7068 Aluminium

7068 alloy provides the highest mechanical strength of all aluminium alloys and matching that of certain steels.

High-Performance Aluminium

The alloy combines a yield strength of up to 700 MPa (up to over 30% greater than that of 7075 alloy) and good ductility with corrosion resistance similar to 7075 and other features beneficial to high-performance component/equipment designers. The product went through development in the 1990s to serve as a higher strength alternative to 7075 aluminium, particularly in ordnance applications.

Attractive Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties are desirable, including elevated temperature retention, which is greater than in 7075). The result is the widespread specification of the alloy to markedly reduce the weight/cross-section or significantly increase the strength of critical components in diverse market sectors.

Specifications

7068 alloy is a 7000 series aluminium-zinc alloy registered with the US Aluminium Association and produced to AMS 4331 (chemical composition and mechanical properties) and AMS 2772 (heat treatment). 7068 alloy ‘A’ and ‘B’ tensile data and fatigue properties benefit from ratification for inclusion in MIL Handbook 5 / MMPDS. The standard supply temper condition is T6511. For applications requiring enhanced resistance to stress corrosion cracking, the material in the T76511 delivery condition is available to order.

Typical Applications

Commercial applications for this engineering material include: