7075 aluminum is an aluminum alloy, with zinc as the primary alloying element. It is renowned for its exceptional strength, comparable to many steels, making it a cornerstone material in high-stress applications. Its strength-to-weight ratio is particularly advantageous.
Key Properties and Characteristics
The standout characteristic of 7075 aluminum is its high mechanical strength. Other notable properties include:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Ideal for applications where weight saving is critical without compromising strength.
- Good Machinability: Especially in the T6 and T651 tempers, it can be machined to high tolerances.
- Fair Corrosion Resistance: While generally good, it can be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in certain tempers, particularly T6. Tempers like T73 and T7351 offer improved SCC resistance.
- Fatigue Strength: Exhibits good fatigue strength, crucial for components subjected to cyclic loading.
When sourcing this material, it’s important to specify the required temper for the application. For example, Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can advise on the most suitable temper.
Common Tempers and Their Significance
The properties of 7075 aluminum tubes are significantly influenced by their temper designation:
- 7075-T6 / T651: Solution heat-treated and then artificially aged. Offers the highest strength but can be more susceptible to SCC. T651 indicates stress relief by stretching.
- 7075-T73 / T7351: Overaged temper, providing significantly improved stress corrosion cracking resistance, albeit with a slight reduction in strength compared to T6. T7351 includes stress relief.
- 7075-O: Annealed (softest) temper, offering better formability but much lower strength.
Suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often stock various tempers to meet diverse engineering needs.
Typical Applications of 7075 Aluminum Tubes
Given its high strength and relatively light weight, 7075 aluminum tubes are extensively used in demanding sectors:
- Aerospace: Aircraft structural components, fuselage frames, wing skins, and missile components.
- Military and Defense: Weaponry, vehicle armor, and structural parts for military equipment.
- High-Performance Sporting Goods: Bicycle frames, rock climbing equipment, lacrosse sticks, and high-end recreational gear.
- Industrial Applications: Tooling, molds, and high-stress structural components in machinery.
Many specialized industries rely on the consistent quality of 7075 tubes, often sourced from established manufacturers or distributors. Some customers prefer to work with companies like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company for their material traceability.
Considerations for Use
While 7075 aluminum offers many benefits, there are important considerations:
- Weldability: Generally considered poor for fusion welding. Resistance welding is possible.
- Formability: Limited formability, especially in the T6 temper. Forming is typically done in the O-temper and then heat-treated.
- Corrosion Resistance: Good general corrosion resistance, but specific attention must be paid to SCC, particularly in aggressive environments or when under sustained tensile stress. Protective coatings are often applied.
- Cost: Typically more expensive than other common aluminum alloys like 6061 due to its alloying elements and processing requirements.
When selecting 7075 aluminum tubing, confirming specifications and certifications is crucial. Reputable suppliers, such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, can provide necessary documentation. It is also worth noting that Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company has experience with various aluminum grades.
