Aluminum 7075
Generic / House Brand
☀ UV Stable
⬡ Chemical Resistant
Overview
Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy (Al-Zn). Strongest commonly machined aluminum — 503 MPa yield strength vs 276 MPa for 6061. Used in aircraft frames, bicycle components, and high-stress engineering parts. More difficult to machine than 6061 but not dramatically so.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Flexibility
rigid
Layer Adhesion
excellent
Enclosure
no
Heated Bed
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Highest strength of common aluminum alloys
- Good machinability
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Harder surface — more wear resistant
- Aerospace proven
Cons
- More expensive than 6061
- Less corrosion resistant than 6061
- Not weldable (cracks)
- Harder on tooling
- Less available in standard hobby sizes
Best For
- High-stress structural parts|Bicycle components|Aerospace brackets|Performance hardware|Competition robotics
Avoid For
- Welded assemblies|Budget projects|Corrosive environments without anodizing|Soft tooling (CNC bits will dull faster)
Storage
Store dry. Coat cut surfaces with WD-40 or similar to prevent oxidation. Anodize or powder coat for long-term corrosion protection.
Brands
Online MetalsMcMaster-CarrKS MetalsMidwest Steel