7075 Aluminum Alloy

High-strength aluminum alloy with zinc as primary alloying element used in aerospace.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Developed by Japan's Sumitomo Metal in 1935, it was first used in the airframe of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter.
• MgZn2 precipitates push T6-temper yield strength above 500 MPa, rivaling many structural steels at roughly one-third the density.
• It is a mainstay of aircraft wing spars and fuselage frames, but poor weldability means parts are machined and riveted rather than welded.

Specifications & Metrics

• DENSITY: 2.81 g/cm³
• YIELD STRENGTH: 503 MPa
• HARDNESS: 150 HB