Each alloy of aluminum has its own unique composition, which gives it attributes that make it useful for different applications. This is especially true of 7075 T6 aluminum, which has traits that make it especially effective for use in the aerospace industry, among others. Between its specific benefits and the general benefits that aluminum has, 7075 T6 has managed to stay in use for a variety of purposes for a very long time.
About the 7075 T6 Alloy of Aluminum
Aluminum in the 7075 alloy is composed of aluminum, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, silicon, manganese, chromium, titanium and smaller amounts of other elements. The Alcoa company introduced this alloy in 1943. While many similar alloys have been developed in the decades since its creation, 7075 T6 continues to be heavily used in some industries due to its unique combination of benefits. It is used alone or as part of an Alclad process. This type of aluminum is usually sold in plate form of varying thicknesses, depending on the application.
Beneficial Features of 7075 T6 Aluminum
The two features that initially made 7075 T6 stand out when it was created were its strength and its corrosion resistance. In particular, this alloy is superior to other alloys in terms of stress corrosion cracking resistance. The overall strength and corrosion resistance of the alloy can be increased by using it as an Alclad with pure aluminum in the center. It also has excellent machinability. The T6 temper is very resistant to exfoliation as well.
In addition to its specific beneficial properties, the 7075 alloy shares some properties with aluminum in general. For instance, it is lightweight and reflective. It is conductive of both heat and electricity, non-magnetic and malleable, even at lower temperatures. It is, however, even more difficult to weld than many other forms of aluminum.
Uses for Aluminum in the 7075 T6 Alloy
The 7075 T6 Alloy was originally created essentially for the aerospace industry and that remains its primary use. It is used to make gears, fittings, shafts, valves, and other aircraft parts. It is also used to make items as diverse as keys, missiles and bicycle frames. Other common uses for 7075 T6 include making structural plate components for various structures and making molds that are used in the plastic industry.
If you have an application that requires a light, strong, corrosion-resistant metal, visit howardprecision.com. Howard Precision Metals provides 7075 T6 and many other aluminum alloys in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to meet your needs.
