Aluminum 7075 CNC Machining Services
7075-T6 is the strongest of the commonly machined aluminium alloys at 572 MPa tensile, specified where stiffness and fatigue life outweigh material cost and weldability.
7075-T6 and T7351 stress-relieved stock
Tolerances to ±0.05 mm on critical features
Hardcoat anodising for wear surfaces
What Is Aluminum 7075?
When the extra strength is worth the premium, and what changes in the machine shop.
Aluminum 7075 is a zinc-magnesium-copper alloy and the highest-strength aluminium in general engineering use. In the T6 temper it reaches 572 MPa ultimate tensile strength, which is close to that of many mild steels at roughly one third of the weight. That is why it appears in airframe fittings, high-load brackets, motorsport components and mould tooling.
What you trade for the strength
7075 costs more per kilogram than 6061, is not recommended for fusion welding, and has lower general corrosion resistance because of its copper content. For most designs it is clad, anodised or conversion coated before service. If a part sees salt water or needs weld repair, 6061 or 5083 is usually the better specification.
Tempers we stock and machine
T6 is the standard high-strength condition. T7351 is over-aged and stress-relieved, trading about 10 percent of the strength for much better stress-corrosion cracking resistance and dimensional stability after heavy material removal. T73 is the usual choice for thick sections and parts that stay loaded in service.
Related capabilities: CNC Machining, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, 5-Axis Machining. Dimensional limits, thread rules and surface roughness grades are listed on the tolerances and specifications page, and volume-based routing is covered under production solutions.
Aluminum 7075 Mechanical Properties
Typical values at room temperature for the condition most often machined. Use them for material screening, then confirm against the mill certificate for the exact heat and product form.
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.81 g/cm³ |
| Ultimate tensile strength | 572 MPa (83 ksi) |
| Tensile yield strength, 0.2% offset | 503 MPa (73 ksi) |
| Elongation at break | 11% in 50 mm |
| Elastic modulus | 71.7 GPa |
| Brinell hardness | 150 HB |
| Shear strength | 331 MPa |
| Fatigue strength | 159 MPa |
| Thermal conductivity | 130 W/m·K |
| Melting range | 477 to 635 °C |
Typical room-temperature values compiled from public ASM, MatWeb and mill datasheets. Actual values vary with temper, section thickness and product form; request the EN 10204 3.1 certificate for critical applications.
Machining Characteristics of Aluminum 7075
How the material behaves in the cut, and what that means for tooling, fixtures, cycle time and achievable tolerance.
Higher cutting forces
Roughly 15 to 20 percent more power is needed than for 6061. Rigid setups, short tool overhangs and sharp carbide keep deflection and chatter under control.
Stress relief matters
Heavy stock removal from T6 plate releases internal stress and can bow a part. Rough, then relieve or use T7351, then finish, on parts with thin floors or long spans.
Chip evacuation
Chips are harder and more abrasive than 6061 swarf. Through-tool coolant and positive rake geometry prevent recutting and protect the finished surface.
No fusion welding
7075 is not arc welded in service. Design bolted or bonded joints, or switch to 6061 if the assembly must be welded.
Corrosion protection expected
Anodising or conversion coating is not optional outdoors. Bare machined 7075 will stain and can pit in humid or chloride environments.
Excellent fatigue life
Properly finished 7075 with polished radii and no sharp tool marks is the standard choice for cyclically loaded aerospace hardware.
Design and Machining Checklist
Practical rules that reduce cost and scrap on Aluminum 7075 parts. Share them with your design team before the drawing is frozen.
- Specify T7351 instead of T6 for thick sections or parts with heavy material removal to reduce distortion.
- Avoid weldments; design for mechanical fastening, bonding or interference fits instead.
- Add a protective finish to every surface, including hidden faces, because exposed 7075 corrodes in humid air.
- Generous fillet radii on loaded shoulders raise fatigue life more than any other single geometry change.
- Do not specify 7075 for thin sheet parts; it has limited formability compared with 5052 or 6061.
- Allow extra stock for a stress-relief operation between roughing and finishing on parts thinner than 3 mm.
Surface Finishing Options
Finishes are selected for corrosion resistance, wear, appearance, electrical behaviour or cleanliness. Specify only what the function needs.
As-Machined
Ra 1.6 to 3.2 µm. Acceptable only for dry, indoor or temporary service because bare 7075 has limited corrosion resistance.
Type II Anodising
5 to 25 µm oxide, usually clear or black. The standard minimum protection for 7075 parts in normal industrial atmospheres.
Type III Hardcoat
25 to 75 µm wear layer for sliding and loaded contact faces, common on aerospace fittings and mould tooling.
Chemical Conversion Coating
Chromate or non-chrome film used where electrical bonding, paint adhesion or minimum dimensional change is required.
Shot Peening
Cold-working the surface layer to introduce compressive stress and improve fatigue life on highly loaded components.
Primer and Paint
Two-part epoxy primer plus topcoat for outdoor structures, giving a thicker and more repairable barrier than anodising alone.
Typical Applications
Where Aluminum 7075 is most often specified, and why it wins against the alternatives.
Aerospace fittings and structures
Brackets, lugs, spar fittings and seat hardware where certification requires traceable high-strength stock.
Motorsport components
Suspension uprights, bell cranks, pedal assemblies and gearbox carriers where load per gram drives the design.
Mould and tooling plates
Injection mould bases, jig plates and press tooling that need high compressive strength and dimensional stability.
Defence and ordnance
Receiver housings, mounts and structural components requiring high strength with low weight and hardness.
High-end bicycle and sports equipment
Cranks, stems, hubs and climbing hardware where fatigue performance is the primary buying criterion.
Robotics and precision stages
Lightweight load frames and moving carriages where stiffness per unit mass raises throughput and accuracy.
Need Aluminum 7075 parts quoted?
Upload your CAD files for a detailed quote on Aluminum 7075 components, including material certification, finishing, inspection and worldwide delivery.