7075-T6 Aerospace Aluminum CNC Machining Specs & Speeds

7075-T6 aluminum is an ultra-high strength aerospace alloy offering strength comparable to many steels, with excellent fatigue resistance and high precision machinability.

Engineering Specifications & Parameters

Density 2.81 g/cm³
Hardness 150 Brinell (HB)
Cutting Speed 200 - 450 m/min
Machinability 80% (High)
Yield Strength 503 MPa (73,000 psi)

Engineering Overview

7075-T6 is primarily alloyed with zinc. It is widely used in aerospace, defense, and high-stress mechanical components where high strength-to-weight ratio is mandatory.

Machining Best Practices

  • Tooling: Use 3-flute carbide end mills with polished flutes or DLC coating.
  • Feeds & Speeds: High cutting speed with moderate chip load to avoid localized heating.
  • Coolant: Continuous high-pressure flood coolant is required to evacuate chips and preserve temper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 7075-T6 compare to 6061-T6?

7075-T6 has roughly double the tensile strength of 6061-T6, making it ideal for structural airframes, though it is slightly less corrosion-resistant.