Aviation aluminum alloy, which one is the strongest?

In aviation aluminum alloys, 7075 aluminum alloy is considered the strongest choice, suitable for aerospace applications that require high strength and lightweight materials.

The strength and performance of aviation aluminum alloys depend on their composition and heat treatment state. In the aerospace field, several series of aluminum alloys are commonly used, among which the strongest are usually the 7000 series aluminum alloys.

Within the 7000 series aluminum alloys, 7075 aluminum alloy is typically regarded as one of the strongest materials. It is a high-strength aluminum alloy primarily composed of zinc as the main alloying element, and it usually also contains magnesium, copper, and small amounts of other elements.

Features of Aviation Aluminum 7075

1. High Strength: 7075 aluminum alloy has extremely high strength, making it suitable for withstanding large loads.
2. Good Fatigue Resistance: 7075 aluminum alloy performs excellently in fatigue resistance, maintaining a long service life under repeated stress.
3. Lightweight: Although 7075 aluminum alloy is strong, its density remains low, helping to reduce structural weight.
4. Poor Weldability: 7075 aluminum alloy may become brittle during welding, so mechanical connections or specialized welding techniques are typically required.
5. Good Corrosion Resistance: Although the corrosion resistance of 7075 aluminum alloy is not as high as some other aluminum alloys (such as 7072 or 6061), it can still effectively resist corrosion with appropriate surface treatments.

Processing Methods for Aviation Aluminum 7075

7075 aluminum alloy can be manufactured through various processing methods, including forging, extrusion, and machining.

Forging Aviation Aluminum 7075

Process: Forging involves heating the aluminum alloy to a specific temperature and deforming it using mechanical force to achieve the desired shape and performance. Forging can enhance the material's density and strength.
Advantages: Forged parts typically have better mechanical properties, making them suitable for high-load applications, such as critical structural components of aircraft.

Extrusion of Aviation Aluminum 7075

Process: Extrusion involves heating the aluminum alloy and pushing the aluminum ingot through an extruder to form the desired cross-sectional shape. 7075 aluminum alloy can be extruded into rods, tubes, profiles, and more.
Advantages: Extrusion processing can produce materials with complex cross-sectional shapes, suitable for manufacturing frames, support structures, and more for aircraft.

Heat Treatment of Aviation Aluminum 7075

The main heat treatment states are T6 and T651, with the T6 state undergoing artificial aging treatment to achieve maximum strength.

Aviation Aluminum 7075 T6

The T6 state refers to the process where the 7075 aluminum alloy undergoes solution treatment, rapid cooling (quenching), and then artificial aging treatment. This process significantly improves the strength of the aluminum alloy.

Application: Due to its excellent strength, T6 state 7075 aluminum alloy is widely used in aerospace structural components and military equipment.

Aviation Aluminum 7075 T651

The T651 state is based on the T6 state, with an additional homogenization treatment to eliminate internal stresses from the processing.

Characteristics: This treatment method can improve the material's stability and machining performance, reducing the risk of deformation.

Application: T651 state 7075 aluminum alloy is commonly used for components that require high precision and high strength.

Application Fields of Aviation Aluminum 7075

7075 aluminum alloy is widely used in the aerospace field, mainly including:

1. Airframe Structure: 7075 aluminum alloy is often used in the fuselage frame and skin of aircraft, capable of withstanding the high stresses experienced during flight.
2. Landing Gear Components: Due to its high strength and good fatigue resistance, 7075 aluminum alloy is frequently used in aircraft landing gear and other load-bearing structures.
3. Aircraft Wing Parts: The main beams and skins of the wings also commonly use 7075 aluminum alloy to ensure stability and strength during flight.