Leveraging the true potential of aluminium is now possible through its diverse forms. Two commonly used aluminium alloys, 2024 and 7075, offer unique sets of properties, making them suitable for different applications. While the two share some similarities in terms of high-performance applications, they exhibit distinct differences in terms of other key properties.
Which is better 2024 or 7075 aluminium? Both the aluminium sheets are known for their high strength, which makes them valuable in applications where lightweight yet robust materials are required. The choice between them depends on specific requirements such as corrosion resistance, toughness, and machinability. Understanding the distinct properties of these alloys is essential for selecting the right material for a particular application.
In this blog, we will delve into the differences between 2024 and 7075 aluminium alloys, helping you understand when and where each alloy shines.
Key Differences – 2024 vs 7075 Aluminium
1. Chemical Composition:
Copper is the primary alloying element in 2024 along with other secondary alloying elements, which contributes to its exceptional strength, but it can also make 2024 less corrosion-resistant compared to other aluminium alloys.
Here is the composition of 2024 aluminium:
- Copper (Cu): 3.8% – 4.9%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.3% – 0.9%
- Magnesium (Mg): 1.2% – 1.8%
- Iron (Fe): 0.5% max
- Silicon (Si): 0.5% max
- Zinc (Zn): 0.25% max
- Chromium (Cr): 0.1% max
- Titanium (Ti): 0.15% max
Zinc is the primary alloying element in 7075, and it is known for providing exceptional strength and toughness to the alloy. The combination of zinc, copper, and magnesium makes 7075 one of the strongest aluminium alloys available.
Here is the composition of 7075 aluminium:
- Zinc (Zn): 5.1% – 6.1%
- Copper (Cu): 1.2% – 2.0%
- Magnesium (Mg): 2.1% – 2.9%
- Chromium (Cr): 0.18% – 0.28%
- Silicon (Si): 0.4% max
- Iron (Fe): 0.5% max
- Manganese (Mn): 0.3% max
- Titanium (Ti): 0.2% max
2. Strength and Toughness:
2024 is known for its high tensile strength of about 68,000-78,000 psi. However, 2024 can be prone to stress corrosion cracking. 7075 is comparatively stronger than 2024, with a tensile strength of around 74,000-78,000 psi. It is often considered one of the strongest aluminium alloys available today. It can maintain good toughness, which is an advantage in applications that require both strength and resilience.
3. Corrosion Resistance:
7075 offers better corrosion resistance compared to 2024. It is often used in applications where exposure to corrosion is a concern. However, it may still require protective coatings or treatments in highly corrosive environments. 2024 is more susceptible to corrosion compared to 7075, especially when exposed to moisture and corrosive environments. To mitigate this, it is often clad with a thin layer of pure aluminium, which enhances its resistance to corrosion.
4. Machinability:
2024 has good machinability, making it suitable for various machining processes, including milling, drilling, and turning. It produces small, curled chips during machining. 7075 is considered less machinable than 2024. It tends to produce long, stringy chips, which can affect the machining process. Proper tool selection and machining techniques are essential when working with 7075.
5. Weldability:
2024 is not particularly weldable using conventional methods, as it is prone to hot cracking and stress corrosion. However, it can be successfully welded using specialized techniques, such as friction stir welding. 7075 is also challenging to weld using traditional methods, mainly due to its high zinc content. Welding 7075 often requires special procedures and precautions, making it less weldable than some other aluminium alloys.
6. Applications:
Aluminium sheets made from the 2024 and 7075 alloys have distinct properties that make them suitable for various applications. Here is a breakdown of the applications for each of these aluminium sheet alloys:
2024 Aluminium Sheet Applications:
1. Aerospace:
2024 aluminium sheets are employed in the construction of aircraft structures, including fuselages, wings, and other structural components.
2. Aircraft Fasteners:
2024 aluminium sheets are used to manufacture aircraft fasteners, including rivets and screws, to ensure the structural integrity of aircraft components.
3. High-Performance Sports Equipment:
The alloy’s combination of strength and lightness makes it ideal for sports equipment. It is used in the production of items like tennis racket frames, baseball bats, and bicycle frames.
4. Automotive Structural Components:
2024 aluminium sheets find application in the automotive industry for the manufacture of high-strength structural components, particularly in the development of lightweight vehicles.
7075 Aluminium Sheet Applications:
1. Structural Components in High-Stress Applications:
7075 sheets are suitable for structural components in applications where high-stress conditions exist. This includes components in the automotive, marine, and heavy machinery industries.
2. Aerospace:
7075 aluminium sheets are widely used in the aerospace industry. They can be found in aircraft landing gear components and other critical structures.
3. High-Performance Sports Equipment:
Similar to 2024, 7075 aluminium sheets are used in the production of high-performance sports equipment, such as bicycle frames, where the balance of strength and weight is crucial.
4. Custom Tooling & Fixtures:
Machinists and manufacturers often use 7075 aluminium sheets to create custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures for production processes due to their strength and resistance to wear and tear.
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Pratham Traders is one of the leading stockists of aluminium sheets, plates, rods, bars, blocks, circles, strips, coils, and other accessories. Our mission is to provide our customers with high-quality products that are durable, versatile, and cost-effective. We maintain a vast inventory in a variety of sizes, shapes, and alloys, ensuring that our customers have access to the products they want in accordance with their business assignments.
With 10,000+ projects completed, we provide a range of thoughtfully designed products including aluminium sheets, checkered plates, stucco sheets, perforated sheets, and rolled plates. These unique sheets bring multiple benefits to the table like slip resistance, heat reflection, corrosion resistance, aesthetics, and other insulation properties.