7050 was developed to solve the thick section problem in the 7xxx family. Zirconium replaces chromium and copper is adjusted so that heavy plate and forgings harden uniformly through the section and resist stress corrosion cracking and exfoliation far better than 7075 in the same thickness.
It is the default choice for thick machined aerospace structure: bulkheads, wing fittings, ribs and heavy plate parts where a lot of metal is removed from a heavy starting block.
Stocked as plate and bar in T7451 and T7651, with saw cut and waterjet blanks available to reduce your machining volume.
Sizes and stock
- Bar and rod 0.250" through 16" diameter
- Plate 0.250" through 12", sheet from 0.016"
- Standard and custom extruded profiles to your die print
- Tube, pipe and coil in common tempers
Processing capabilities
- Custom extrusions and profiles from your die print
- Solution treat, age and anneal to T-temper
- Waterjet, saw and CNC machined blanks
- Anodizing, chemical milling and surface finishing
Specifications
Material is released to the applicable specification with mill test reports and, on request, independent lab verification.
Why engineers specify 7050
- Uniform properties through thick sections
- High resistance to stress corrosion cracking and exfoliation
- Excellent strength and fracture toughness combination
- Stress relieved tempers limit movement during heavy machining
Nominal chemistry
Percent by weight, nominal composition per the governing specification. The mill test report for your heat is the controlling document.
Typical mechanical properties
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T7451 plate | 70 ksi min | 60 ksi min | 6% min | - |
| T7651 plate | 74 ksi min | 66 ksi min | 6% min | - |
Typical published values for reference only, not for design. Properties vary with section size, product form and processing. Order to the specification and condition your drawing requires.
Typical applications
- Aerospace bulkheads and ribs
- Thick machined structural parts
- Wing fittings and spars
- Heavy forgings
Fabrication notes
Machining
Machines rapidly with sharp, polished, high rake tooling and high surface speeds. Heat treatable alloys cut cleanest in the T temper. Thick plate benefits from stress relieved tempers to limit movement when large volumes of material are removed.
Welding
Weldability varies by series. The 5xxx and 6xxx alloys weld readily with 4043 or 5356 filler; the 2xxx and 7xxx aerospace alloys are normally joined mechanically or by friction stir and specialized processes rather than fusion welding.
Forming
Form in the annealed or freshly solution treated condition where the temper allows, then age to final strength. Bend radii should follow the temper and thickness in the governing specification.
7050 compared with similar grades
7075
Similar strength in thin sections, inferior thick section and stress corrosion behaviour.
7475
Premium damage tolerant grade for fracture critical sheet and plate.
Designations and cross reference
- Material family
- Aluminum Alloys
- UNS number
- A97050
- Werkstoff (W.Nr)
- 3.4144
- EN designation
- EN AW-7050 / AlZn6CuMgZr
Working from an obsolete, foreign or superseded designation? Send it over and we will cross reference it to a current grade and specification.
Quality, testing and traceability
Supplied with mill test reports, temper verification, and ultrasonic inspection, conductivity, hardness and mechanical testing available on request.
We are AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 registered. If our stock does not already carry the inspection your specification requires, we can quote the material with that work performed. More on our quality system
Available forms
7050 frequently asked questions
What is 7050?
7050 was developed to solve the thick section problem in the 7xxx family. Zirconium replaces chromium and copper is adjusted so that heavy plate and forgings harden uniformly through the section and resist stress corrosion cracking and exfoliation far better than 7075 in the same thickness.
What forms is 7050 available in?
We supply 7050 in bar, billet, casting, extrusion, fitting, flange, foil, forging, pipe, plate, profile, rod, sheet, strip, tube, wire. Custom sizes are converted from billet, and we can provide saw cut, waterjet or near net blanks so material arrives closer to your finished part.
What is the UNS or equivalent designation for 7050?
7050 is designated UNS A97050, Werkstoff 3.4144, EN EN AW-7050 / AlZn6CuMgZr. If your drawing calls out an obsolete or foreign designation we can cross reference it and confirm the equivalent before you order.
What specifications can 7050 be supplied to?
Commonly ordered specifications include AMS 4050, AMS 4201, UNS A97050. Material is released to the specification and condition on your purchase order, with mill test reports supplied as standard.
What conditions can 7050 be ordered in?
We can supply T7451 plate, T7651 plate. If our stock is not already in the condition you need, we can quote it with the heat treatment performed before shipment.
Can you cut 7050 to size?
Yes. Saw cutting, waterjet, laser and shearing are available, along with trepanning, gun drilling, lathe turning and CNC machining, so you can order blanks or rough machined pieces rather than full lengths.
Do you provide test reports and additional testing on 7050?
Every order ships with mill test reports and heat traceability. If your print calls for ultrasonic inspection, penetrant dye, magnetic particle, chemical assay, micrography, hardness or mechanical testing and our stock does not already carry it, we can quote the material with that work performed.
Can 7050 be supplied to DFARS domestic melt requirements?
Tell us at quote stage if the order is DFARS or domestic melt restricted and we will confirm availability against that requirement before you commit.
What do you need to quote 7050?
Grade, form, dimensions, quantity, specification and condition, plus any testing or certification requirements and the date you need it. Send a drawing if you have one. Quotes are typically ready within 24 hours.
How does 7050 compare with 7075?
Similar strength in thin sections, inferior thick section and stress corrosion behaviour.