In the aerospace industry, or for other specific types of applications where high tensile strength is required, 7075 T6 aluminum is the usual go-to product. This alloy is known throughout the industry as aircraft quality or grade, and it is really the defining alloy used throughout this specialized manufacturing field.
As with any of this series, 7075 T6 aluminum is alloyed with zinc as the primary alloying metal. The percentage of zinc found in the product will range from a low of 5.6 percent to a high of 6.1 percent. In addition there is also magnesium and copper at lower percentages, again with slight variations in the specific percentage by weight. At less than half a percent, this alloy will also contain chromium, manganese, titanium, iron and silicon.
The Properties of 7075 T6 Aluminum
While 7075 designates the specific alloy composition with zinc being the primary alloy, T6 designates the temper. There are four different possible temper designations including:
- F – indicating a fabricated alloy
- O –indicating an annealed alloy
- H – indicating a strain hardened alloys
- T – indicating a thermally treated alloy
T6 with any aluminum alloy indicates that alloy was solution heat treated and the, after the process was completed, it was then artificially aged. The artificial aging includes aging at 120 degrees Celsius for 24 hours. This process creates the strongest possible alloy in the 7075 designation. Through this process the actual mechanical properties are not affected by cold working.
The tensile strength of 7075 T6 aluminum is 74,000 to 78,000 pounds per square inch with a yield strength of not less than 63,000 pounds per square inch. It has an elongation of 5 to 11 percent, which is the amount of stretch through the alloy before failure.
Beyond 7075 T6 Aluminum
In addition to the artificial aging of the 7075 T6 aluminum, it is also possible to include a stress relief process. This is stretches the alloy in a controlled fashion. This alloy is designated as 7075 T651, and it has a lower tensile strength, yield strength and less elongation than 7075 T6.
When 7075 T6 aluminum is required for any type of fabrication or use in any industry, buying from a top aluminum supplier is always important. This ensures the product you need will be available when you need it, and you have the experience and expertise you need for cutting, value added services and shipping.
At Howard Precision Metals we stock 7075 T6 aluminum for your convenience and ease of ordering. To learn more or to place an order see us online at Howardprecision.com.
