May 8 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Other Designations
Fabrication
Applications
Introduction
Aluminium / aluminum is a light-weight metal with a bright silvery luster. This metal along with its alloys are in high demand worldwide.
Aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy is a heat treatable wrought alloy with good fatigue strength, good anodizing response, and high thermal conductivity. It was designed as a higher strength alternative to aluminium/aluminum 7075 for ordnance applications. It also provides the highest mechanical strength of all aluminium / aluminum alloys.
The following datasheet will provide more details about aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Zinc, Zn |
8.3 |
|
Magnesium, Mg |
3 |
|
Copper, Cu |
2.4 |
|
Iron, Fe |
0.15 |
|
Zirconium, Zr |
0.15 |
|
Silicon, Si |
0.12 |
|
Manganese, Mn |
0.1 |
|
Titanium, Ti |
0.1 |
|
Chromium, Cr |
0.05 |
|
Other (each) |
0.05 |
|
Other (total) |
0.15 |
|
Aluminum, Al |
Remainder |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy are outlined in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Density |
2.85 mg/cm³ |
0.103 lb/in³ |
|
Melting point |
476-635 ºC |
890-1175 ºF |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy are tabulated below.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Tensile strength |
641 MPa |
93 ksi |
|
Yield strength |
590 MPa |
85.7 ksi |
|
Elongation |
8% |
8% |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy are tabulated below.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Thermal conductivity |
190 W/mK |
1317 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Other Designations
Equivalent materials to aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloys are listed below:
Fabrication
The machinability of aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy is good and matches that of aluminium / aluminum 7075 alloy; however welding should be performed with expert advice. Anodizing of this alloy is possible using all the traditional techniques. When performing hard anodizing, the surface becomes more abrasion resistant.
Applications
Aluminium / aluminum 7068 alloy is chiefly used in the following areas:
-
Connecting rods
-
Autosport gearbox actuators and wheel components
-
Prosthetic limbs
-
Load cells
-
Hydraulic valve components
-
High pressure solenoids
-
Flexible shaft coupling
-
Snowmobile engine shafts
-
Automobile shock absorbers
-
Fuel pumps for racing engines
-
Motorcycle gears
-
Recreational products such as tents, ski and backpack rods, bicycles and mountain climbing equipment
-
Automotive valve body and connecting rod