2618 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum
2618 is favored for its high-temperature elasticity and machinability, while 7075 is known for its excellent strength and structural capabilities in demanding applications.
- 2618 aluminum performs excellently in high-temperature environments, with its ability to resist high temperatures and maintain strength being critical. Its outstanding machinability makes it easier to use for complex components, particularly in the aerospace and automotive industries, especially for engine parts (such as pistons) that need to absorb heat.
- 7075 aluminum excels in structural applications that require high strength, fatigue resistance, and lightweight characteristics. It is widely used in aircraft structures, military applications, and high-performance equipment where strength is critical. However, compared to 2618, it has poorer high-temperature resistance and is more prone to corrosion, requiring protective coatings or other treatments in certain environments.
Comparison of 2618 Aluminum vs. 7075 Aluminum
| Property | 2618 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
| Alloy Series | 2000 Series (Copper-based) | 7000 Series (Zinc-based) |
| Strength | High strength, but not as high as 7075 | Superior strength, among the strongest aluminum alloys |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent resistance to high temperatures | Moderate heat resistance, better at lower temperatures |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good, but inferior to 7075 | Excellent, but more prone to stress corrosion cracking |
| Tensile Strength | Around 70-75 ksi (kilo pounds per square inch) | Around 83-93 ksi depending on temper (e.g., T6) |
| Fatigue Resistance | Good, but lower than 7075 | Exceptional, often used in high-stress environments |
| Workability | Highly machinable and weldable | Less machinable, but heat treatable for strength |
| Applications | Aerospace engine components, automotive pistons, high-temperature structures | Aircraft structures, military equipment, heavy machinery, and sports equipment |
2618 Aluminum Overview
2618 aluminum is a high-strength, heat-resistant alloy commonly used in high-temperature applications where retaining strength is critical. It is part of the 2000 series of aluminum alloys, which are primarily alloyed with copper, and includes small amounts of magnesium and silicon, giving it exceptional strength and excellent resistance to elevated temperatures.
Key Characteristics of 2618 Aluminum
| Property | Details |
| Strength and Toughness | Provides exceptional strength at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for demanding applications in aerospace and automotive industries. |
| High Thermal Resistance | The alloy has a high melting point and can withstand extreme thermal cycling, making it suitable for use in jet engines and high-performance automotive parts. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Offers good corrosion resistance compared to other high-strength alloys, but not as superior as alloys like 7075 or 5083. |
| Formability and Machinability | Known for excellent machinability, it is adaptable to various fabrication processes, ideal for complex components such as engine parts. |
Applications of 2618 Aluminum
| Industry | Applications |
| Aerospace | Commonly used in aircraft engine components, especially in turbines and exhaust systems. |
| Automotive | Widely used in motorsports for pistons due to its ability to absorb extreme heat and minimize wear. |
| Industrial | Used in high-temperature structural components and piping systems. |
7075 Aluminum Overview
7075 aluminum is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available, primarily alloyed with zinc and includes smaller amounts of magnesium and copper. It is renowned for its mechanical properties and is commonly used in high-stress structural applications. As part of the 7000 series of aluminum alloys, it is widely used in the aerospace industry.
Key Characteristics of 7075 Aluminum
| Property | Details |
| Strength and Toughness | Offers superior strength, comparable to some steels, making it suitable for load-bearing applications. Known for high tensile strength and resistance to fatigue. |
| Corrosion Resistance | While it is relatively resistant to corrosion, it is more prone to corrosion in saline or extreme environments than alloys like 5052 or 6061. |
| Workability and Heat Treatment | Can be heat-treated to achieve various temper states (such as T6, T73, T7451), improving its mechanical properties. However, it is less machinable than 2618 due to its hardness. |
Applications of 7075 Aluminum
| Industry | Applications |
| Aerospace | Widely used in aircraft fuselage frames, wings, and other structural components due to its strength-to-weight ratio. |
| Military and Defense | Common in missile components, aircraft, and gun parts due to its strength and toughness. |
| Sports and Recreation | Used in high-performance sports equipment like bicycles and skis because of its strength and lightweight properties. |
2618 Aluminum and 7075 Aluminum Mechanical Properties Comparison
| Property | 2618 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
| Elastic Modulus (GPa) | 71 | 70 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 5.8 | 1.8 to 12 |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 110 | 110 to 190 |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.33 | 0.32 |
| Shear Modulus (GPa) | 27 | 26 |
| Shear Strength (MPa) | 260 | 150 to 340 |
| Tensile Strength: Ultimate (MPa) | 420 | 240 to 590 |
| Tensile Strength: Yield (MPa) | 350 | 120 to 510 |
2618 Aluminum and 7075 Aluminum Thermal Properties Comparison
| Property | 2618 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
| Latent Heat of Fusion (J/g) | 390 | 380 |
| Maximum Temperature: Mechanical (°C) | 210 | 200 |
| Melting Completion (Liquidus) (°C) | 640 | 640 |
| Melting Onset (Solidus) (°C) | 550 | 480 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg-K) | 880 | 870 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K) | 160 | 130 |
| Thermal Expansion (µm/m-K) | 22 | 23 |
2618 Aluminum and 7075 Aluminum Electrical Properties Comparison
| Property | 2618 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume (% IACS) | 37 | 33 |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (% IACS) | 110 | 98 |
2618 Aluminum and 7075 Aluminum Alloy Composition Comparison
| Element | 2618 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
| Aluminum (Al) (%) | 92.4 to 94.9 | 86.9 to 91.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) (%) | 0 | 0.18 to 0.28 |
| Copper (Cu) (%) | 1.9 to 2.7 | 1.2 to 2.0 |
| Iron (Fe) (%) | 0.9 to 1.3 | 0 to 0.5 |
| Magnesium (Mg) (%) | 1.3 to 1.8 | 2.1 to 2.9 |
| Manganese (Mn) (%) | 0 | 0 to 0.3 |
| Nickel (Ni) (%) | 0.9 to 1.2 | 0 |
| Silicon (Si) (%) | 0.1 to 0.25 | 0 to 0.4 |
| Titanium (Ti) (%) | 0.040 to 0.1 | 0 to 0.2 |
| Zinc (Zn) (%) | 0 to 0.1 | 5.1 to 6.1 |
| Zirconium (Zr) (%) | 0 | 0 to 0.25 |
| Residuals (%) | 0 | 0 to 0.15 |
