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Aluminum alloys are often a preferred material for aerospace designs and required by engineering due to its corrosion-resistance properties and high strength capabilities. Compared to steel it is a lightweight option, and an ideal material for a wide range of aircraft components and aerospace applications.
Aerospace Aluminum Grades
The aluminum grade needed for your aerospace application will largely depend on the function of your application. Corrosion-resistance and machinability are some of the factors to consider when choosing the correct aluminum alloy.
Aluminum Grade |
Aluminum Grade Properties |
| Alloy 2014 | Ideal for framework due to its machinability and strength. Does not provide corrosion-resistance when compared to other aluminum grades. It is not well-suited for applications with high environmental stressors or corrosive environments. |
| Alloy 2024 | Widely used among aircraft and aerospace components. Provides stress resistance, high-tensile strength, and can be heat treated. Aluminum sheet and plate are ideal for applications such as aircraft wings, structures, or repair purposes. |
| Alloy 3003 | Provides corrosion-resistance and weldability. It is one of the more commonly used aluminum alloys for aviation and aircraft. Alloy 3003 is not heat-treatable. |
| Alloy 5052 | Another non-heat treatable aluminum alloy, alloy 5052 offers a high fatigue strength when compared to other aluminum grades. It offers good corrosion-resistance and formability properties. It is commonly used for aircraft fuel tanks. |
| Alloy 6061 | Workable with excellent corrosion-resistance, alloy 6061 can be welded and brazed. It is commonly used for wings or fuselage. |
| Alloy 6063 | Ideal for anodizing applications or architectural structures. Alloy 6063 offers high-tensile properties with high corrosion-resistance. Often used for aesthetic purposes and finishes. |
| Alloy 7050 | Ideal for wing skins and military aircraft, alloy 7050 has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and can be heat-treated. |
| Alloy 7068 | Commonly used for aircraft applications, alloy 7068 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available for aerospace applications. Its corrosion-resistance and high-strength make it a popular aluminum alloy grade for applications that are subjected to high environmental stressors. |
| Alloy 7075 | Aluminum alloy 7075 offers high fatigue-resistance and average corrosion-resistance. It has high levels of zinc making it comparable in strength to steel. It is ideal for high-stressed components like gears or fuselages. One of the most common aluminum alloys used for aerospace components. |
Benefits of Aluminum for Aircraft and Aerospace Applications
- Durability in high stressed environments, temperature and pressure extremes
- Formability allows for easy fabrication for smaller aircraft parts
- Aluminum alloys offer high electrical conductivity
- Due to the lightweight properties of aluminum, it offers a cost-effective alternative to other material types. Lighter aircraft can equate to less fuel consumption and an overall cost-saving advantage
