Key Highlights
- 7055 aluminum alloy is a strong metal made for aerospace needs. Alcoa made it for the first time in 1991. It is used when you need the material to be tough and last long.
- This alloy has good mechanical properties. Its ultimate tensile strength is 593 MPa, making it suitable for use in aircraft frames and other structural components.
- The alloy is resistant to corrosion. It is also simple to machine, which helps it last longer, even in adverse weather conditions.
- The chemical composition of 7055 aluminum alloy includes zinc, magnesium, and copper, which contribute to the metal’s strength and performance.
- You can pick several tempers, such as T7751, T7451, and T7651. These choices enable the alloy to be used in various aerospace applications.
- 7055 aluminum alloy is light but very strong. It can compete with other grades like 7075 and 6061. The alloy is versatile for various applications, resistant to corrosion, and retains a high ultimate tensile strength value.
Introduction
7055 aluminum alloy is a new kind of material that a lot of people use in the aerospace industry. This alloy is light, strong, and does not bend or break easily. Many people who work in aviation and engineering pick this alloy because it can be heat-treated. The 7055 aluminum alloy has the right amount of magnesium, zinc, and copper in its chemical composition. This mix helps it stay strong even when things get hard. In this guide, we will talk about the important things you need to know, the features, and the uses of this aluminum alloy.
What Is 7055 Aluminum Alloy?
7055 aluminum alloy is a high-strength metal designed for demanding applications. Developed by Alcoa in 1991, it contains the highest metal content in the 7xxx series. Its effective performance in the aerospace industry leads to its use in airplane bodies, wings, and landing gear, owing to its excellent mechanical properties and low weight.
This alloy can be heat-treated and boasts a tensile strength of about 593 MPa. For robust applications, it typically comes in 7055-T7751 thick plates and 7055-T77511 extrusions.
7055 is notable for its exceptional tensile strength and good corrosion resistance, making it suitable for moist environments. Its advanced features make it a top choice for aerospace and high-stress applications.
Key Properties and Features of 7055 Aluminum
7055 aluminum alloy has strong mechanical properties. One big reason people like it is its high tensile strength. This strength is between 600 MPa and 680 MPa. The alloy can handle a lot of stress because of this. Its yield strength is also high, from 480 MPa to 510 MPa. That means the material will not easily bend or change shape when you put pressure on it. These features make the aluminum alloy a great pick for aircraft and aerospace jobs. I
Below is a table summarizing the key properties of 7055 aluminum alloy:
|
Property |
Value/Description |
|---|---|
|
Density |
2.82 g/cm³ |
|
Melting Point |
~475–630°C |
|
Tensile Strength (T76 Temper) |
~620–670 MPa |
|
Yield Strength (T76 Temper) |
~570–620 MPa |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Moderate, requires coatings in harsh environments |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
~130–150 W/m·K |
|
Electrical Conductivity |
~30–35% IACS |
|
Weldability |
Poor, welding not typically recommended |
|
Formability |
Moderate, suitable for forging, limited for complex shapes |
|
Thermal Expansion Rate |
23.1 × 10⁻⁶ /°C |
To sum up 7055 Aluminum shines with:
- Lightweight Density: At 2.82 g/cm³, it’s light for its incredible strength, ideal for critical structures.
- Exceptional Strength: With tensile strength up to 670 MPa in T76 temper, it’s among the strongest aluminum alloys.
- Moderate Corrosion Resistance: Holds up in many settings but needs coatings for harsh environments.
- Moderate Formability: Works well for forging simple shapes, though not ideal for intricate designs.
- Limited Weldability: Not easily welded, so it’s better suited for machined or bolted assemblies.
Chemical Composition of 7055 Aluminum
7055 aluminum alloy excels due to its unique chemical composition, providing strength, ease of use, and corrosion resistance. It maintains strength over time without damage from corrosion.
Part of the 7000 series, it is designed for durability and is commonly used in aerospace applications where parts endure significant stress. The alloy primarily contains 7.6% to 8.4% zinc and 1.8% to 2.3% magnesium, enhancing its strength. It also includes copper and zirconium, which contribute to stability and longevity. This makes it ideal for demanding applications like aircraft wings and fuselages.
