Export Control Notice - These Grades Cannot Be Exported
7075 aluminum falls within these categories and is not available for export.
High-strength aluminum alloys of this class are listed under the export control regulations of the People's Republic of China for dual-use items and technologies. Shipping them out of China requires an export licence issued by the competent Chinese authorities. In practice a licence is not obtained for ordinary commercial orders in these categories, so GNEE does not export them.
GNEE does not export to any party or destination prohibited under applicable export control and international sanctions laws.
Control status technically turns on six variables: alloy grade, temper, product form, dimensions, quantity and intended end-use. Whatever the combination, none of the grades in the table below are available for export from GNEE.
Aluminum grades affected by these controls
| Alloy grade | Common temper(s) | Tensile strength (MPa) - reference |
|---|---|---|
| 7075 | T6 / T651 | 540 – 570 |
| 7075 | T73 / T7351 | 485 – 500 |
| 7075 | T76 / T7651 | 500 – 515 |
| 7050 | T7451 / T6 | 475 – 620 |
| 2024 | T351 / T4 | 425 – 470 |
| 7A04 | T6 | ≥ 530 |
| 2014 | T6 | approx. 460 – 500 |
| 2017 | T4 | approx. 390 – 480 (some specifications may reach higher) |
| 2195 | - | approx. 572 |
| 7068 | - | approx. 623 |
| 7055 | - | approx. 654 |
| 7150 | - | approx. 643 |
Strength values in this table are indicative reference ranges used for control classification. They are not specification minimums. The governing limits for any enquiry come from the applicable standard or your drawing.
What we can quote instead
We cannot accept export enquiries for the grades listed above. If strength is the reason you are looking at them, send us the load case, the service environment and the fabrication method, and we will quote a non-controlled substitute - usually from the 5xxx or 6xxx series - with properties that fit the job and no export restriction attached.
What Are the Differences Between 2024 and 7075 Aluminum Alloys?
The 2024 aluminum alloy is widely chosen for applications that require an excellent balance between strength and low weight. By comparison, 7075 aluminum alloy delivers higher strength and toughness, but with lower inherent corrosion resistance. Because 7075 is both stronger and harder than 2024, it is commonly selected for aerospace and defense applications where maximum strength is critical.
From a cost perspective, 2024 aluminum is more economical, making it attractive for projects that do not require extreme mechanical performance. Choosing between the two alloys ultimately depends on your application needs-balancing performance requirements against budget considerations. For components demanding top-tier strength and durability, investing in 7075 aluminum is often the right decision.
GNEE supplies both 2024 and 7075 aluminum alloys in a wide range of forms to support diverse industrial needs.
Applications of 2024 and 7075 Aluminum
Understanding 2024 Aluminum Alloy
The 2024 aluminum alloy is among the strongest commonly used aluminum grades and is valued for its combination of high strength and good workability. This is why it is extensively used in aircraft structures and components that must perform reliably under load.
Its relatively high copper content enhances strength and wear resistance while also improving response to heat treatment. However, corrosion resistance is limited, so surface protection is often required. With proper protective measures, this alloy remains a dependable solution in demanding environments.
Composition and Origin
2024 aluminum is primarily alloyed with copper, which contributes significantly to its strength and hardness. Copper also improves the alloy's heat-treatment performance.
Because copper can reduce corrosion resistance-especially in humid or marine environments-2024 aluminum is often clad or coated with a protective aluminum layer to enhance durability.
This balance of strength and protection makes 2024 aluminum suitable for many structural applications.
Key Properties and Typical Uses
High strength and good wear resistance
Commonly used in aerospace structures, including wings, fuselage sections, and load-bearing components
Vulnerable to stress corrosion in certain conditions, requiring protective treatments
Best suited for applications where strength and formability are equally important
Exploring 7075 Aluminum Alloy
The 7075 aluminum alloy is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is considered one of the strongest aluminum alloys available. It is widely used in aerospace, military, and high-performance engineering applications where reliability under extreme stress is essential.
Its high strength comes mainly from a significant zinc content, which provides outstanding durability in demanding service conditions.
Chemical Composition and Development
7075 aluminum primarily contains zinc and magnesium, which work together to greatly enhance strength and hardness.
Additional elements such as copper and chromium further refine mechanical performance and improve resistance to fatigue and stress corrosion cracking, making the alloy suitable for critical structural components.
Characteristics and Applications
Extremely high tensile and yield strength
Excellent fatigue resistance under cyclic loading
High hardness and wear resistance
Widely used in aircraft structures, military equipment, and premium sports gear
Because of these attributes, 7075 aluminum is often selected when failure is not an option.
Mechanical Property Comparison
| Property | 2024 Aluminum | 7075 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Main Alloying Element | Copper (Cu) | Zinc (Zn) |
| Tensile Strength | 400–450 MPa | 540–570 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 270–310 MPa | 480–510 MPa |
| Density | 2.78 g/cm³ | 2.81 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | ~120 HB | ~150 HB |
Strength and Durability
7075 aluminum clearly outperforms 2024 in terms of tensile strength, yield strength, and fatigue resistance, making it ideal for components exposed to repeated or extreme loading.
Flexibility and Weight
While 7075 is stronger, 2024 aluminum offers greater flexibility and easier formability. Its lower yield strength allows it to bend and shape more readily, which simplifies manufacturing and supports complex designs.
Both alloys are lightweight, but 2024 is slightly lighter, which can be advantageous in weight-sensitive designs.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
Both 2024 and 7075 aluminum alloys provide good thermal conductivity, a typical characteristic of aluminum-based materials.
Their electrical conductivity is moderate, making them suitable for applications where mechanical strength and low weight are more critical than maximum electrical performance.
Response to Heat Treatment
Heat treatment plays a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical performance of both alloys.
7075 aluminum responds more dramatically to heat treatment, achieving significantly higher strength levels.
2024 aluminum also benefits from heat treatment but remains less strong than 7075 after processing.
Understanding these differences allows engineers to select the right alloy for specific performance requirements.
Manufacturing and Machinability
Formability and Workability
2024 aluminum is easier to bend, form, and machine, making it ideal for complex shapes and detailed components.
7075 aluminum, while machinable, is harder and typically requires specialized tools and machining techniques.
Cutting and Welding
Both alloys can be cut using standard methods such as sawing or waterjet cutting.
Welding requires care-especially with 7075-due to the risk of cracking and strength loss in the heat-affected zone. As a result, mechanical fastening is often preferred for high-strength applications.
Summary
Choose 2024 aluminum when you need good strength, excellent machinability, and cost efficiency.
Choose 7075 aluminum when your application demands maximum strength, superior fatigue resistance, and high structural reliability.
As a trusted aluminum supplier, GNEE provides both 2024 and 7075 aluminum alloys in various tempers and forms to support aerospace, transportation, military, and industrial applications worldwide.
