You select an aluminum alloy based on a datasheet's yield strength, but the finished component fails during load testing. You are left wondering why the real-world performance does not match the spec sheet.

Yield strength is not a single number for an alloy; it is an engineered outcome. Forging and heat treatment can nearly double an alloy's yield strength, transforming a standard material into a high-performance, load-bearing component.

We worked with a new machining client who was making a critical mounting bracket. They bought 6061 aluminum plate online, saw "40 ksi yield strength" on the supplier's website, and assumed they were good to go. Their first batch of brackets, however, showed permanent bending and deformation far below the expected load. The problem? They had received annealed (T0) or as-extruded plate, which has a yield strength of only about 8 ksi. The "40 ksi" number they saw was for the fully heat-treated T6 condition. They were paying for the right alloy but getting one-fifth of the performance. We switched them to our custom-forged 6061-T6 blanks. Because our forging process and heat treatment are tightly controlled and certified, every single part met the 40 ksi (276 MPa) yield strength requirement. They learned that yield strength is not inherent to the alloy; it is created by the process.

What is the yield strength of 6061 aluminum?

You need a strong, reliable material for a structural part. You see 6061 aluminum everywhere, but the strength values seem to vary, making it hard to know what you are actually getting.

The yield strength of 6061 aluminum depends entirely on its temper. In its soft, annealed state (T0), it is only around 55 MPa (8 ksi), but after forging and heat treatment to a T6 temper, it reaches a robust 276 MPa (40 ksi).

Yield strength is the point at which a material stops flexing and starts permanently bending. For 6061, the most widely used structural aluminum alloy, this point is determined by its heat treatment, known as its temper.

Annealed (T0 or O): In its softest state, 6061 is very ductile and easy to form, but its yield strength is low, around 55 MPa (8 ksi). It is not suitable for most structural loads in this condition.

Solution Heat Treated and Artificially Aged (T6): This is the most common high-strength condition. Through a specific heating and aging process, the alloying elements (magnesium and silicon) form strengthening precipitates within the metal's grain structure. This process dramatically increases the yield strength to a guaranteed minimum of 276 MPa (40 ksi).

When you specify a 6061 forged ring or disc from us, you are specifying a T6 temper. We ensure through precise, certified processes that your component has this high level of engineered strength, providing the reliability you need for structural applications.

 

What is the yield strength of 7075 aluminium?

You have a critical application that demands the highest possible strength-to-weight ratio. You have heard 7075 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available, but you need to know the specific number.

In its fully heat-treated T6 condition, 7075 aluminum has a typical yield strength of around 503 MPa (73 ksi). This makes it nearly twice as strong as 6061-T6 and competitive with many grades of steel.

Alloy 7075 is the king of high-strength aluminum, and its impressive yield strength is the reason why. Just like 6061, its strength is unlocked through heat treatment. The high zinc content in 7075 allows it to achieve a much higher level of strength.

 

Temper	Typical Yield Strength	Application
O	~103 MPa (15 ksi)	Soft state for forming before heat treatment.
T6	~503 MPa (73 ksi)	High-stress aerospace and military parts.
T73	~434 MPa (63 ksi)	Offers better stress corrosion resistance.

 

The T6 temper provides the highest strength and is the default for most applications, from aircraft fuselage frames to high-performance sporting goods. When a client needs the absolute maximum performance, we recommend 7075-T6. We supply forged blanks that are then machined into parts where failure is not an option. This incredible yield strength allows engineers to design lighter, more efficient components without compromising on safety or durability.

 

What is the yield strength of A380 aluminum?

You are designing a complex part and considering die casting. You need to know the mechanical properties of a standard casting alloy like A380 to see if it is strong enough for your application.

A380 aluminum, a common die-casting alloy, has a typical yield strength of around 165 MPa (24 ksi). It offers moderate strength but cannot be heat treated to the high levels of wrought alloys like 6061 or 7075.

It is important to compare apples to apples. A380 is a casting alloy, while 6061 and 7075 are wrought alloys (designed for forging or extrusion). Their chemistries and resulting properties are fundamentally different. A380's high silicon content gives it excellent fluidity for filling molds, but it does not respond to strengthening heat treatments in the same way. Its yield strength of 165 MPa (24 ksi) is decent and suitable for a huge range of applications, like electronics housings, engine components, and power tools. However, it is significantly lower than heat-treated wrought alloys. This is a key trade-off: die casting with A380 allows for complex shapes with minimal machining, but you sacrifice the ultimate strength you would get from a machined part made from a forged 6061-T6 or 7075-T6 blank. For high-stress, critical components, forging is the superior process.

 

Is 6061 or 7075 aluminum stronger?

You are deciding between 6061 and 7075 for a new project. You see that 7075 is stronger, but you need to understand how much stronger it is and if that extra strength justifies its higher cost.

7075-T6 aluminum is significantly stronger than 6061-T6. Its yield strength is nearly double that of 6061-T6, placing it in a much higher performance category for demanding, high-stress applications.

While both are excellent structural alloys, they are not interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific demands of your application. Let's put their yield strengths head-to-head in their most common T6 temper:

6061-T6 Yield Strength: ~276 MPa (40 ksi)

7075-T6 Yield Strength: ~503 MPa (73 ksi)

This is not a small difference; it is a massive leap in performance. You would choose 6061-T6 for its great all-around properties. It has good strength, excellent corrosion resistance, is easily welded, and is more affordable. It is perfect for a vast range of structural uses. You choose 7075-T6 when your primary design driver is achieving the absolute highest strength-to-weight ratio possible. This is why it is the standard in aerospace and high-end competitive sports equipment. The extra strength allows for lighter parts that can withstand extreme forces. We forge both alloys, providing our customers with the specific, certified performance their project requires.

 

Conclusion

Don't just specify an alloy; specify a performance outcome. We deliver forged aluminum with a guaranteed and certified yield strength, ensuring your components perform exactly as designed, every single time.