7075-T6 Aluminum Sheet
GNEE 7075-T6 aluminum sheet is manufactured from one of the strongest aluminum alloys available. Its applications are similar to those of 2024 aluminum, but 7075-T6 is chosen when higher mechanical strength is required. This alloy belongs to the aluminum-zinc series, containing approximately 1%–8% zinc, along with small additions of magnesium and minor amounts of copper and chromium.
The 7075-T6 aluminum sheet is precipitation-hardened to achieve extremely high strength levels. As a result, alloy 7075 is widely used in aircraft structures and other components subjected to very high stresses.
7075-T6 Aluminum Sheet – T6 Temper
GNEE 7075 aluminum plate is supplied in the T6 temper, meaning it has undergone solution heat treatment followed by slight stretching to relieve internal stresses. It is then artificially aged, allowing the alloying elements to fully precipitate, delivering maximum strength and stable mechanical performance immediately after processing.
Material Properties of 7075 Aluminum Alloy
The table below summarizes typical material property values for three common tempers of 7075 aluminum. These values highlight both the shared characteristics and the performance differences between the tempers.
| Property | 7075-O Aluminum | 7075-T6 / T62 Aluminum | 7075-T73 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.7–2.85 g/cm³ | 2.7–2.85 g/cm³ | 2.7–2.85 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 228 MPa | 572 MPa | 505 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 103 MPa | 503 MPa | 435 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 71.7 GPa | 71.7 GPa | 72.4 GPa |
| Brinell Hardness (500 g, 10 mm ball) | 60 | 150 | 128 |
| Elongation at Break (12.7 mm specimen) | 16% | 19% | 5% |
| Shear Modulus | 26.9 GPa | 26.9 GPa | 27 GPa |
| Shear Strength | 152 MPa | 331 MPa | 296 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength | N/A | 159 MPa | 117 MPa |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23.6 µm/m·°C | 23.6 µm/m·°C | 23.2 µm/m·°C |
| Solidus Temperature | 477 °C | 477 °C | 477 °C |
| Liquidus Temperature | 635 °C | 635 °C | 635 °C |
| Annealing Temperature | 413 °C | 413 °C | 413 °C |
| Solution Heat Treatment Temperature | 466–482 °C | 466–482 °C | 256 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 173 W/m·K | 130 W/m·K | 151 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.96 kJ/kg·°C | 0.96 kJ/kg·°C | 0.96 kJ/kg·°C |
| Typical Applications | Military equipment, aircraft skins, bicycle components, rock climbing gear, archery parts, automotive components | Same | Same |
Typical Applications of 7075 Aluminum Alloy
7075 aluminum is extensively used in the aerospace industry due to its exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio. It is applied in both aircraft structural components and aircraft skins, although in some cases it is gradually being replaced by certain 6000-series alloys.
Beyond aerospace, 7075 aluminum is commonly used in the production of rock climbing equipment, bicycle parts, and various high-performance sporting goods. It is also a critical material in military applications, including components of the U.S. M16 rifle. Additionally, because of its excellent strength-to-weight balance and good corrosion resistance, 7075 aluminum is used as a backing plate material in ceramic composite armor for military vehicles.
At GNEE, 7075 aluminum products are supplied to meet these demanding industrial and defense requirements.
Strength Characteristics of 7075 Aluminum
Wrought 7075 aluminum alloys can achieve ultimate tensile strengths exceeding 572 MPa while maintaining a relatively low density of approximately 2.8 g/cm³. By comparison, 304 stainless steel has a tensile strength of around 621 MPa but a much higher density of about 8 g/cm³.
This means that 7075 aluminum delivers nearly 90% of the tensile strength of 304 stainless steel at roughly one-third of the weight. As a result, for components of equal mass, 7075 aluminum can provide almost three times the strength of equivalent parts made from 304 stainless steel.
How to Identify Aluminum Alloy Grades
The most reliable way to determine an aluminum alloy grade is by checking the numerical designation specified in the manufacturing or material specification. Visually distinguishing between aluminum alloys is extremely difficult, as alloying elements do not significantly change appearance.
In some cases, general indicators such as relative softness or bending behavior-often observed by damaging a sample-may offer limited clues. Poorly stored material showing corrosion may also provide rough classification hints, but these methods are not precise.
Key Factors When Selecting an Aluminum Grade
When choosing the most suitable aluminum alloy, several important considerations should be evaluated:
Strength Requirements: Assess whether your design can accommodate the material volume needed to achieve the required strength.
Fatigue Resistance: Some aluminum alloys perform better under cyclic loading; understanding your fatigue requirements is essential.
Processing Capability: Not all aluminum grades are compatible with every manufacturing process, such as forging or extrusion.
Fabrication and Assembly: Certain aluminum alloys are difficult to weld, while others are well suited for welded structures.
Corrosion Resistance: Some grades perform poorly in corrosive or wet environments, whereas others are suitable for long-term exposure.
Damage Tolerance: Alloys with higher elongation at break are critical for safety-sensitive and life-critical structures.
Surface Appearance: If visual quality matters, consider the achievable surface finish and cosmetic performance of each alloy.
GNEE supports customers in selecting the most appropriate aluminum alloy based on these technical and application-specific requirements.
