ZUFEKAluminum Alloys
Lightweight metal options for custom threaded parts where the alloy, temper, engagement and surface requirements can be engineered for the application.
Strength reference
The same alloy in a different temper has different properties. The figures below are examples for specified extruded stock, not a finished screw rating.
| Grade / condition / basis | Tensile strength Rm (MPa) | Yield / 0.2% stress (MPa) | Scope of the reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 / T6511 extruded stock example | 260 minimum | 240 minimum | Hydro extrusion reference: tensile-test section thickness determines applicability; confirm the ordered size and specification. |
| 6082-T6 / T6511 extruded stock example | 310 minimum | 260 minimum | Hydro data for listed 5–150 mm wall/section range; other sizes differ. |
Values refer to the stated material or fastener-class basis. They are not a certified property or load rating for every ZUFEK custom geometry. Confirm the applicable specification and test condition for the ordered part.
Compare grades and delivery conditions
A material family is a starting point, not a complete specification. The following options are selection references; supply and suitability require drawing review.
| Grade or specified condition | What distinguishes it | When to consider it | What to confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 / T6511 | Alloy plus temper and product form must be stated. | Lightweight machined adjustment or enclosure components. | T6511 is a stock temper designation, not a general finished-screw strength guarantee. |
| 6082-T6 / T6511 | A different alloy with its own product-size property tables. | Machined components where its specified stock properties suit the design. | Do not substitute using one headline strength number; check section, condition and dimensional stability. |
| 6061 or 6082 in another temper | The alloy number stays the same while condition changes. | Forming or fabrication routes that require a different supplied condition. | Properties quoted for T6 stock cannot be assigned to unspecified or annealed stock. |
| 7075: specified temper | A different high-strength alloy family from 6061/6082. | Weight-sensitive machined parts that justify its material and process requirements. | Compare T6 and T73 condition data and stress-corrosion behavior; tube data do not qualify a bar-made screw. |
How to narrow the choice
Specify alloy, temper and bar or extrusion specification before comparing strength. Review thread engagement, bearing surfaces, anodizing allowance and mating-metal corrosion as separate joint-design questions.
Write an unambiguous material requirement
Include the designation standard, exact grade, product form, delivery condition, final mechanical requirements, surface treatment and acceptance evidence. Similar names across EN, ASTM, SAE, JIS or GB systems are comparison leads, not permission to substitute.
If the grade is not yet decided, send the load or locating function, environment, mating materials, quantity and drawing. Ask for a proposed grade and route with stated assumptions before approving the material.
The listed grades are comparisons for drawing review, not a declaration that every grade, size or treatment is held in stock. Availability, route and ordered evidence are confirmed in the quotation.
Selection, processing and acceptance
Choose the grade and condition together with the job the screw performs. The following checks connect the material shortlist to manufacturing and sample acceptance.
- Function and grade choice
- 6061 and 6082 are useful starting comparisons for lightweight machined parts. Consider 7075 only when its grade-specific strength and environmental trade-offs justify it. A higher tensile value does not solve limited engagement in a soft mating thread, concentrated bearing pressure or wear from repeated adjustment.
- Processing and final dimensions
- T6 identifies a heat-treatment state; T6511 additionally identifies stretching-related stress relief for applicable extrusions. They are not generic labels for all bar forms. Review anodizing thickness, masking and the final thread or shoulder fit. A later thermal operation or welding can change the condition on which the stock property data were based.
- What the sample must demonstrate
- Specify the actual alloy, temper, product form and section size. Check the final usable thread, bearing face and fitted dimensions after the agreed finish. For an adjuster, trial the travel and locking arrangement with the real mating component; agree any assembly test separately from the stock tensile certificate.
Example: a 6061-T6511 machined adjustment screw
For a lightweight adjuster, carry the stock temper into the specification, then evaluate the thread and bearing interface in the finished assembly.
Illustrative material request. Drawing-specific limits and acceptance criteria remain to be agreed; this is not a released design or a ZUFEK test result.
- Grade and supplied condition
- 6061-T6511 extruded bar under the agreed product specification. Record the stock size and condition used for the reference properties.
- Finished-part requirement
- Distinguish stock tensile data from finished-thread acceptance. Identify engagement, adjustment duty and any required assembly verification.
- Surface and mating interface
- Define anodizing or another specified finish, the affected dimensions and the mating material. Check the usable thread and fit in the final supplied condition.
- Acceptance records
- Retain grade/temper and lot identification; agree dimensional results after finishing and any specified treatment records.
- Alternative to review, not assume
- 6082 or another temper requires comparison on the same product and condition basis. Do not transfer a T6 reference value to unspecified stock.
Material selection questions
Can 7075 replace 6061 without changing the drawing?
Treat it as a material change. Compare the required temper, corrosion exposure, machining and finishing route, mating metal and final acceptance. A higher strength reference alone does not authorize the substitution.
Does anodizing increase the strength class of an aluminum screw?
Anodizing changes the surface and can affect dimensions, wear and friction. It does not assign a finished-fastener strength class or replace the specified alloy and temper.
Why consider this family?
- Lower component mass than an equivalent-volume steel part
- Machined geometry can combine steps, bores and adjustment features
- Surface finish and alloy temper can be reviewed together
Application range
Lightweight electronic assemblies, optical adjustment hardware, equipment covers and custom low-mass fixture components.
Selection and process considerations
Specify alloy and temper. Review thread stripping and engagement in the real joint, contact with dissimilar metals, wear, finishing allowance and assembly torque. Stock tensile properties do not by themselves establish the load capacity of a threaded component.
Include in the RFQ
- Alloy, temper and stock form
- Mating thread and engagement
- Surface finish or anodizing requirement
- Joint load and assembly conditions
Related products and manufacturing routes
Relevant application discussions
Choose material and finished strength together
Use a common set of functional, environmental and acceptance requirements before comparing grades and conditions. Separate material stock figures from finished fastener classes and assembled joint performance.
Follow the material and strength selection workflow ↗Connect the part to its requirements.
Review these related topics for this design or route. Grade, treatment, geometry and acceptance remain drawing-specific.
Choosing material for a custom metal screw ↗
Material selection begins with the service environment and mechanical requirements. The best specification balances function, manufacturability, availability and verification.
ENGINEERING GUIDEFrom prototype to production: keeping the screw specification aligned ↗
A prototype can establish useful geometry without defining the final production route. Plan the transition so the approved function and acceptance requirements survive the change in manufacturing method.
Discuss aluminum alloys for your drawing.
Share your drawing, quantity and application requirements with our team.