Al 7075 Powder: Types,Characteristics,Advantages

Overview

Al 7075 is an aluminum alloy that contains zinc as its primary alloying element. It is widely used in applications that require high strength-to-weight ratio, such as aircraft structures, gears and shafts, fasteners, missile parts, and marine fittings and structures.

Al 7075 powder is produced by gas atomization process. In this process, molten Al 7075 alloy is broken into fine droplets by high velocity inert gas. The droplets rapidly solidify into spherical powders. Al 7075 powder has wide applications in powder metallurgy, metal injection molding and additive manufacturing.

Some key properties of Al 7075 powder:

  • High strength and hardness
  • Lightweight
  • Good corrosion resistance
  • Excellent workability
  • High thermal conductivity
  • Non-magnetic

Al 7075 powder is available in various size ranges from 10 microns to 150 microns. The powder size distribution and morphology influences compactability, sinterability and performance of final part. Spherical powders with narrow size range offer optimal properties.

Al 7075 Powder

Types of Al 7075 Powder

Gas Atomized Al 7075 Powder

Gas atomized Al 7075 powder has spherical morphology and smooth surface. It exhibits excellent flowability and can be compacted to high densities. Gas atomization allows control over particle size distribution. Desired fractions can be sieved to obtain powder fractions suitable for specific applications.

Typical size range: 10 – 150 microns

Common size fractions:

  • -150 +100 micron
  • -100 +75 micron
  • -75 +45 micron
  • -45 +10 micron

Applications: Metal injection molding, additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy

Water Atomized Al 7075 Powder

Water atomized Al 7075 powder has irregular morphology with satellite structures. It has wider particle size distribution compared to gas atomized powder. The irregular structure results in lower flowability. But it has higher tap density which is suitable for press and sinter application.

Typical size range: 10 – 150 microns

Applications: Press and sinter powder metallurgy

Alloyed Al 7075 Powder

Alloyed Al 7075 powders have elemental additions like Scandium which enhance mechanical properties of final part. Scandium increases strength and hardness significantly.

Applications: High performance additive manufacturing, high strength P/M parts

Nanocrystalline Al 7075 Powder

Nanocrystalline Al 7075 powder has very fine grain size, typically less than 100 nm. The process control during inert gas atomization allows achieving nanocrystalline structure. The fine grains enhance mechanical properties through Hall-Petch relationship.

Typical size range: 10 – 45 microns

Applications: Additive manufacturing, sintering

Characteristics of Al 7075 Powder

Particle Size Distribution

  • Narrow distribution improves powder flow and compactability
  • Wide distribution suits press-and-sinter method
  • Gas atomization gives narrow distribution
  • Water atomization gives wide distribution
  • Sieving classifies powder into desired fractions

Morphology

  • Spherical morphology from gas atomization improves flow and packing
  • Irregular morphology from water atomization reduces flow

Powder Flow

  • Flowable powder required for uniform die filling in MIM and AM
  • Hausner ratio indicates flowability
  • Lower Hausner ratio = better flow
  • Gas atomized powder has better flow

Apparent Density

  • Density of powder mass indicating compactability
  • Higher apparent density improves compactability
  • Gas atomized = 2.7-3.1 g/cc
  • Water atomized = 2.8-3.2 g/cc

Tap Density

  • Packing density under tapping/vibration
  • Higher tap density suitable for press-and-sinter method
  • Gas atomized = 3.2-3.6 g/cc
  • Water atomized = 3.5-3.8 g/cc

Applications and Uses of Al 7075 Powder

Metal Injection Molding (MIM)

MIM combines plastic injection molding method with powder metallurgy. Feedstock of metal powder and binder is injection molded and then sintered. Al 7075 MIM offers:

  • High strength parts in complex shapes
  • Near net shape capability
  • Automated scalable production
  • Low machining requirements
  • Components with thin walls and hidden voids

Typical size fraction: -45 +10 μm

Applications: Aerospace components, automotive parts, consumer products

Additive Manufacturing

Al 7075 powder is processed using selective laser melting, electron beam melting and binder jetting additive manufacturing. Benefits are:

  • Customized, complex geometries are possible
  • Reduced weight by optimized design
  • Elimination of assemblies by printed integrated parts
  • Reduced lead time and tooling cost

Typical size fraction: 15-45 μm

Applications: Aerospace brackets, stiffeners, connectors, automotive, industrial

Powder Metallurgy

Al 7075 powder is compacted and sintered using conventional and microwave sintering. Advantages over wrought alloy:

  • Isotropic properties from powder format
  • Ability to alloy elements immiscible in ingot metallurgy
  • Near net shape fabrication

Typical size fraction: -150 +45 μm

Applications: P/M connecting rods, gears, marine components

Thermal Spray Coatings

Al 7075 powder is deposited using flame spray, plasma spray, HVOF, cold spray etc. Benefits:

  • Wear and corrosion protection
  • Dimensional restoration of worn components
  • Insulation and thermal barriers

Typical size fraction: -45 +15 μm

Applications: Repair and refurbishment of molds, turbine blades, bearings, shafts

Aluminum Matrix Composites

Al 7075 reinforced with ceramic particulates produces composites with very high strength and stiffness. Manufacturing methods are powder metallurgy, stir casting, squeeze casting etc.

