7075-T6 Aluminum
Aerospace Grade Aluminum

7075-T6 Aluminum

Ultra High Strength • Aircraft Grade • Exceptional Stress Performance

7075-T6 is one of the highest strength aluminum alloys available, with strength comparable to many steels. This zinc-based alloy features excellent fatigue resistance and is extensively used in aerospace, defense, and high-performance structural applications where strength-to-weight ratio is critical.

Aerospace Defense Rock Climbing High Stress Parts

Quick Specifications

UNS Number: A97075
ASTM: B209, B211
EN: AW-7075
Density: 2.81 g/cm³
Melting Point: 477-635°C
Magnetic: No
572
Tensile Strength (MPa)
503
Yield Strength (MPa)
11%
Elongation
150
Hardness (HB)
C
Machinability

Properties & Characteristics

Material Overview

7075-T6 aluminum is a precipitation-hardened aluminum-zinc alloy that delivers the highest strength among commercial aluminum alloys. The T6 temper indicates solution heat treatment followed by artificial aging, maximizing mechanical properties. With a strength-to-weight ratio superior to many steels, it's the material of choice for critical aerospace and defense applications.

Key Benefits

Exceptional Strength: Tensile strength up to 572 MPa, comparable to medium carbon steel
Superior Fatigue Resistance: Excellent performance under cyclic loading
Lightweight: Only 35% the weight of steel with comparable strength
Good Machinability: Machines well to tight tolerances and fine finishes

Limitations

Limited Corrosion Resistance: Prone to stress corrosion cracking; not suitable for marine environments
Poor Weldability: Difficult to weld; typically joined using mechanical fasteners
Requires Protection: Anodizing or protective coatings recommended for enhanced durability

Chemical Composition

Element Weight % Purpose
Zinc (Zn) 5.1 - 6.1 Primary strengthening element
Magnesium (Mg) 2.1 - 2.9 Works with Zn for precipitation hardening
Copper (Cu) 1.2 - 2.0 Enhances strength and hardness
Chromium (Cr) 0.18 - 0.28 Grain structure control and stress corrosion resistance
Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.50 Impurity element
Silicon (Si) ≤ 0.40 Impurity element
Manganese (Mn) ≤ 0.30 Grain refinement
Titanium (Ti) ≤ 0.20 Grain refinement
Aluminum (Al) Balance Base metal

Mechanical Properties (T6 Temper)

Property Metric Imperial
Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 572 MPa 83,000 psi
Yield Strength 503 MPa 73,000 psi
Elongation at Break 11%
Modulus of Elasticity 71.7 GPa 10.4 × 10⁶ psi
Brinell Hardness 150 HB
Shear Strength 331 MPa 48,000 psi
Fatigue Strength (500M cycles) 159 MPa 23,000 psi
Shear Modulus 26.9 GPa 3.9 × 10⁶ psi

Note: Properties shown are typical values for T6 temper (solution heat treated and artificially aged). Actual values may vary based on form, thickness, and processing history.

Physical Properties

Density
2.81 g/cm³
0.101 lb/in³
Melting Point
477-635°C
890-1175°F
Thermal Conductivity
130 W/m-K
@ 25°C
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
23.4 µm/m-K
20-100°C
Electrical Resistivity
51.5 nΩ-m
@ 20°C
Specific Heat Capacity
960 J/kg-K
@ 100°C

Industry Applications

Aerospace & Defense

Aircraft structural components, wing spars, fuselage frames, missile parts, satellite components, spacecraft structures, and critical high-stress aerospace applications.

Transportation

High-performance bicycle frames, motorcycle parts, racing car components, high-stress automotive parts, and performance vehicle suspensions.

Sports & Recreation

Rock climbing equipment (carabiners, ascenders), ski poles, baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, archery equipment, and competitive sports gear.

Industrial Equipment

Mold tool manufacturing, precision jigs and fixtures, high-strength gears, structural components for equipment, and tooling plates.

Electronics & Telecommunications

Worm gears for electronics, precision components requiring high strength, electronic enclosures for harsh environments, and telecommunication hardware.

CNC Machining Guidelines

C
Machinability Rating
Fair - Good machinability with proper tooling

Best Practices

  • • Use sharp, high-speed steel or carbide tools
  • • Maintain consistent feed rates
  • • Apply adequate coolant/lubricant
  • • Use proper chip evacuation
  • • Consider work hardening during operations

Considerations

  • • Higher cutting forces than softer aluminum grades
  • • Can produce long, stringy chips
  • • Material can work harden if cut too slowly
  • • Sharp tools essential to prevent galling
  • • Requires rigid setup to prevent deflection
Operation Recommended Parameters
Turning Speed: 600-900 SFM (180-275 m/min), Feed: 0.005-0.015 ipr
Milling Speed: 800-1200 SFM (245-365 m/min), Carbide tooling recommended
Drilling Speed: 200-300 SFM (60-90 m/min), Use coolant, peck drilling for deep holes
Threading Reduced speeds, generous coolant, sharp tools critical
Coolant Mineral oil, soluble oil, or synthetic coolants recommended

Pro Tip: 7075-T6 machines best with positive rake angles and plenty of coolant. Watch for built-up edge on cutting tools and adjust speeds if necessary.

Overview

Material Type
Aluminum-Zinc Alloy
Primary Alloying
Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg)
Temper
T6 (Solution treated & aged)
Weldability
Poor
Corrosion Resistance
Fair (requires protection)
Typical Forms
Plate, Sheet, Bar, Extrusions

Standards & Designations

UNS
A97075
AA
7075
ASTM
B209, B211, B221
AMS
4045, 4078
EN
AW-7075
DIN
3.4365

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