Aluminum 7050

Aging Procedure

A 2 stage heat treatment is used for aging this alloy. First heat to 250 F for 3 to 6 hours (depending on section size) and follow that with 325 F for 15 hours then air cool.

Annealing Procedure

Not applicable to this alloy.

Applications

Commonly used in the manufacture of aircraft and other structures.

Cold Workability

The alloy may be cold formed by conventional means. However bend radii should be generous.

Forgeability

The alloy may be forged. However no data is available without consulting the alloy source.

Formability

The 7050 alloy may be readily formed in either the O temper or the heat treated condition.

Hardening Procedure

Hardens only by precipitation heat treatment. See "Aging".

Heat Treatability

Solution heat treat at 890 F. Time at temperature is dependent upon section thickness and the producer of the alloy should be consulted on this as well as quenching rate.

Hot Workability

As with Forging the 7050 alloy may be hot worked but no data is available except from the alloy producer.

Machinability

No data available.

Other Physical Properties

Electrical conductivity 40% of copper.

Principle Design Features

7050 alloy is heat treatable so as to produce mechanical properties of high strength and toughness. It has very good resistance to stress corrosion cracking.

Tempering Procedure

Not applicable.

Weldability

Welding of 7050 alloy is a problem and should be avoided. Gas tungsten or gas metal arc welding is NOT successful with this alloy. Weld cracking and porosity usually result and any weld joint that is made is much weaker than the parent metal.