Aluminum Alloy 7075 (UNS A97075)
Aluminum 7075 is a high-strength aluminum alloy known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. It belongs to the 7000 series of aluminum alloys, which are commonly used in aerospace, military, and industrial applications where strength and toughness are critical.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Aluminum | 86.9% | 91.4% |
| Chromium | 0.18% | 0.28% |
| Copper | 1.2% | 2.0% |
| Iron | —— | 0.5% |
| Magnesium | 2.1% | 2.9% |
| Manganese | —— | 0.3% |
| Silicon | —— | 0.4% |
| Titanium | —— | 0.2% |
| Zinc | 5.1% | 6.1% |
| Zirconium | —— | 0.25% |
| Residuals | —— | 0.15% |
The following table provides a list of aluminum 7075 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 2810 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength | 240 - 590 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 120 - 510 MPa |
| Shear Strength | 150 - 340 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength | 110 - 190 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 70 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 26 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 12% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.33 |
| Brinell Hardness | 150 HB |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 477 - 635 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 130 - 150 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 870 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 2.36×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.9×107 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 5.2×10-8 Ω·m |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Aluminum 7075
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength-to-weight ratio | Difficult to weld |
| Excellent fatigue resistance | Lower formability |
| Good machinability | High cost |
| Corrosion resistance | Limited availability |
Applications of Aluminum 7075
Aluminum 7075 is a versatile alloy that finds applications in various industries where high strength, lightweight, and durability are required. Some common applications of Aluminum 7075 include:
- Aerospace: Due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, Aluminum 7075 is widely used in aerospace applications. It is utilized in aircraft structures, wings, fuselages, and other components where weight reduction is critical without compromising strength.
- Defense and Military: Aluminum 7075 is favored in the defense industry for its strength and toughness. It is used in the manufacturing of military aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles, and missile components.
- Automotive: Aluminum 7075 finds applications in the automotive industry, particularly in high-performance vehicles. It is used in suspension components, chassis parts, wheels, and other areas where lightweight construction and strength are important for improved performance.
- Sporting Goods: The alloy’s high strength and lightweight nature make it suitable for sporting goods. Aluminum 7075 is used in the production of bicycle frames, rock climbing equipment (carabiners, crampons), tent poles, and other outdoor gear that requires strength and durability.
- Marine Industry: Aluminum 7075’s corrosion resistance makes it useful in marine applications. It is utilized in boat hulls, marine fittings, and structures that need to withstand the harsh marine environment.
- High-Performance Machinery: In industrial settings, Aluminum 7075 is employed in machinery and equipment that require high strength, such as high-performance CNC machines, hydraulic systems, and robotics.
- Firearms: Aluminum 7075 is commonly used in the manufacturing of firearm components, including receivers, handguards, and pistol frames. Its strength and light weight contribute to the overall performance and maneuverability of firearms.
- Tooling and Fixtures: The alloy’s excellent machinability makes it suitable for tooling and fixtures in various industries. It is used in jigs, fixtures, molds, and other applications where high strength and dimensional stability are required.