MATERIALS
7075 aluminium — the strength-to-weight alloy, forged
Aircraft-grade 7075-T6: nearly twice the tensile strength of 6061 where every gram and every load cycle counts.
7075-T6 key properties
| Property | 7075-T6 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.81 g/cm³ | Slightly denser than 6061, far stronger |
| Tensile strength (min) | 572 MPa | T6 temper |
| Yield strength (min) | 503 MPa | T6 temper |
| Elongation | ~11% | Adequate for forged designs |
| Hardness | ~150 HB | Brinell |
| Thermal conductivity | 130 W/m·K | Lower than 6061 |
| Melting range | 477–635 °C | — |
| Corrosion resistance | Good (clad or anodised) | Anodising recommended for outdoor service |
FORGING 7075
7075 vs 6061 — choosing the right alloy
| Criterion | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Good | Excellent (+84%) |
| Fatigue behaviour | Good | High with forged grain flow |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent | Good — anodise for service |
| Weldability | Good | Poor — design one-piece forgings |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (Cu, Zn content) |
| Typical use | General structural | High-load, weight-critical parts |
Rule of thumb: 6061 for cost-efficient structural parts and welded-adjacent designs; 7075 where a part must survive higher loads at lower weight — brake components, high-end crank interfaces, aerospace-style fittings.
- Chemistry: Al balance · Zn 5.1–6.1% · Mg 2.1–2.9% · Cu 1.2–2.0%
- Hot-forged at XPF, solution + aged to T6
- 7075 forgings pair with CNC finishing for precision interfaces
7075 forged applications at XPF
High-load bike interfaces
Crank spindle interfaces and brake components where 6061 yields too early.
Mobility safety parts
Adaptive bike and therapy equipment parts designed around fatigue life.
Industrial fittings
Lightweight structural fittings that must not grow or fatigue in service.
FAQ
7075 questions we get from buyers
Can 7075 be forged?
Yes. 7075 is hot-forged in closed dies and heat-treated to T6. Forging aligns its grain flow, which matters because 7075 parts are usually specified exactly where fatigue loads are highest.
Is 7075 corrosion resistant enough for outdoor use?
With Type II or III anodising, yes. Uncoated 7075 is more corrosion-sensitive than 6061, which is why we recommend anodising for outdoor mobility products.
Why not weld 7075 assemblies?
Welding destroys the temper in the heat-affected zone. The right approach is a one-piece forging designed for the load path — which is what we do.
Do you hold 7075 stock?
We forge to order from certified 7075 billet, with mill certificates per batch and full dimensional reports.
Which file formats can I send?
STEP, STP, DWG, DXF and PDF — even a clear photo of a print works for a first feasibility opinion.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. Tooling and dies are designed and built in-house, so your drawings never travel to a third-party die shop.
What press sizes do you run?
Closed-die forging presses from 300T to 2500T, covering small components up to large structural parts.
What anodising finishes are available?
Type II and Type III (hard) anodising in black, natural and colour finishes, plus sandblasting before anodising for a uniform matte look.
Do you support prototypes and small batches?
Yes — batches are quoted per part number depending on size and die amortisation, and prototypes are possible.
How fast do you reply to a drawing?
Most drawings receive a feasibility opinion and cost range within 3 working days.
Choosing between 6061 and 7075?
Send the drawing and load case — we’ll recommend the alloy honestly.