Aluminum 7075-T6 is the most widely used temper of the 7000-series Al-Zn-Mg-Cu (aluminum–zinc–magnesium–copper) ultra-high-strength alloys. The “T6” designation refers to solution heat treatment + artificial full aging, representing the peak strength condition of this alloy.
Due to its exceptional mechanical strength, lightweight characteristics, and stable machinability, 7075-T6 is widely used in:
It is also one of the mainstream materials for replacing steel in heavy-duty applications where lightweight performance is critical.
The strength of 7075-T6 comes from precipitation strengthening through zinc, magnesium, and copper. Chromium improves grain structure and stress corrosion resistance. All elements are strictly controlled under aerospace-grade standards.
| Element | Content (wt.%) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Al (Aluminum) | Balance (87.1–91.4) | Base matrix providing lightweight structure |
| Zn (Zinc) | 5.1 – 6.1 | Primary strengthening element (precipitation hardening) |
| Mg (Magnesium) | 2.1 – 2.9 | Works with Zn to enhance strength and toughness |
| Cu (Copper) | 1.2 – 2.0 | Improves strength and thermal stability |
| Cr (Chromium) | 0.18 – 0.28 | Grain refinement, improves stress corrosion resistance |
| Fe (Iron) | ≤ 0.5 | Controlled impurity |
| Si (Silicon) | ≤ 0.4 | Limits machining defects |
| Other single elements | ≤ 0.05 | Strict trace control |
| Total impurities | ≤ 0.15 | Ensures performance consistency |
| Property | Typical Range | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 500 – 570 | MPa | Key structural load-bearing indicator |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | 430 – 500 | MPa | Resistance to plastic deformation |
| Elongation | 5 – 11 | % | Depends on thickness |
| Brinell Hardness | 150 – 170 | HBW | Wear resistance |
| Shear Strength | ~330 | MPa | Reference for shear-loaded parts |
| Fatigue Strength | ~160 | MPa | Cyclic load resistance |
| Property | Value | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.81 | g/cm³ | Key lightweight advantage |
| Solidus Melting Point | ~480 | °C | Processing reference |
| Thermal Conductivity | 130 | W/(m·K) | Heat dissipation design |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23 | µm/(m·K) | Dimensional stability factor |
| Poisson’s Ratio | 0.32 | – | Structural calculation parameter |
| Electrical Conductivity | 33 | % IACS | Relatively low conductivity |
T6 treatment is the key process that defines 7075 performance:
Compared with annealed (O temper), T6 treatment can nearly double the tensile strength, making it essential for high-performance engineering applications.
Recommended joining methods:
Thanks to its high strength-to-weight ratio, 7075-T6 is widely used in:
For full specifications, custom machining solutions, and complete aluminum alloy selection guides for 7075-T6 plates, bars, and forged components, visit: Explore the full aluminum alloy catalog for 7-series, 6-series, and 2-series materials.
A: T6 is the standard aged condition. T651 includes stress-relief stretching after aging, reducing internal stress and improving dimensional stability.
T6: general machining parts
T651: high-precision aerospace components
A: Not recommended. Welding significantly reduces strength and may cause cracking. Mechanical fastening or bonding is preferred.
A: Yes. It has moderate corrosion resistance. In humid or coastal environments, anodizing, coating, or electrophoresis is required.
A: No. Low ductility makes it prone to cracking. Use 5052 or 3003 aluminum instead.
A: Not necessarily. Over-aging increases brittleness. Proper heat treatment balance is essential.
A: Yes, for lightweight, low-load tooling applications. Not suitable for high-temperature or heavy wear conditions.
Fiona Huang is a Sales Engineer with 16+ years of experience in the mechanical and precision manufacturing industry. She specializes in CNC machining components, custom fasteners, and engineering-driven manufacturing solutions. With strong expertise in international trade and technical project support, she focuses on transforming complex engineering requirements into high-precision, production-ready solutions for global clients.
