7068 aluminium alloy

7068 aluminium alloy is the strongest commercially available aluminium alloy, and comparable to that of some steels.^[1] 7068-T6511 has typical ultimate tensile strength of 103 ksi (710 MPa) versus a similar product produced from 7075-T6511 that would have a typical ultimate tensile strength of 93 ksi (640 MPa). Typical yield strength for alloy 7068-T6511 is 99 ksi (680 MPa) versus 86 ksi (590 MPa) for a similar product produced from 7075-T6511.^[2] Strength allowables for this alloy are provided in Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization (MMPDS) for design.

The main alloying elements are copper (1.6-2.4%), magnesium (2.2-3.0%), zinc (7.3-8.3%%) and zirconium (0.05-0.15%) with traces of silicon, iron, manganese, chromium, titanium.

Uses

Primarily developed for ordnance applications, alloy 7068 is now being used or considered for markets like the aerospace and automotive industries (valve body and connecting rod applications), as well as recreational products like bicycles.

Manufactured by Kaiser USA. Supplied throughout Europe by Smiths Advanced Metals.

References