Aluminum 7175

What is Aluminum 7175 used for?

Aluminum 7175 is primarily used in aerospace and defense structural components, particularly where high strength and improved fracture toughness are required compared to standard 7075 alloys. It’s commonly specified for forged parts, highly stressed machined components, and structural elements that must withstand cyclic loading.

How does Aluminum 7175 differ from Aluminum 7075?

Aluminum 7175 is a modified high-purity version of 7075, designed to deliver better fracture toughness and fatigue resistance while maintaining comparable strength levels. This makes 7175 better suited for critical aerospace structures where damage tolerance and reliability are more important than maximum tensile strength alone.

Is Aluminum 7175 suitable for forged components?

Yes. Aluminum 7175 is widely used for aerospace forgings, including fittings, brackets, and structural connectors. Its chemistry and processing characteristics make it well suited for forging operations that require consistent mechanical performance and resistance to crack propagation.

Is Aluminum 7175 heat treatable?

Yes. Aluminum 7175 is a heat-treatable aluminum alloy and is supplied in controlled tempers that optimize strength, toughness, and fatigue performance. Proper heat treatment is essential to achieving the alloy’s intended mechanical properties.

Is Aluminum 7175 used outside of aerospace applications?

While Aluminum 7175 is most often specified for aerospace and defense programs, it may also be used in select high-performance applications such as motorsport and specialized industrial systems where high strength and fracture toughness are critical. It is not typically used for general-purpose industrial or commercial applications.