Aluminum CNC Machining Guide: 6061 vs 7075 vs 5052 vs 5083 — Properties, Cost & Applications (2026)
Quick answer:Aluminum 6061-T6 is the best all-around CNC machining aluminum — it machines easily, anodizes beautifully, costs $3–5/kg, and works for 80% of applications. Choose 7075-T6 when you need aerospace-grade strength (572 MPa), 5052 for corrosion resistance and sheet metal, 5083 for marine environments, and MIC-6 when flatness is critical.
Aluminum Grade Properties Comparison
Property
6061-T6
7075-T6
5052-H32
5083-H111
MIC-6
Tensile Strength (MPa)
310
572
230
315
165
Yield Strength (MPa)
276
503
193
228
105
Hardness (Brinell)
95
150
60
85
65
Density (g/cm³)
2.70
2.81
2.68
2.66
2.71
Cost per kg (2026)
$3–5
$5–8
$3–5
$4–7
$8–15
Machinability, Weldability & Finish Comparison
Characteristic
6061-T6
7075-T6
5052-H32
5083-H111
MIC-6
CNC Machinability
★★★★★
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
Anodize Quality
★★★★★
★★★☆☆
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
★★★★☆
Weldability
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★★
★☆☆☆☆
Corrosion Resistance
★★★★☆
★★☆☆☆
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★☆
Flatness Stability
★★★★☆
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★☆☆
★★★★★
When to Use Each Grade
6061-T6: General machining, prototypes, brackets, frames, heatsinks, camera mounts, bicycle parts. Use this unless you have a specific reason not to.
7075-T6: Aerospace structures, drone arms, rock climbing gear, high-stress bicycle components, military equipment. 40% stronger but 60% more expensive and harder to anodize.
5052-H32: Sheet metal enclosures, marine hardware, fuel tanks, chemical equipment. Excellent corrosion resistance and formability, but gummy to machine.
5083-H111: Shipbuilding, pressure vessels, cryogenic equipment, offshore structures. Best marine-grade aluminum; retains strength after welding.
MIC-6: Optical bases, inspection fixtures, vacuum chambers, semiconductor equipment. Cast aluminum plate with stress-relieved flatness (0.125mm over 600mm).
Cost Comparison: Same Part, Different Aluminum Grades