Despite popular belief, like most metals, all aluminum is not created equal. Certain aluminum alloys are better suited to specific projects than others. Different alloys have different characteristics that change the application of the raw material. The alloy that is best suited for transport construction is 7075 aluminum.
Uses of 7075 Aluminum
This particular alloy utilizes zinc. The result is a very strong aluminum that rivals the strength of steel. However, it is not malleable like other aluminum alloys. It maintains its shape even under extreme stress while possessing some anti-corrosive properties.
It is a favorite alloy in the aerospace industry. It is also used to construct autos and marine transport. In addition to the transportation industry, the allow is heavily utilized in sporting equipment. Bicycle components and mountain climbing hardware are often made with 7075 aluminum as well.
Tempers
Within the 7075 class of aluminum alloy, there are several tempers. The temper of an alloy is a metallurgy term used to describe the heat treatment applied to the alloy. Not all aluminum alloys are suited for heat treatment. This class is utilized specifically for its ability to be heat treated. Heat treating increases the tensile strength of aluminum. The following are typical tempers of 7075 aluminum.
7075-0 – This is the temper classification for aluminum that has not received any sort of heat treatment. The tensile strength is 40,000 psi.
7075-T6 – This has undergone heat treatment that brings the tensile strength between 74,000 and 78,000 psi.
7075-T651 – This temper receives a heat treatment and then a curing process. This two-stage process results in a tensile strength of 83,000 psi.
7075-T7 – This temper classification also receives a heat treatment and a curing process. The tensile strength of this temper is only 73,200 psi, however, this temper is less likely to experience stress corrosion cracking.
It’s all about the temper. Each temper comes with its pros and cons, but a specific and valuable use can be found for each.
