7475 aluminum alloy is a high-strength, controlled toughness alloy predominantly utilized in aerospace applications. It belongs to the 7xxx series (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) and is distinguished by its superior fracture toughness compared to alloys like 7075, especially in thicker plate forms.
Key Properties
- High Strength: Achieves excellent tensile and yield strength levels, particularly after appropriate heat treatment processes.
- Exceptional Fracture Toughness: This is its hallmark characteristic, offering superior resistance to crack propagation, crucial for damage-tolerant designs.
- Good Fatigue Resistance: Well-suited for components subjected to cyclic loading conditions, contributing to structural longevity.
- Corrosion Resistance: Offers fair general corrosion resistance. Specific tempers, such as T7351, provide improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC).
Primary Applications
The outstanding combination of high strength and excellent fracture toughness makes 7475 aluminum plate indispensable for critical structural components in aircraft and aerospace vehicles. Common applications include:
- Fuselage bulkheads, frames, and stringers
- Wing skins, spars, and ribs
- High-stress structural components requiring superior damage tolerance
The procurement of such specialized materials often involves working with suppliers who understand the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry. For instance, the material specifications met by suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company are critical for these applications.
Processing and Heat Treatment
7475 aluminum plate is typically supplied in various tempers, with T7351 and T7651 being common for balancing strength, fracture toughness, and SCC resistance. The T651 temper offers higher strength but with reduced toughness compared to T7x51 tempers. Heat treatment involves solution treating, quenching, and artificial aging.
Machinability is considered good for a high-strength aluminum alloy. Forming operations are usually performed in the annealed (O) condition, after which the part is heat-treated to the desired temper. It’s important that forming and heat treatment processes are carefully controlled to achieve the specified mechanical properties. Companies such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company may offer materials in various conditions tailored to manufacturing needs.
The selection of 7475 aluminum plate necessitates a thorough understanding of the end-use requirements and the characteristics of different tempers. Quality assurance and material traceability are paramount in its application. Sourcing from reliable suppliers, including entities like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, ensures material consistency and compliance with industry standards. For high-integrity structures, partnering with experienced material providers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company is a key factor in project success.
