7079 aluminium alloy explained

7079 aluminium alloy (UNS designation A97079) is a high strength, heat treatable wrought aluminium alloy used in the aircraft industry. Age-hardening heat treatment enhances the characteristics of AL 7079, eliminating variations in characteristics seen in Aluminium 7075.^[1]

Chemical composition

Element	Zn	Mg	Cu	Fe	Si	Mn	Cr	Ti	Remainder (each)	Remainder (total)	Al ^[2]
minimum	3.8	2.9	.4	0.00	0.00	.1	.1	0.00	0.00	0.00	Remainder
maximum	4.8	3.7	.8	.4	.3	.3	.25	.1	.5	.15	Remainder

Heat treatment for aluminium 7079

1. Solution treatment
2. Aging treatment
3. Annealing treatment

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Machinability

1. Alloy 7079 T-6 provides qualities comparable to alloy 7075-T6
2. -F condition provides acceptable results
3. Improved machinability compared to fabricated and annealed tempers

Workability

1. Can be formed similar to 7075
2. Annealing provides superior formability and noticeable decline in workability following solution heat treatment
3. Form in “as-quenched” condition for best results

Applications

1. Mobile industry equipment
2. Aircraft parts, including wing panels and bulkhead assemblies
3. Hydraulic units
4. Highly stressed parts

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Notes and References

1. Web site: Steelforge.
2. Web site: Azom. 25 August 2015. Azom. 8 May 2013 .
3. Web site: Aluminum 7079.
4. Web site: Steelforge. Steelforge.