Typical size fraction: -150 +45 μm

Applications: Aerospace and defense components, automotive parts, sporting goods

Explosive Welding

Al 7075 and other metals are joined by explosive bonding using thin sheet of Al 7075 powder between them. Cladding improves corrosion resistance.

Typical size fraction: -325 mesh

Applications: Bimetal sheets of Al-steel, Al-Cu, Al-Ti etc.

Specifications and Standards of Al 7075 Powder

Size range: 10 μm to 150 μm

Morphology: Spherical, granular, irregular shape

Apparent density: 2.7-3.2 g/cc

Tap density: 3.2-3.8 g/cc

Hausner ratio: 1.1-1.3

Flow rate: 25-35 s/50g

Composition:

ElementZnMgCuFeSiMnCrTiAl
Wt %5.1-6.12.1-2.91.2-2.00.5 max0.4 max0.3 max0.28 max0.2 maxBalance

Standards:

  • ASTM B213: Standard for Aluminum Powders and Powder Metallurgy Products
  • ASTM E740: Standard Guide for Characterizing Particulate Matter in Metal Powders and Powder Metallurgy Compacts
  • MPIF Standard 46: Determination of Apparent Density of Non-Free-Flowing Metal Powders
  • AMS 4200: Aluminum Alloy Powders
  • MIL-DTL-5637: General Specification for Aluminum Alloy Powders for Use in Metal Injection Molding Processes
Al 7075 Powder

Design Considerations for Al 7075 Powder Parts

Wall thickness: Minimum 0.4 mm, maximum 5 mm

Surface finish: As sintered = 0.8-3.0 μm Ra; Machined = 0.1-0.5 μm Ra

Dimensional tolerance: ±0.5% nominal dimension

Minimum feature size:

  • Holes: ≥ 1 mm diameter, ≥ 2 mm depth
  • Slots: 1 mm width
  • Pins: 1 mm diameter

Draft angles: ≥ 3° draft on vertical walls

Fillet radii: ≥ 0.5 mm at internal corners

Suppliers and Pricing of Al 7075 Powder

Here are some of the leading global suppliers of Al 7075 powder:

SupplierLocationSize RangePrice Range
HoganasSweden10-150 μm$50-70/kg
GKNUK15-63 μm$45-65/kg
SandvikSweden10-150 μm$55-75/kg
LPW TechnologyUK10-45 μm$60-80/kg
Advanced PowdersCanada10-45 μm$55-70/kg

The price varies based on:

  • Purity levels
  • Powder size range and distribution
  • Morphology (gas vs water atomized)
  • Quantity of purchase
  • Additional processing like mechanical/thermal treatment

Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Al 7075 Powder Parts

Installation

  • Clean contact surfaces thoroughly to remove dirt, grease and oxides
  • Apply anti-seize compound on threads and interfaces if galling is a concern
  • Use suitable fasteners – avoid overtightening
  • Ensure good fit between components – minimize gaps

Operation

  • Operate powder metallurgy parts within design envelope to avoid failure
  • Limit peak stresses during service by following recommended procedures
  • Consider effects of harsh environments like temperature, chemicals if present
  • Periodically inspect for signs of wear, cracks, corrosion etc.

Maintenance

  • Lubricate moving assemblies per OEM guidelines
  • Check and tighten fasteners when needed
  • Identify and mitigate sources of contamination or corrosion
  • Repair or replace damaged components before reassembly
  • Refinish surfaces as needed to maintain tolerances and clearances

Choosing a Al 7075 Powder Supplier

Here are key factors to consider when choosing a Al 7075 powder supplier:

  • Technical expertise: Experience working with Al 7075, knowledgeable about processing methods and parameters optimization
  • Quality systems: ISO 9001 certification, strict process controls, quality testing as per ASTM standards
  • Consistency: Proven ability to produce powder to tight specifications batch after batch
  • R&D capabilities: Invests in developing new powder varieties, sizes, emerging applications
  • Customer service: Responsive application engineering and technical support team
  • Customization: Capability to tailor powder characteristics and size ranges to your requirements
  • Value adds: Services like toll processing, prototyping, testing and characterization
  • Logistics: Ability to ship and store powder while maintaining quality
  • Pricing: Balance of quality and competitive pricing for desired grade and quantity
  • Reputation and references: Positive reputation based on customer experiences

