Aircraft Aluminum
Aluminum alloys used in the aerospace industry are high strength and able to perform well in harsh and challenging environments. 7075 Aluminum is the alloy of choice when it comes to manufacturing aircraft parts, and 5052 aluminum, which isn't quite as strong but has more weldability, is sometimes used. Containing zinc, 7075 is ideal for highly stressed parts and is considered the strongest type of aluminum. It has good high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, both necessary characteristics in aircraft aluminum. Aircrafts such as helicopters, jets, commercial airlines, spacecrafts and defense aircrafts all use lightweight yet strong aluminum in their airframes, wings and fuel tanks.
7075 and 5052 aluminum are made into sheets, coils, plates, rods, bars, tubes and billets, which are all used in the manufacturing of aircrafts. The alternatives to aluminum are wood, which is lighter than but not as strong as aluminum, and steel, which is much stronger but also much heavier. Aircraft metal must be strong yet lightweight at the same time, and aluminum exhibits a good strength-to-weight ratio, making it the first choice in airplane construction. It is mostly used in producing plane airframes-up to 80% is composed of aluminum by weight. The aluminum used on the exterior of aircrafts must have high corrosion resistance, and therefore often undergo corrosion treatments before it is painted, making it more durable in outdoor high-speed conditions.