7000 Series Aluminum Alloy Properties, Strength & Uses
The 7000 series aluminum alloy is one of the strongest aluminum families used in modern engineering. In Singapore, industries such as precision engineering, aerospace, marine, robotics and manufacturing rely on this alloy because it delivers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, high fatigue resistance, and excellent performance under demanding loads.
This guide explains what the 7000 series aluminum alloy is, its key properties, common applications, and how Singapore manufacturers like The Monster Builder use it in CNC machining and aluminum fabrication projects.
What Is 7000 Series Aluminum Alloy?
The 7000 series aluminum alloy is a family of aluminum-zinc-magnesium (Al-Zn-Mg) alloys. Its primary strengthening element is zinc, and in many grades, magnesium is added to improve hardenability and durability.
Common Grades in the 7000 Series Aluminum Alloy
7075 Aluminum Alloy
- Zinc content: ~5.6–6.1%
- Tensile strength (T6/T651): 510–570 MPa
Key features:
- Extremely high strength
- Widely used in aerospace structural parts
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
7050 Aluminum Alloy
- Zinc content: ~5.7–6.7%
- Tensile strength (T6/T651): 470–530 MPa
Key features:
- High toughness
- Strong resistance to stress corrosion cracking
- Preferred for thick-section aerospace components
7049 Aluminum Alloy
- Zinc content: ~7.2–8.7%
- Tensile strength (T6/T651): 480–530 MPa
Key features:
- Very high fatigue strength
- Suitable for critical load-bearing applications
- Common in hydraulic systems and aerospace fittings
7075-T6 aluminum is often compared to mild steel because it offers similar tensile strength at only one-third the weight.
7000 Series Aluminum Properties
The 7000 series is known for its high-performance characteristics. Its properties include:
Very High Strength
7075-T6 can reach up to 570 MPa tensile strength.
For comparison:
- Mild steel (A36) ≈ 400 MPa
- 6061 aluminum ≈ 310 MPa
This makes 7000 series aluminum one of the strongest commercial aluminum families.
Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Because aluminum is naturally lightweight, the combination of high strength and low density makes the 7000 series ideal for load-bearing components that must remain light.
Typical density: 2.8 g/cm³
High Fatigue Resistance
The alloy maintains performance under repeated stress cycles. This is why it is used in aircraft wing structures, bicycles, industrial automation parts.
Good Machinability
Grades like 7075 and 7050 machine cleanly and accurately, making them suitable for CNC milling, Turning and high-precision fixtures.
Lower Corrosion Resistance than 6000-Series
The 7000 family generally has lower corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments.
However, Singapore industries typically improve corrosion resistance using hard anodizing, chromate conversion coating and protective paint coatings.
What Is 7000 Series Aluminum Used For?
The 7000 series aluminum alloy serves industries that require structural performance and extreme durability.
Common Applications:
- Aerospace components (fuselage frames, wing spars, landing gear parts)
- High-performance bicycle frames
- Robotics arms and industrial automation systems
- Precision engineering parts
- Military-grade equipment
- Car and motorbike aftermarket components
- Sporting goods like bows, climbing gear, and premium wheelsets
A robotics manufacturer may choose 7075-T6 for robotic arm joints because the alloy handles repetitive movement and load stress without deforming.
How Strong Is Aluminum 7000?
The 7000 series aluminum alloy is one of the strongest aluminum families, with typical tensile strength ranging from 470–570 MPa depending on the grade. This makes it significantly stronger than common series like 6000 (290–350 MPa) and 5000 (240–300 MPa). High-strength grades such as 7075-T6 achieve steel-like strength while remaining much lighter, which is why the 7000 series is used in aerospace, robotics, and high-performance engineering.
Strength Comparison: 7000 Series vs Other Aluminum Series
7000 Series – Highest Strength
Tensile strength: 470–570 MPa (e.g., 7075-T6, 7050-T7451)
Key advantages:
- Steel-like strength at one-third the weight
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Used for: Aerospace parts, structural components, robotics, industrial machines
6000 Series – Medium Strength, High Versatility
Tensile strength: 290–350 MPa (e.g., 6061-T6, 6082-T6)
Key advantages:
- Good corrosion resistance
- Excellent weldability
- Used for: Frames, general fabrication, construction, consumer products
5000 Series – Good Strength & Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Tensile strength: 240–300 MPa (e.g., 5052-H32, 5083-H116)
Key advantages:
- High corrosion resistance (including marine)
- Good formability
- Used for: Marine structures, enclosures, tanks, automotive panels
2000 Series – High Strength but Lower Corrosion Resistance
Tensile strength: 400–480 MPa (e.g., 2024-T3)
Key advantages:
- Good fatigue resistance
- Strong and stiff
- Used for: Aircraft skins, tension-loaded parts
7000 series is the strongest aluminum family (up to 570 MPa) and stronger than 6000 series and 5000 series. Comparable to some 2000 series, but with higher peak strength. Ideal for high-load, precision-machined components
Can 7000 Series Aluminum Be Welded?
Yes, but cautiously. Most 7000 series alloys (especially 7075) are not ideal for conventional welding because they become prone to cracking and lose strength in the heat-affected zone.
However, welding IS possible using friction stir welding (FSW), advanced TIG/MIG techniques with proper filler rods and post-weld heat treatments.
This is why industries often choose machining, bolted joints, adhesive bonding, instead of traditional welding for 7000 series components.
7075 Aluminum in CNC Machining
Recently, a CNC machining project might involve producing a 7075-T651 aerospace bracket. Why 7075 is chosen? This is because high tensile strength ensures durability, machines smoothly for high-precision cuts, provides weight reduction for moving parts and accepts anodizing for corrosion protection.
Typical CNC tolerances ±0.01–0.05 mm (depending on part geometry). This is why 7075 continues to be a preferred alloy for advanced engineering projects across Singapore.
The Monster Builder Is Your Partner for Aluminum Fabrication in Singapore
The 7000 series aluminum alloy offers exceptional strength, machinability, and reliability for high-performance applications. Whether you’re developing aerospace components, robotics parts, or precision engineering equipment, this alloy delivers unmatched structural performance.
At The Monster Builder, we specialise in CNC machining for 7000 series aluminum, aluminum fabrication and design support, high-precision manufacturing and prototyping and full-scale production and Singapore-based engineering solutions with strict QC standards.
If your project requires strong, lightweight, and professionally machined aluminum parts, our engineering team can help you select the right material grade and produce parts with world-class precision. Contact us today!
