason, 7075 aluminum is extensively used in military aircraft construction and is also used to build boats and in some automotive parts. Some sports equipment also utilizes 7075 aluminum alloy because of its strength and light weight. In particular, lacrosse stick shafts, bicycle components and rock climbing equipment are generally constructed using 7075 aluminum alloy.

Click to expand...

Dave T said:

The debate goes on.... 7075 is more prone to corrosion. hmmmmm....

Click to expand...