Key Highlights
- Exceptional Strength and Durability: 7021 aluminum is one of the top picks when you need strength in aluminum alloys. It has high tensile strength and does not give in to fatigue. This means it is strong and lasts for a long time, so people who want something tough go with this.
- Lightweight Composition: Although strong, this metal is also light. That is because it is low in weight and density. Many people and places use it when they want good mechanical properties but do not want heavy stuff.
- Versatile Applications: This aluminum is found in aerospace work, industrial parts, and packaging. It is used in a lot of fields because you can do a lot with it.
- Corrosion Resistance: 7021 aluminum contains zinc, magnesium, and copper, which makes it strong against corrosion. This helps it last longer, even when exposed to wet or rough places.
- Customizable Surface Properties: You can improve its surface by anodizing it. This will add more corrosion resistance and also help it look nice.
- Certified Quality Standards: It meets ISO and ASTM rules for quality. That means it can be trusted by people and companies everywhere and can go into many uses.
Introduction
Aluminum alloys have changed how we make things in many ways. One of the top choices is 7021 aluminum. It is well known because it has special mechanical properties and works in many different ways. This aluminium alloy is both strong and flexible. Manufacturers use it in many fields, like aerospace and packaging.
7021 aluminum is created by mixing zinc, magnesium, and copper. These make the alloy stronger and more durable. They also boost corrosion resistance and weldability. If you want aluminum products that will last and be strong, 7021 aluminium is a great choice.
If you are searching for new and strong aluminum that will stay good over time, keep reading. This guide will show you why 7021 aluminum is important. You will learn more about its durability, high strength, and its many uses. These features can help with your work or project.
What is 7021 Aluminum?
7021 aluminum is a strong alloy in the 7000 series, rich in zinc and includes magnesium, copper, silicon, and manganese. It is renowned for high strength, good fatigue resistance, and lightweight, making it ideal for aerospace and applications requiring durability without weight. Additionally, 7021 aluminum offers good corrosion resistance and can be extruded, rolled, and welded. T6 tempering enhances its hardness and tensile strength, resulting in excellent mechanical properties. This alloy is utilized in packaging, military equipment, and various industrial applications.
Chemical Composition of 7021 Aluminum
7021 aluminum is a high-strength alloy from the 7000 series known for its strength and good weldability, primarily composed of about 5.0%–6.0% zinc and at least 1.2%–1.8% magnesium, enhancing its strength. This alloy is suitable for aerospace, automotive applications, and mold-making. It also contains small amounts of zirconium and copper, which improve toughness and shape retention over time. Thus, 7021 aluminum strikes a balance between strength and corrosion resistance, contributing to its durability even in tough conditions.
|
Element |
Composition Range (% by weight) |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum (Al) |
91.5 – 94.3 |
The primary component, providing a lightweight and corrosion-resistant base. |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
5.0 – 6.0 |
Significantly increases strength, ideal for high-stress structural uses. |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
1.2 – 1.8 |
Enhances strength and corrosion resistance for durable performance. |
|
Zirconium (Zr) |
0.08 – 0.18 |
Improves grain refinement, boosting toughness and formability. |
|
Copper (Cu) |
0.25 (max) |
Adds strength and supports weldability in small amounts. |
|
Iron (Fe) |
0.4 (max) |
Kept low to maintain corrosion resistance and alloy purity. |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.25 (max) |
Limited to ensure optimal mechanical properties. |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.1 (max) |
Contributes to toughness in trace amounts. |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
0.05 (max) |
Enhances wear resistance in minimal quantities. |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
0.1 (max) |
Refines grain structure for better manufacturing quality. |
|
Others (each) |
0.05 (max) |
Trace elements, controlled to ensure alloy consistency. |
|
Others (total) |
0.15 (max) |
Total minor elements, kept low to maintain performance. |
These good mixes help engineers build things that need to be strong. They also help these things last longer and handle heat. When you get the right balance, the part will have good fatigue resistance and thermal conductivity, which are both important for many jobs.
Key Properties and Features of 7021 Aluminum
7021 aluminum gives you high strength and great power to hold things together. This kind of metal is a solid pick for aerospace parts. With these strong mechanical properties, it will last, even if there is a lot of stress or use in tough places. You can count on the durability of this material to keep working, even in hard situations.
Below is a table summarizing the key properties of 7021 aluminum alloy:
|
Property |
Value/Description |
|---|---|
|
Density |
2.78 g/cm³ |
|
Melting Point |
~475–635°C |
|
Tensile Strength (T6 Temper) |
~370–410 MPa |
|
Yield Strength (T6 Temper) |
~330–370 MPa |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Moderate, may require coatings in harsh environments |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
~140–160 W/m·K |
|
Electrical Conductivity |
~33–38% IACS |
|
Weldability |
Good, suitable for TIG, MIG, and friction stir welding |
|
Formability |
Moderate, good for extrusion but less for complex shapes |
|
Thermal Expansion Rate |
23.2 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
To sum up:
The 7021 aluminum alloy is a high-strength, lightweight material, ideal for demanding structural and industrial uses.
This alloy stands out with:
- Lightweight Density: At 2.78 g/cm³, it’s light for its strength, perfect for weight-sensitive applications.
- High Strength: With tensile strength around 370–410 MPa in T6 temper, it’s great for heavy-duty components.
- Moderate Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in many environments but may need coatings in harsh conditions.
- Good Weldability: Welds well with techniques like TIG or MIG, making it versatile for assemblies.
- Moderate Formability: Suitable for extrusions like profiles or plates, though less ideal for complex shapes.
