When it comes to commercial applications, aluminum is one of the most commonly available and used metals throughout the world. It is found in everything from consumer products to commercial aircraft. At Howard Precision, we offer an extensive array of exceptional aluminum alloy products, including 2024-T351 and 7075-T651 aluminum plate.
Among the variety of aluminum alloys available on the market, 2024 aluminum is possibly the most well-known aircraft aluminum alloy. It is an ideal alloy when you need material that has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Aluminum alloy 2024 offers exceptional strength and fatigue resistance which makes it highly useful in various types of aerospace applications.
The aerospace industry also utilizes 7075 aluminum alloy. The primary alloying element in this metal is zinc, which gives it exceptional strength. This alloy is part of the 7000 series of aluminum alloys and is one of the strongest available alloys, even comparable to certain types of steel. Despite its strength, it does not offer the same level of weldability, machinability, and corrosion resistance as some other common aluminum alloys.
First, let’s look at 2024 aluminum:
Properties of 2024 Aluminum Properties
In 1931, Alcoa developed the 2024 aluminum alloy. Due to its beneficial properties and characteristics, it is the ideal aluminum alloy for aircraft applications. It generally replaces the use of 2017-T4 as the preferred alloy in many aircraft design applications.
The beneficial properties of 2024 aluminum alloy include stress corrosion cracking resistance, strength, and stiffness. The alloy also possesses excellent shearing resistance and can operate effectively when exposed to extreme temperatures. Although it does have limited corrosion resistance when located near the sea in lower atmospheric conditions, this issue may be handled effectively through the either painting or the application of cladding, which is the bonding together of dissimilar metals. In general, the 2XXX series of aluminum is “clad with either a high-purity alloy of a 6XXX series alloy to resist corrosion.”
2024 Aluminum Benefits
The major alloying element in 2024 is copper. This gives the alloy enhanced fatigue resistance and additional strength. Aluminum alloy 2024 is able to absorb high levels of stress and strain over extended time frames. The afore-mentioned features and characteristics make it exceptionally useful for aircraft and marine applications that involve fittings and components, structures, transportation parts (i.e. truck wheels), hardware, and other applications that require fatigue resistance. 2024 aluminum is also utilized in certain military commercial aircraft applications involving engine areas in which the temperatures reach very high levels.
Aluminum alloy 2024 can be flash, spot, or seam welded. It is also easy to machine and has favorable workability and heat treatable properties. This aluminum alloy is often extruded and provided in sheet and plate form.
2024 Aluminum and the Aircraft Industry
Different applications in the aircraft industry utilize 2024 aluminum, including hydraulic manifolds, rips, wing skins, fuselages, and wing tension members. It is also highly beneficial for use in aircraft engine components. Alclad versions of this aluminum alloy can be beneficial for the fuselage skins of military and commercial aircraft.
Now, let’s look at 7075 aluminum:
Aluminum plate alloy 7075 is a high strength aluminum alloy that is extremely useful in highly stressed parts. Common applications of 7075 aluminum include aerospace and defense, automotive, and in manufacturing. A wide variety of products are made using 7075 aluminum, such as camping knife and fork sets, tactical arms, hobby grade RC models, and competition yo-yos. This alloy is also commonly used in the mold making industry because of its high strength, thermal properties and ability to be polished.
Features of 7075 Aluminum
As previously mentioned, 7075 aluminum is a flexible and durable aluminum alloy available in various tempers, including 7075-0, 7075-T6, and 7075-T651. While the primary alloying element is zinc, additional elements are added during the production of this alloy and include iron, silicon, course aluminum, chromium, and magnesium. The resulting metal has high strength and a low density. This is what is commonly referred to as having a high strength-to-weight ratio. This ratio is what makes 7075 so attractive in applications, such as aircraft and aerospace, which require lighter weight, durable materials to safely operate.
The process of resistance welding to 7075 aluminum can provide sufficient results. However, the application of other welding processes such as gas or arc welding may diminish the alloy’s natural corrosion resistance. It is easier to machine in its annealed condition than in its cold condition. Forming 7075 aluminum is less of an issue in its annealed condition. However, forming 7075 is not suggested.
7075 Aluminum Applications
The lightweight and toughness characteristics of 7075 aluminum alloy make it highly useful in the aerospace, aircraft, and automotive industries. It is a malleable yet strong aluminum alloy that is used for the manufacture of various structural parts, including valves, gears, fuses, and other components that endure high stress conditions.
For more than 90 years we have provided metal supply services to a broad range of industrial customers. If you have need for 2024 aluminum or 7075 aluminum, we have you covered with a wide-ranging aluminum alloy supply. For information about how we can serve your aluminum alloy needs, call us today at 800.444.0311 or request a quote on our website.
