Aircraft Extrusion Alloys

aluminum_aircraft_alloys

Aircraft Aluminum Specialists

Since the 1940's the majority of aircraft are manufactured in 2 basic aluminum alloys, 7075 and 2024 in a variety of alloys. Over the developing years additional alloys have been developed globally with slightly different mechanical properties and tempers like 2219 or 7050. Aircraft Extrusion Company stocks the majority of extruded shapes in the 7075 alloy. It is this alloy that is used in the structure of the aircraft.

Call our technical sales teams to discuss the availability and technical infomrtaion on 2000, 6000 and 7000 series extruded alloys.


Aircraft Aluminum Characteristics.

Most designers are familiar with the physical characteristics of 2024 and 7075. Offering high strength, stiffness, fatigue durability, damage tolerance, low density to name just a few. Our technical sales team works with engineers and designers to find the best fit based on technical requirements and availability in the market place.

Aircraft Aluminum Availability.

A question we get asked a lot is the availability of aircraft alloys. With a limited supply chain of aircraft grade extrusion mills it is a constant battle for smaller aircraft development companies to find new and improved alloys that can be purchased in timely and cost effective manner. Aircraft Extrusion Company has a network of suppliers, mills in distribution that with provide the most up to date information on existing and developing alloys.

7075 Extrusion Alloy

7075 was introduced in the USA by Alcoa in 1943 and was standardized for aerospace use in 1945. Today it is still the most common aircraft alloy and is used in the airframe of both military and commercial aircraft.

2024 Extrusion Alloy

The main alloying element in 2024 is copper. For applications that require high strength to weight ratio, as well as good fatigue resistance. Its most common application is the outer fuselage skin for both commercial and military aircraft.

6061 Extrusion Alloy

A common alloy used in light aircraft. Magnesium and silicon are the main alloying elements. 6061 has great corrosion resistance, and while the mechanicals are much lower than 2024 and 7075 it is very formable and easily weldable.



Alloys 6061, 2024 and 7075 Mechanicals

The table below is to be used as a guide only. The properties shown have been copied from the federal QQ-A-200 specification.

Alloy-Temper Specification Tensile Strength Yield Strength Min Elongation
6061-0 AMS-QQ-A-200/8 18,000 psi min 8,000 psi max 16%
6061-T6511 AMS-QQ-A-200/8 38,000 psi min 35,0000 psi min 8%
7075-0 AMS-QQ-A-200/11 33,000 psi min 15,0000 psi min 10%
7075-T6511 AMS-QQ-A-200/11 81,000 psi min 72,0000 psi min 7%
7075-T73511 AMS-QQ-A-200/11 69,000 psi min 59,000 psi min 8%
2024-0 AMS-QQ-A-200/3 27,000 psi min 11,000 psi min 12%
2024-T3511 AMS-QQ-A-200/3 65,000 psi min 46,000 psi min 10%
2024-T8511 AMS-QQ-A-200/3 66,000 psi min 58,000 psi min 5%