7068 Aircraft Aluminum Plate Sheet
What Is 7068 Aluminum Alloy
7068 aluminum alloy is a high-strength alloy in the 7000 series, primarily composed of zinc. It is highly favored for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Combining the high strength of steel with the lightweight properties of aluminum, it is especially suitable for applications that require both high strength and low weight.
Compared to other aluminum alloys, 7068 boasts leading mechanical strength: its strength is 2.5 times that of 6061 and 35% higher than 7075, surpassing many types of steel. Its yield strength is close to the pre-hardened state (HRC 26-32) of 41XX and 400 series stainless steels, but its weight is only one-third of these steels.
In terms of strength-to-weight ratio, 7068 outperforms most existing engineering alloys, with a strength-to-weight ratio 33% higher than 7075 and 28% higher than 6Al-4V titanium alloy.
Due to its outstanding strength and lightweight performance, 7068 aluminum alloy is an ideal choice for aerospace, military, and other high-performance structural applications.
Standard Specifications for Aluminum 7068 Sheet / Plate
Specification | Details |
Standard Specifications | ASTM B209 / ASME SB209 |
Dimension Standard | MSRR, AMS, BS, JIS, AISI, ASTM, GB, DIN, EN, etc. |
Thickness | 0.3 mm to 120 mm |
Width | 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm, 3500mm, etc. |
Length | 2000mm, 2440mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, 6000mm, etc. |
Finish | Cold rolled sheet (CR), Hot rolled plate (HR), brush, mirror, etc. |
Hardness | T6/T6511 |
Properties of 7068 Aircraft Aluminum Plate Sheet
- High Strength: 7068 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available.
- Lightweight: Like most aluminum alloys, it is lightweight, which is beneficial in applications where weight reduction is essential.
- Corrosion Resistance: Although 7068 is not as corrosion-resistant as some other aluminum alloys, it can perform well in certain environments, especially when properly treated or coated.
- Machinability: This alloy can be machined, but due to its high strength, caution is necessary to avoid increased tool wear.
- Weldability: 7068 aluminum is generally not considered weldable, as it is prone to cracking during welding. Alternative joining methods, such as mechanical fastening, are typically preferred.
- Heat Treatment: 7068 can undergo heat treatment to enhance its mechanical properties. Typical heat treatment processes include solution heat treatment followed by aging.
Applications of 7068 Aircraft Aluminum Plate Sheet
7068 aluminum alloy was initially used in military weapons due to its high strength and is regarded as the strongest commercial aluminum. This means it can be used in applications that require an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, such as connecting rods, high-performance suspension components, and demanding aerospace parts.
Applications: It is used in industries that require high-performance components, such as aerospace, military, and automotive industries. Examples include firearm components, high-performance bicycles, and aircraft structural parts.
- Aerospace components
- Military applications (e.g., weapon systems, aircraft)
- Sports equipment (e.g., high-end bicycles, golf clubs)
- Automotive parts where weight and strength are critical
7068 aluminum alloy is a specialized material used in demanding applications where high strength and low weight are crucial.
Aluminium 7068 Properties
Density | 2.85 mg/cm³ |
Melting point | 476-635 ℃ |
Tensile strength | 641 MPa |
Yield strength | 590 MPa |
Elongation | 8% |
7068 Aircraft Aluminum Plate Sheet Chemical Composition
Al | Zn | Mg | Cu | Fe | Zr | Si | Mn | Ti | Cr | Other(each) | Other(total) |
85.43 | 8.3 | 3 | 2.4 | 0.15 | 0.15 | 0.12 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.15 |
7068 Aluminum Plate Mechanical Properties
Mechanical Properties | Metric | English | Comments |
Hardness, Brinel | 190 | 190 | 500 kg, 10 mm |
Tensile Strength, Ultimate | 710 MPa @Diameter 12.7 mm | 103000 psi @Diameter 0.500 in | |
Tensile Strength, Yield | 683 MPa @Diameter 12.7 mm | 99100 psi @Diameter 0.500 in | |
Elongation at Break | 9.0 % @Diameter 12.7 mm | 9.0 % @Diameter 0.500 in | 4D |
Fracture Toughness | 16.5 MPa-m½ | 15.0 ksi-in½ | T-L |
27.5 MPa-m½ | 25.0 ksi-in½ | L-T | |
Shear Strength | 365 MPa | 53000 psi |
7068 Aluminum Plate Thermal Properties
Thermal Properties | Metric | English | Comments |
CTE, linear | 23.4 µm/m-°C @Temperature 20.0 - 100 °C | 13.0 µin/in-°F @Temperature 68.0 - 212 °F | |
Specific Heat Capacity | 1.05 J/g-°C @Temperature 100 °C | 0.250 BTU/lb-°F @Temperature 212 °F | |
Thermal Conductivity | 190 W/m-K | 1320 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F | |
Melting Point | 476 - 635 °C | 889 - 1180 °F | |
Solidus | 476 °C | 889 °F | |
Liquidus | 635 °C | 1180 °F |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question | Answer |
What is 7068 aluminum used for? | 7068 aluminum alloy is used in applications that require high strength and low weight, such as aerospace components, military equipment, sports equipment, automotive parts, and structural applications in various industries. |
What is the difference between 7068 and 6061? | 7068 aluminum alloy has significantly higher strength, with a tensile strength 2.5 times greater than that of 6061. Additionally, 7068 belongs to the 7000 series and is primarily zinc-based, while 6061 belongs to the 6000 series and contains magnesium and silicon. This makes 7068 suitable for high-stress applications, while 6061 is more commonly used for general purposes. |
What is the difference between 7068 and 7075 aluminum? | 7068 aluminum is known for its high tensile strength and excellent performance under pressure, making it one of the strongest aluminum alloys. 7075 aluminum is also very strong, but it offers a better balance between machinability and durability. Both alloys are corrosion-resistant and suitable for high-performance applications. However, when maximum strength is critical, 7068 is typically preferred. |