Comparing 7021 Aluminum with Other Alloys
When you consider the 7000 series alloys, 7021 aluminum is an excellent choice. It excels in both tensile strength and corrosion resistance compared to other alloys. Its lightweight and easy-to-work-with nature allows users to adapt it to their specific needs. As a result, those who utilize 7021 aluminum benefit from superior corrosion resistance and robust tensile strength.
Unlike many other options, such as 6061 aluminum, 7021 performs better in demanding conditions. You will often find it used in aerospace applications and in environments that experience high stress. What distinguishes 7021 is its combination of essential material properties, including durability and workability. This blend is why many people turn to 7021 for challenging tasks.
7021 vs. 7075 vs. 6061 Aluminum
The 7000-series alloys are liked because they work well when used. Still, each one differs from the others in small ways.
- 7021: This alloy has good fatigue resistance and strong corrosion resistance. It is highly strong and can handle a lot of corrosion, making it well-suited for tough aerospace jobs.
- 7075: People know this alloy for its high tensile strength. But it does not give you as much corrosion resistance as 7021. So, it might not be the best pick if you want to use it around a lot of water, like in marine places.
- 6061: This alloy is easy to weld. It be good when you need corrosion resistance, but it does not give you as much high strength as 7021.
|
Alloy |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Weldability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
High strength, heat-treatable, good toughness |
High (T6: ~420 MPa) |
Good |
Good |
Aerospace components, structural parts |
|
|
Exceptional strength, heat-treatable, high fatigue resistance |
Very High (T6: ~570 MPa) |
Moderate |
Poor |
Aerospace, high-stress components, military equipment |
|
|
Versatile, heat-treatable, balanced strength and formability |
Moderate (T6: ~310 MPa) |
Very Good |
Excellent |
Structural components, marine fittings, general use |
Comparing 7021 T6, T62, and T651 Tempers
There are several kinds of 7021 aluminum, including T6, T62, and T651. Each type gets different treatments. These treatments change the hardness, durability, and strength of the metal.
|
Temper |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Formability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7021 T6 |
Solution heat-treated, artificially aged, high strength |
High (~420 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Aerospace components, high-strength structural parts |
|
7021 T62 |
Solution heat-treated, artificially aged after cold working, slightly higher strength |
Slightly Higher (~425 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Aircraft structures, high-strength parts with prior cold work |
|
7021 T651 |
T6 with stress relief by stretching, high strength, improved stability |
High (~420 MPa) |
Good |
Moderate |
Precision aerospace parts, stress-sensitive applications |
In Summary:
- 7021 T6: High strength for aerospace structural components.
- 7021 T62: Slightly higher strength for parts with cold working.
- 7021 T651: High strength with stress relief for precision and stability.
Choose T6 for general high-strength parts, T62 for cold-worked components, and T651 for stress-sensitive, stable applications.
Tips for Sourcing 7021 Aluminum
- Verify Quality Certifications: Make sure you pick suppliers who have ISO certifications. They should also provide 7021 aluminum that meets ASTM B221 standards for extrusion or EN 755 for measurements. Linsy Aluminum follows these important rules. Their 7021 aluminum has high strength and good corrosion resistance, which helps in tough jobs.
- Evaluate Manufacturing Precision: Choose suppliers who excel at extrusion and heat treatment. This will help keep the 7021 aluminum quality steady every time you buy it. Linsy Aluminum can provide 7021 aluminum in T6 or T651 tempers, so you get top mechanical properties and good durability.
- Align with Application Demands: Pick 7021 aluminum when you need high strength for things like aerospace, defense, or big machines. For example, you might need it for aircraft parts or military vehicles. Linsy Aluminum offers 7021 alloys made for these tough, load-heavy jobs.
- Secure Reliable Logistics: Choose suppliers who can handle low minimum order quantities and ship fast anywhere in the world. Linsy Aluminum gives you what you need quickly, including free samples, special options, and timing that fits your project.
Work with Linsy Aluminum when you need the best quality 7021 aluminum. Contact us today for a free quote!
Conclusion
To sum up, 7021 aluminum is strong and light. You can use it in many ways. The metal has its own mix of things that make it special. These features give you many good reasons to use it in the aerospace and car fields. If you know what makes 7021 aluminum different from other kinds and know about its tempers, you can pick the best one for your work. If you want to use 7021 aluminum in your next job, feel free to ask for a price that works for you. Your project should get the best materials, and we are here to help you get them!
Why Choose Linsy 7021 Aluminum?
Linsy Aluminum is a trusted name in aluminum products. We use the strong 7021 alloy, which meets ISO 9001, ASTM B221, GB/T 3190, AMS, and JIS standards. We have more than 20 years of experience in this work and can make up to 300,000 tons in a year. We keep sheets, plates, bars, tubes, and shapes in stock. These come in many sizes. If you want, you can ask for custom sizes. We take low minimum orders.
Our team is good at what they do. We send your alloy order quickly to over 20 countries. The prices are fair, and we also give great help after your buy. Linsy’s 7021 aluminum is easy to weld and stands up to corrosion. It is best for aerospace, car, and building jobs. Request a Free Quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main benefits of using 7021 aluminum?
7021 aluminum is a good choice because it is lightweight and strong. This metal also offers great corrosion resistance, which means it does not easily get damaged by rust. Its durability helps it last a long time, even when it is stressed. Because of its high strength and corrosion resistance, people use it for many things in industrial and aerospace work.
How does 7021 aluminum perform under extreme temperatures?
7021 aluminum is a good choice in places where the temperature goes up or down. This is because it has great thermal conductivity, so the heat moves quickly through the metal. It also has strong mechanical properties, making it tough and very hard to break. The metal does not lose its shape or strength, even with a lot of stress. You can use it for many things, and it will last a long time. Its durability and weldability stay the same in different temperatures.
