Aluminium 7050 – Properties, Applications and Technical Data
Aluminium 7050 is a heat treatable high strength aluminium alloy in the 7xxx series, developed for demanding structural applications where the combination of very high strength, good fracture toughness and excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking is essential. The alloy is mainly used in the aerospace and defence industry, especially in thick sections where dimensional stability and long service life are critical factors.
Properties of Aluminium 7050
Aluminium 7050 is alloyed mainly with zinc, magnesium and copper and is strengthened by precipitation hardening (age hardening). Compared to related alloys such as 7075, 7050 offers improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking and better fracture toughness, especially in coarse dimensions. The material also has relatively good electrical conductivity for a high-strength aluminum alloy.
Type: Heat-treatable high-strength aluminum alloy
Alloy: Al‑Zn‑Mg‑Cu (Aluminum 7050)
Structure: Precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy
Designations: Aluminum 7050, UNS A97050, AMS 4108, AMS 4201, ASTM B247
Advantages
- Very high strength to weight ratio
- Excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking
- Good fracture toughness, even in thick sections
- Relatively high electrical conductivity (~40% IACS)
- Good dimensional stability after heat treatment
Limitations
- Lower corrosion resistance than 5xxx and 6xxx alloys without surface treatment
- Limited weldability - welding is generally not recommended
- Slightly lower formability compared to softer aluminum alloys
Typical applications
Aerospace
Primary load-bearing structures such as wing spars, wing panels, frames, bulkheads and airframes.
Defense and military applications
Structural components for military aircraft and other high-strength systems.
High-performance structures
Applications where low weight and maximum mechanical strength are crucial.
Corrosion and Cracking Resistance
Aluminum 7050 is specifically developed to offer improved resistance to stress corrosion cracking compared to previous high-strength 7xxx alloys. In over-aged conditions (e.g. T7451), a very good balance between strength, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance is achieved, making the material well suited for long-term operation in demanding environments.
Environments where Aluminum 7050 performs well
- Structural applications with high static and dynamic loads
- Environments where stress corrosion cracking is a critical risk
- Aerospace applications with high damage tolerance requirements
Environments to avoid
- Applications where extensive welding is required
- Environments with strong chemical corrosion without surface treatment
Technical data (typical values)
| Density: |
~2.8 g/cm³ |
| Yield strength: |
~430–480 MPa (depending on condition) |
| Tensile strength: |
~510–570 MPa |
| Modulus of elasticity: |
~70–80 GPa |
| Electrical conductivity: |
~40% IACS |
| Melting point: |
~494°C |
With access to a global supplier network, we can offer Aluminum 7050 in various dimensions and conditions, adapted for demanding structural applications in aerospace, defense and high-performance industries.
Buy Aluminum 7050 from HARALD PIHL – your partner for high-strength aluminum alloys with global delivery.
Our strengths
- Expertise in high-strength aluminum and specialty alloys
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