7046A Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 7046A alloy，E FORU

### **7046A Aluminum Alloy: High-Strength Aerospace Grade** **7046A Aluminum Alloy** is a premium, heat-treatable alloy within the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu (7xxx) series. It represents a specific, controlled composition variant designed to offer an exceptional balance of very high strength, excellent toughness, and improved stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance. Primarily developed for the aerospace industry, it is a critical material for heavily loaded structural components where reliability and weight savings are paramount. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The enhanced properties of 7046A are achieved through a tightly controlled chemical composition, particularly with lower impurity limits compared to standard 7046. The following table outlines the typical weight percentage of its key elements. | Element | Content (%) (Typical) | Role in the Alloy | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Zinc (Zn)** | 7.2 - 8.4 | Primary strengthening element; forms the main hardening precipitates (MgZn₂). | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | 1.5 - 2.1 | Co-operates with Zn to form the strengthening η' phase during aging. | | **Copper (Cu)** | 0.35 - 0.65 | Enhances strength and significantly improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking. | | **Zirconium (Zr)** | 0.05 - 0.15 | Forms fine Al₃Zr dispersoids that inhibit recrystallization and control grain structure. | | **Iron (Fe)** | ≤ 0.15 | **Tighter impurity control** to enhance toughness and fatigue resistance. | | **Silicon (Si)** | ≤ 0.12 | **Tighter impurity control** to improve ductility and fracture toughness. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | ≤ 0.10 | - | | **Chromium (Cr)** | ≤ 0.04 | - | | **Titanium (Ti)** | ≤ 0.06 | - | | **Other Impurities** | ≤ 0.05 each; ≤ 0.15 total | - | | **Aluminum (Al)** | Balance | Base metal. | **Key Difference from 7046:** The most significant distinction of 7046A is the stricter control over **Iron (Fe)** and **Silicon (Si)** content. These lower impurity levels directly translate to superior fracture toughness and fatigue performance. --- #### **2. Physical Properties** The physical properties of 7046A alloy are consistent with other high-strength 7xxx series alloys. | Property | Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | ≈ 2.82 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³) | | **Melting Range** | ≈ 475°C - 635°C (887°F - 1175°F) | | **Electrical Conductivity** | ≈ 40-45% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | ≈ 120-140 W/m·K | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | ≈ 23.4 x 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C) | | **Modulus of Elasticity (E)** | ≈ 71 GPa (10.3 x 10⁶ psi) | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties (Typical for T6511 Temper)** The T6511 temper (Solution Heat-Treated, Stress-Relieved by Stretching, and Artificially Aged) is common for extruded products. | Property | Typical Value | | :--- | :--- | | **Tensile Strength (Ultimate)** | 530 - 570 MPa (77 - 83 ksi) | | **Tensile Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)** | 460 - 500 MPa (67 - 73 ksi) | | **Elongation (in 50 mm / 2 in)** | 10 - 12 % | | **Hardness (Brinell)** | ≈ 150 HB | --- #### **4. Product Applications** 7046A Aluminum Alloy is specified for the most demanding applications where its superior toughness and consistency are required. * **Aerospace Industry (Primary Application):** * **Upper Wing Structures:** Skins, stringers, and ribs. * **Fuselage Components:** Frames, longerons, and bulkheads. * **Floor Beams and Seats.** * **Spars and other primary structural members.** * **High-Performance Motorsports:** * Chassis components for Formula 1 and other elite racing series. * Suspension arms and uprights. * **Other Demanding Fields:** * Critical components in military vehicles. * High-stress parts in robotics and automation. --- #### **5. International Standards** 7046A is recognized by major aerospace and international standards bodies. The "A" suffix often denotes a version with tighter compositional controls for aerospace use. | Standard Body | Alloy Designation | Common Forms | Relevant Standard | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Aluminum Association (AA)** | **7046A** | Extruded Profiles, Bars | AA Teal Sheets / ANSI H35.1 | | **Aerospace (AMS)** | **7046** | Extrusions | AMS 4342 (Plate - often referenced), AMS specifications for extrusions | | **European Norm (EN)** | **EN AW-7046A** | Wrought Products | EN 485-2 (Sheet/Plate), EN 755-2 (Extruded Products) | | **ASTM International** | **Aluminum 7046** | - | ASTM B221 (Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes) | | **Unified Numbering System (UNS)** | **A97046** | - | SAE J1086 | --- #### **Key Advantages & Summary** * **Very High Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** Excellent for weight-critical structures. * **Superior Fracture Toughness:** The low Fe and Si content directly result in better resistance to crack propagation, a critical property for aerospace safety. * **Improved Stress Corrosion Cracking Resistance:** Offers good performance in aggressive environments compared to other ultra-high-strength alloys. * **Excellent Fatigue Performance:** Ideal for components subjected to cyclic loading. * **Good Machinability:** In the T6-type temper, it can be machined to high precision. In conclusion, **7046A Aluminum Alloy** is a specialized, aerospace-grade material. Its tightly controlled chemistry, particularly the reduced iron and silicon, makes it a superior choice over the standard 7046 for the most critical applications where maximum toughness, fatigue life, and structural integrity are non-negotiable.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 2141 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.