Below is a list of its chemical elements:
|
Element |
Composition Range (% by weight) |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum (Al) |
87.2 – 89.8 |
The primary component, providing a lightweight and corrosion-resistant base. |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
7.6 – 8.4 |
Greatly enhances strength, perfect for high-stress aerospace applications. |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
1.8 – 2.3 |
Boosts strength and improves corrosion resistance for durability. |
|
Copper (Cu) |
2.0 – 2.6 |
Increases strength and fatigue resistance, supporting structural integrity. |
|
Zirconium (Zr) |
0.08 – 0.25 |
Refines grain structure, enhancing toughness and formability. |
|
Iron (Fe) |
0.15 (max) |
Kept low to maintain corrosion resistance and alloy purity. |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.1 (max) |
Limited to ensure optimal mechanical properties. |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.05 (max) |
Minimal to avoid impacting strength and toughness. |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
0.04 (max) |
Enhances wear resistance in trace amounts. |
|
Titanium (Ti) |
0.06 (max) |
Refines grain structure for improved 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. |
The high amount of zinc in this material gives it strong strength. Magnesium and copper help this material do better during heat treatment. Zirconium helps the grain boundaries get stronger, and that helps this material last longer and be tougher. The mix of zinc, magnesium, copper, plus better grain boundaries, is the reason 7055 works so well when you need it for tough mechanical work and hard conditions in the environment.
7055 Aluminum vs. Other Alloys
When you explore 7055 aluminum and compare it to other popular alloys like 7075, 6061, and 2024, it’s easy to understand why it’s a favorite in the aerospace and aviation industries.
While the 7075 alloy boasts impressive strength, the 7055 takes it a step further with even greater tensile and compressive strength. If you’re looking for an alloy that’s simple to weld, 6061 is a fantastic choice. Just remember, 6061 doesn’t quite match the high strength or tensile capabilities needed for the most demanding aviation applications. On the other hand, the 2024 alloy offers some fatigue resistance, but the 7055 truly shines with its ultimate tensile strength, especially in areas subjected to heavy stress. So, it’s logical to choose 7055 when high strength and ultimate tensile strength are essential, particularly in aviation and aerospace.
7055 vs. 7075 vs. 6061 vs. 2024 Aluminum
The 7055, 7075, 6061, and 2024 alloys are not the same. Each alloy is different and has its own uses. The 7055 alloy has some good things that make it stand out from the others.
- High Strength: 7055 offers high strength with an ultimate tensile strength value of 593 MPa. This level is better than that of 7075 and much higher than that of both 6061 and 2024 alloys. If you need tensile strength for your job, this is a good pick.
- Corrosion Resistance: 7055 also performs better in terms of corrosion resistance. While the 7075 alloy is strong, it does not fight corrosion as well as 7055.
- Aerospace Application: When used in aerospace, 2024 is good at handling parts that face a lot of stress and repeated use. But, it does not have the same level of high tension or tensile strength that 7055 offers for the main jobs in aerospace.
- Manufacturing: You can weld the 6061 alloy without much trouble, but its strength may not be enough for high-strength or tough aviation jobs. It can also be weaker in mechanical performance than other options.
|
Alloy |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Weldability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ultra-high strength, heat-treatable, excellent fatigue resistance |
Very High (T7751: ~620 MPa) |
Moderate |
Poor |
Aerospace structures, aircraft wing components |
|
|
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 |
|
|
High strength, good machinability, heat-treatable |
High (T3: ~480 MPa) |
Poor |
Poor |
Aircraft skins, structural aerospace parts |
To sum up, 7055 has good mechanical properties. People use it when they need something strong and durable. 7055 is often chosen for jobs where these properties are very important.
Comparing 7055 T7751, T7451, and T7651 Tempers
The different types of 7055 aluminum, such as T7751, T7451, and T7651, each offer unique benefits for specific applications. The T7751 temper is the optimal choice when very high strength and toughness are required, providing the best tensile strength among the three. This is why many people choose it for large components like wings and fuselages.
The T7451 temper is designed to enhance corrosion resistance and reinforce grain boundaries. This temper provides a favorable combination of strength and corrosion resistance, making it commonly used in landing gears and engine parts.
The T7651 temper has lower tensile strength but is easier to machine. It is often selected for manufacturing parts with complex shapes.
|
Temper |
Key Characteristics |
Strength |
Corrosion Resistance |
Formability |
Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
7055 T7751 |
Solution heat-treated, artificially aged, stress-relieved, ultra-high strength |
Very High (~620 MPa) |
Moderate |
Low |
Aerospace wing structures, critical high-strength parts |
|
7055 T7451 |
Solution heat-treated, over-aged for better corrosion resistance, slightly lower strength |
High (~590 MPa) |
Good |
Low |
Aerospace components requiring improved corrosion resistance |
|
7055 T7651 |
Solution heat-treated, over-aged, balanced strength and toughness |
High (~600 MPa) |
Good |
Low |
Aircraft structural parts need toughness and corrosion resistance |
Tips for Sourcing 7055 Aluminum
- Confirm Quality Certifications: Pick suppliers who have ISO-certified 7055 aluminum that follows key rules like AMS 4207 used in aerospace work. Linsy Aluminum checks all the boxes to make sure the 7055 aluminum is strong and tough, meeting these high standards.
- Assess Manufacturing Expertise: Work with suppliers who know the latest ways to shape and treat 7055 aluminum. Linsy Aluminum gives you T7751 and T7451 grades of 7055 aluminum. These grades are good for the best uses in aerospace and for other structures.
- Match Application Requirements: Use 7055 aluminum when you need it for important parts in aerospace, like wing spars or the frame of the plane body. A strong feel but light weight is key here. Linsy Aluminum offers 7055 alloys made for spots where these things really matter.
- Ensure Supply Chain Efficiency: Find suppliers who can do low minimum orders and can send what you need fast anywhere in the world. Linsy Aluminum gets 7055 aluminum to you quickly. They offer fast shipping, free sample pieces, and very simple changes so your plans stay on track for every deadline.
Work with Linsy Aluminum for the best 7055 aluminum options. Contact us now for a free quote!
Conclusion
To sum up, the 7055 aluminum alloy is well known for being strong and lasting a long time. This is why it is a top choice in many engineering jobs, especially for the aerospace field. This alloy also has some special points. The 7055 aluminum alloy is lighter and stands up to corrosion better than many other alloys. These things help engineers find new ways to use the alloy and get the most out of their work. Knowing how this aluminum alloy is different from other alloys, can help you make choices that improve how your things work and keep people safe. If you want to use this strong and useful aluminum alloy in your work, feel free to ask for quotes made just for you.
Why Choose Linsy 7055 Aluminum?
Linsy Aluminum is a well-known name in the aluminum business. We give you high-quality 7055 alloy that meets ISO 9001, ASTM B221, GB/T 3190, AMS, and JIS rules. We have been in the industry for more than 20 years, and we know how to make good products. Every year, we make 300,000 tons of aluminum. We have many options like sheets, plates, bars, extrusions, and other profiles. These are ready in many sizes. You can also ask for special sizes if you need them. We help you even if you want small order amounts.
The team at Linsy Aluminum works hard to get orders ready and shipped to you fast. We send our products to more than 20 countries. Our prices are fair, and you get strong help from us after your buy. Go with Linsy’s 7055 alloy for your aerospace, defense, or any other job that needs big strength. This aluminum is very strong and fights off corrosion, so it is good for use in rough places. Get a Free Quote today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 7055 aluminum alloy used for?
7055 aluminum alloy is often used in the aerospace and aviation industries. Most of the time, people use this alloy to make aluminum sheets and plates. Workers use these parts in the wings, fuselages, and landing gear of planes. The strength and light feel of this aluminum alloy make it good for many airplane parts.
Which temper of 7055 aluminum is best for aerospace?
The 7055 aluminum in T7751 temper is one of the best options for aerospace. The way it goes through heat treatment and how the grain boundaries are made helps give it top tensile strength. You will find it does well in places on the plane that feel a lot of stress, like the wings and where they connect to the fuselage. You also get good ultimate tensile strength because of this. A better structure from the heat treatment helps these spots handle stress and last longer. This is why people often pick it for important aerospace uses.
Is 7055 aluminum suitable for corrosive environments?
Yes, 7055 aluminum is good to use in places where there is a lot of corrosion. The chemical composition of this metal has a lot of zinc and magnesium. These give it strong corrosion resistance. If you add a coating or cladding on top, it will last even longer when there is cl. This is great if you want the material to stay strong in tough conditions.
