How aluminum sheets are used to make aircraft
The aircraft industry is considered to be the most advanced industry, and the requirements for aircraft parts are very strict. 2024 and 7075 are the most commonly used aluminum alloys in aircraft aluminum sheets.
Manufacturers use high-strength alloys (primarily Alloy 7075) to strengthen aluminum aircraft structures and other aerospace equipment. Aluminum alloy 7075 has copper (1.6%), magnesium (2.5%), and zinc (5.6%) added for ultimate strength, but the copper in it makes it difficult to weld. On the other hand, it's anodized very nicely. 7075 has the best machinability, it produces a very nice finish.
As a typical aircraft 4 x 8 aluminum sheet, 7075 aluminum sheet is a cold-worked forged alloy with high strength and high hardness, far superior to mild steel. 7075 aluminum sheet is one of the strongest commercial alloys with moderate corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties and anodic reaction. The fine grain makes the deep drilling performance better, the tool wear resistance is enhanced, the wire rolling is different from the weight, and the metal material with lower density requirements and higher hardness requirements is preferred. 7075 aluminum sheet is usually used to manufacture aircraft structures and other high-stress structural parts that require high strength and high corrosion resistance, such as aircraft upper and lower wings, stringers, partitions, etc. The 7075 aluminum plate for aircraft has good solid solubility after solution treatment, good heat treatment strengthening effect, high strength below 150°C, good low temperature strength, poor welding performance, and tendency to stress corrosion cracking. Double-stage aging can improve the resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
2024-T3 This is the most common high-strength aluminum alloy. It has high quality for use in airplanes. 2024-T3 aluminum sheet is considered an aircraft alloy because of its strength & it also has excellent fatigue resistance. Soldering is not recommended. Basically, 2024-T3 aluminum cladding panels are used for fuselage and wing skins, fairings, aircraft structures, and also for repair and restoration due to their shiny surfaces (2024-T3 aluminum cladding). It has an ultimate strength of 62,000 psi and a shear strength of 40,000 psi. For more information on other grades of aluminum sheet used on aircraft, please contact a China 2024 T3 sheet distributor.