Comparing Gas Atomized vs Water Atomized Al 7075 Powder

ParameterGas AtomizedWater Atomized
MorphologySpherical, smooth surfaceIrregular shape with satellites
Particle size distributionNarrower distributionWider distribution
FlowabilityExcellentModerate
Apparent density2.7 – 3.1 g/cc2.8 – 3.2 g/cc
Tap density3.2 – 3.6 g/cc3.5 – 3.8 g/cc
CompactabilityVery good due to morphologyGood
Sintered densityHigherLower
Mechanical propertiesBetter overallGood
Surface finishSmootherRougher
CostHigherLower
ApplicationsMIM, AMPress and sinter

Advantages and Limitations of Al 7075 Powder

Advantages

  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Good ductility and toughness
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • High thermal conductivity
  • Non-toxicity
  • Non-pyrophoric compared to some reactive metals
  • Near net shape capability in P/M and AM
  • Wide range of achievable properties

Limitations

  • Relatively low maximum service temperature (120°C)
  • Susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking with surface damage
  • Post-processing may be required to achieve final tolerances
  • Lower ductility and toughness in P/M products vs wrought
  • Limited recyclability of powders after use
  • Higher cost than some ferrous powders
Al 7075 Powder

FAQ

Q: What is the main composition of Al 7075 powder?

A: The main alloying elements in Al 7075 powder are zinc (5.1-6.1 wt%), magnesium (2.1-2.9 wt%), and copper (1.2-2.0 wt%). The balance is aluminum.

Q: What are the typical uses of Al 7075 powder?

A: Major applications include metal injection molding, additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, thermal spray coatings, aluminum matrix composites, and explosive welding.

Q: What powder size is best for metal injection molding?

A: For MIM, powder size range of 10-45 microns is typically used, with the fraction -45+10 microns most common.

Q: Does Al 7075 powder require special storage conditions?

A: Al 7075 powder should be stored in cool, dry environment in sealed containers. Extended exposure to moisture can result in oxidation.

Q: What are the effects of zinc in Al 7075 alloy?

A: Zinc significantly increases the strength and hardness of Al 7075 through solid solution strengthening and precipitation hardening heat treatments.

Q: What is the difference between gas atomized and water atomized Al 7075 powder?

A: Gas atomized powder has spherical morphology for better flow and compactability. Water atomized powder has irregular shape with wider particle distribution suited for press-and-sinter method.

Q: Does Al 7075 powder require sintering in inert atmosphere?

A: Yes, sintering in vacuum or inert gas atmosphere like argon is necessary to prevent oxidation of the powder. Nitrogen can also be used.

Q: What causes the dark staining of Al 7075 powder during storage?

A: Dark discoloration over time is generally superficial oxidation of the particle surfaces. It can be removed through proper rinsing, cleaning and handling before use.

Q: What post processing is used for Al 7075 P/M parts?

A: Post sintering operations like heat treatment, machining, grinding, drilling and finishing are used to achieve final dimensions, surface finish, dimensional tolerances and desired mechanical properties.

Q: Is Al 7075 powder flammable or explosive?

A: No, Al 7075 powder is not flammable or explosive under normal handling conditions. It is not classified as a hazardous material for transportation.

know more 3D printing processes

Share This Post:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Table of Contents

Most Popular

Get In Touch

Get in touch with us

On Key

Related Posts

Hastelloy-C276 powder

Gas Turbine Atomizing Air System

Overview Gas turbines are the workhorses of power generation, providing energy in various sectors from aviation to industrial applications. A crucial component within this system is the atomizing air system,

Read More »
Haynes 214 powder

Haynes 214 Powder

Haynes 214 powder is a marvel in the world of advanced materials, revered for its exceptional high-temperature oxidation resistance and mechanical properties. Whether you’re a professional in metallurgy, aerospace engineering,

Read More »
Haynes 230 powder

Haynes 230 Powder

When it comes to high-performance alloys, Haynes 230 powder is a superstar. This nickel-based alloy powder is renowned for its exceptional strength, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature capabilities. But what exactly

Read More »
Rene125 powder

Rene125 Powder

Overview of Rene125 Powder When it comes to advanced metallurgy and high-performance applications, Rene125 powder stands out as a leading material. Designed primarily for high-temperature and extreme environment use, this

Read More »
small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Get In Touch With Us