7178 T6511 Aluminum Plate

7178 T6511 is an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy from the 7XXX series. It primarily utilizes zinc as the principal alloying element, supplemented with magnesium and copper to enhance its properties.

In the T6511 temper, the alloy undergoes solution heat treatment, stress relief, and artificial aging. This state ensures good straightness and internal stress elimination after stretching.

Performance Table of 7178 T6511

Features of 7178 T6511 Aluminum

Solution Heat Treatment

Enhances the internal uniformity of the alloy and optimizes its mechanical properties, laying a foundation for subsequent processing.

Stress Relief Treatment

Through a specific stretching process (as per standard regulations), residual stresses are relieved, reducing deformation and instability during machining.

Artificial Aging

By precisely controlling temperature and time, this process improves the strength and stability of the material, meeting the stringent requirements of aerospace applications.

Difference Between 7178 T6511 and 7178 T6510

• T6511 Temper: Includes stress relief stretching, followed by straightening. This process enhances dimensional stability and strength, making it suitable for aerospace components requiring high precision.
• T6510 Temper: Does not involve straightening, which makes T6511 a better choice for applications requiring higher precision and dimensional accuracy.

Performance of 7178 T6511 Aluminum

High Strength

7178-T6511 is one of the strongest alloys in the 7XXX series, ideal for aerospace components subjected to heavy loads.

Excellent Resistance to Stress Corrosion Cracking

The alloy maintains reliability even in harsh environments while offering superior resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Good Workability

Performs well in extrusion, machining, and subsequent manufacturing processes.

Wear Resistance and Fatigue Strength

The alloy retains stable performance under high fatigue loads and repeated stress conditions.

Specifications of 7178 T6511 Aluminum

Applications of 7178 T6511

7178 T6511 aluminum is used in brake pads for the automotive industry. In addition to aerospace applications, it is also employed in the construction industry.

Typical Applications

7178-T6511 aluminum, with its exceptional high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties, is extensively used in critical aerospace structural components, including:

Aircraft wing spars and joints

High strength makes it suitable for bearing dynamic loads during flight.

Landing gear components

Provides stable fatigue resistance under repeated stress.

Fuselage frames and reinforcements

Offers high structural support while reducing aircraft weight.

Rails, support rods, and extruded parts

High straightness and dimensional precision meet complex structural design requirements.

Supplied Forms of 7178 T6511 Aluminum

7178 T6511 is manufactured and supplied in round/flat bars and tube/profile forms.

1. Tube/Profile

7178 T6511 Aluminum Tubes

7178-T6511 aluminum tubes are made using extrusion processes and are ideal for structural components requiring high strength and lightweight properties. They are commonly used in aerospace industries for support rods, frames, and fluid transport pipelines. Their excellent formability makes them suitable for complex shapes and precision machining requirements.

7178 T6511 Aluminum Profiles

Profiles are extruded into various cross-sectional shapes, making them suitable for aircraft fuselage frames, rails, and support structures. The high strength and straightness in the T6511 temper ensure they meet strict dimensional tolerance and mechanical performance requirements.

2. Round/Flat Bars

7178 T6511 Aluminum Round Bars

7178-T6511 aluminum round bars are manufactured using cold drawing or extrusion processes. They possess high strength and uniform properties, making them suitable for high-load aerospace components such as shafts, connectors, and fasteners. Their good machinability supports precision processing, although appropriate machining techniques are needed to control deformation.

7178 T6511 Aluminum Flat Bars

7178 flat bars feature an appropriate width-to-thickness ratio, making them suitable for manufacturing aircraft structural reinforcements, frame supports, and load-bearing components. They exhibit excellent fatigue performance and remain stable under dynamic load conditions.

7178 T6511 Aluminum Chemical Properties

7178 T6511 Aluminum Physical Properties

7178 T6511 Aluminum Mechanical Properties

Machining of 7178 T6511 Aluminum

Machinability

7178-T6511 aluminum is well-suited for various machining operations, including drilling, cutting, and milling. Its stress-relief treatment minimizes deformation during machining, enhancing efficiency.

Heat Treatment Properties

Heat treatment can further optimize its properties, but precise temperature control and process specifications are required to avoid performance degradation.

Weldability

Due to the chemical properties of the 7XXX series high-strength aluminum alloys, weldability is relatively poor. Fusion welding is generally not recommended, with riveting or mechanical joining preferred.

Advantages and Limitations of 7178 T6511 Aluminum

Advantages

• Extremely high specific strength, making it ideal for weight-sensitive aerospace applications.
• Excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking, suitable for long-term service environments.
• Stable mechanical properties with high dimensional accuracy.

Limitations

• Poor weldability, requiring specialized techniques for high-quality connections.
• Lower corrosion resistance, necessitating surface treatments (e.g., anodizing) to enhance resistance.

To further improve corrosion resistance, 7178-T6511 is often subjected to anodizing, electroplating, or coating processes to extend its service life and improve aesthetics.

With its high strength, reliable resistance to stress corrosion cracking, and good machinability, 7178-T6511 aluminum is a preferred material in the aerospace industry, especially for high-load structures and components requiring extreme dimensional stability.