While aluminum itself is selected because it is lightweight, has high corrosion resistance and is very strong, different alloys within the options in aluminum are better for some applications than others. 7075 aluminum products is typically used when the strength to weight ratio is important, and for applications where durability in a wide variety of climates is a critical factor.
The Basics
While 7075 aluminum is not the lightest weight of aluminum, it is a good option in a wide range of applications. It is as strong as many of the lighter types of steel alloys, but it is far less weight. Typical percentages of components in the aluminum include about 5.6 to 6.1 percent zinc, 2.1 to 2.5 percent of magnesium and copper at 1.2 to 1.6 percent.
Additionally, there will be small amounts of manganese, silicon, titanium and chromium in the alloy. The amounts of these will be very low, but their presence still adds to the overall corrosion resistance, strength and performance of this alloy.
Factors to Consider
Corrosion resistance with 7075 aluminum is considered to be good, but there are alloys that have a greater corrosion resistance. With this being said, 7075 has long been used in marine constructions, including for boat hulls and frames, and it is also used in the automotive and aircraft manufacturing industries.
There are different tempers of 7075 aluminum. Tempers include the 7075-0 to the 7075-RRA. The temper is the heat treating process used to increase the strength and durability of the metal while also increasing ductility or the workability of the alloy.
Depending on the temper, you will find that there is a range of different tensile strengths and properties. One property to consider is elongation or ductility, which is the amount of stretch that is in the alloy. The greater the ductility of any of the 7075 aluminum the more it can be stretched before there is a failure of the metal, which is an important considering in many different types of uses and applications.
You will find 7075 aluminum in boats, vehicles and airplanes as mentioned above. It is also used in creating the frames of hand gliders, racing bicycles and even in rock climbing equipment that has to be strong yet lightweight.
The military also uses 7075 aluminum in the manufacturing of M16 guns, particularly in the expansion tubes, and it is also used in many parts in industrial equipment and machines.
