EN AW-7020 vs EN AW-7075: Both 7xxx but fundamentally different — 7020 is weldable, 7075 is not
EN AW-7020 vs EN AW-7075
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
EN AW-7020
3.4335
Weldable high-strength 7xxx aluminium — unique because most 7xxx alloys have poor weldability. Low Cu content gives better SCC resistance than 7075. Good mechanical property recovery after welding. Used for railway carriages, military bridges, mobile cranes, aircraft freight containers, and structural transport components.
EN AW-7075
3.4365
The classic high-strength aerospace aluminium alloy. Al-Zn-Mg-Cu composition provides the highest strength of all common aluminium alloys in T6 temper. Poor weldability and limited corrosion resistance. Used for aircraft structures, M16 rifle receivers, rock climbing gear, and precision mold plates.
| EN AW-7020 | EN AW-7075 | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | 3.4335 | 3.4365 |
| Category | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Standard | EN 573-3 | EN 573-3 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | EN AW-7020 | EN AW-7075 | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Si | 0–0.35% | 0–0.4% | OK |
| Mn | 0.05–0.5% | 0–0.3% | Partial |
| Cr | 0.1–0.35% | 0.18–0.28% | OK |
| Cu | 0–0.2% | 1.2–2% | No overlap |
Mechanical properties
| Property | EN AW-7020 | EN AW-7075 | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 350 | ≥ 540 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 280 | ≥ 470 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 10 | ≥ 7 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
7075 has ~40% higher strength (UTS 570 vs 350 MPa) but poor weldability and SCC resistance. 7020 has low Cu for weldability and better SCC resistance. Choose 7020 for welded structures; 7075 for machined high-strength parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EN AW-7020 the same as EN AW-7075?
EN AW-7020 and EN AW-7075 have a 55% composition overlap. Both 7xxx but fundamentally different — 7020 is weldable, 7075 is not
Can I replace EN AW-7020 with EN AW-7075?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (55% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between EN AW-7020 and EN AW-7075?
The main differences are in the following elements: Mn, Cu, Zn, Mg. EN AW-7020 is a Aluminum grade, while EN AW-7075 is a Aluminum grade.
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