T7351
Stretched and overaged for maximum stress-corrosion resistance. The plate equivalent of the T73 forging temper.
High-strength aerospace plate
7049 Aerospace Aluminium Plate
7049 is a high-zinc Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy (about 7.7 % zinc) that reaches 7075-T6-level strength in the overaged T73 condition, combining high strength with good stress-corrosion resistance. It is best known as a forging and extrusion alloy (AMS 4111, AMS 4157, AMS 4159); plate is a specialist product made to purchaser or OEM specifications. Metline supplies 7049 and 7049A plate and blanks, plus approved alternatives, certified and shipped worldwide.
- Alloy
- 7049 (Zn 7.7, Mg 2.5, Cu 1.5, Cr 0.16)
- Tempers
- T7351, T7451, T7651
- Density
- 2.84 g/cm³
- Related specs
- AMS 4111 · 4157 · 4159
What is 7049 aluminium?
7049 carries more zinc than 7075 (7.2–8.2 % against 5.1–6.1 %) with similar magnesium and copper and a chromium addition for grain control. The higher solute content lets it be overaged for stress-corrosion resistance and still keep strength close to that of peak-aged 7075-T6.
That combination made 7049 a favoured alloy for thick forgings and extrusions in landing gear, wing attachment fittings and other parts where stress-corrosion cracking is a real risk. SAE specifications cover 7049-T73 forgings (AMS 4111, nominal 7.7Zn-2.5Mg-1.5Cu-0.16Cr) and 7049 extrusions in T73511 (AMS 4157) and T76511 (AMS 4159).
Plate is less common. It is used where a designer wants the 7049 property balance in a machined part cut from plate rather than a forging, and it is usually ordered to the airframe maker's own specification or as EN AW-7049A. Because availability is limited, buyers should confirm the exact specification early and keep 7050 or 7075 plate in mind as approved alternatives.
7049 and 7049A chemical composition (wt %)
Registered limits for the Aluminum Association alloy 7049 and the European variant EN AW-7049A (AlZn8MgCu, EN 573-3).
| Element | 7049 | 7049A |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc (Zn) | 7.2 – 8.2 | 7.2 – 8.4 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2.0 – 2.9 | 2.1 – 3.1 |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.2 – 1.9 | 1.2 – 1.9 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.10 – 0.22 | 0.05 – 0.25 |
| Silicon (Si), max | 0.25 | 0.40 |
| Iron (Fe), max | 0.35 | 0.50 |
| Manganese (Mn), max | 0.20 | 0.50 |
| Titanium (Ti), max | 0.10 | Zr + Ti 0.25 |
| Others, each / total | 0.05 / 0.15 | 0.05 / 0.15 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder | Remainder |
An earlier version of this page listed zirconium, germanium and tin limits for 7049 and omitted zinc. Those values do not belong to 7049; the table above gives the registered limits.
Properties of 7049
Handbook typical values for 7049-T73 forgings give a guide to the alloy's level. Plate properties depend on temper, thickness and the governing specification, and the certified minimums are what you design to.
| Property (7049-T73, typical) | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≈ 515 MPa | ≈ 75 ksi |
| Yield strength (0.2 %) | ≈ 450 MPa | ≈ 65 ksi |
| Elongation | ≈ 10 – 12 % | |
| Hardness | ≈ 135 HB |
Physical properties
- Density
- 2.84 g/cm³
- Modulus of elasticity
- ≈ 72 GPa
- Thermal conductivity
- ≈ 155 W/m·K
- Electrical conductivity (T73)
- ≈ 40 % IACS
- Thermal expansion
- ≈ 23.4 µm/m·°C (20 – 100 °C)
Tempers for 7049 plate
T7451
Slightly less overaged than T7351 for higher strength with good SCC resistance.
T7651
Overaged for exfoliation resistance with higher strength; suited to parts where exfoliation, not SCC, is the concern.
Extrusion tempers such as T73511 and T76511 are sometimes listed alongside plate. They apply to extruded bars and sections, not plate.
Specifications
| Specification | Scope |
|---|---|
| SAE AMS 4111 | 7049-T73 die and hand forgings and forging stock |
| SAE AMS 4157 | 7049-T73511 extruded bars, rods, shapes and tubing |
| SAE AMS 4159 | 7049-T76511 extruded bars, rods, profiles and tubing |
| EN 573-3 | EN AW-7049A [AlZn8MgCu] composition |
| Purchaser / OEM specifications | Typical basis for 7049 and 7049A plate orders |
Some offers quote AMS plate numbers for 7049 that actually belong to other alloys. Check the title and alloy of any AMS document on your order before buying.
Supply and weights
7049 plate supply
- Thickness
- Confirmed per enquiry against the specification
- Size
- Mill plate or saw-cut blanks to your nesting plan
- Testing
- Tensile, conductivity and ultrasonic inspection as specified
- Certification
- EN 10204 3.1
At 2.84 g/cm³, 7049 plate weighs 2.84 kg per m² for each millimetre of thickness: a 1,250 × 2,500 × 25 mm plate weighs about 222 kg.
Where 7049 is used
- Landing gear: fittings, brackets and support structure
- Wing and fuselage attachment fittings: parts with short-transverse loading
- Military aircraft: highly loaded structural parts
- Missile and space structure: machined parts needing strength with SCC resistance
7049 compared with 7075 and 7050
| Property | 7049-T73 | 7075-T73 | 7050-T74 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical tensile strength | ≈ 515 MPa | ≈ 505 MPa | ≈ 510 MPa |
| Zinc content | 7.2 – 8.2 % | 5.1 – 6.1 % | 5.7 – 6.7 % |
| Grain-control element | Chromium | Chromium | Zirconium |
| Quench sensitivity | Medium | High | Low |
| Plate availability | Limited | Wide | Wide |
For new thick-plate designs, 7050-T7451 usually offers a similar balance with much better availability. 7049 remains a good choice when matching an existing design or forging specification.
How to order 7049 plate
- SpecifyAlloy (7049 or 7049A), temper, specification and revision, thickness, size and quantity.
- ReviewWe confirm sourcing, testing, certification and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP), or propose an alternative.
- ShipInterleaved and crated for export with the EN 10204 3.1 certificate.
References and standards
- SAE AMS 4111 – Aluminum Alloy Forgings 7.7Zn-2.5Mg-1.5Cu-0.16Cr (7049-T73)
- SAE AMS 4159 – Aluminum Alloy Extrusions (7049-T76511)
- SAE AMS 4157 – Aluminum Alloy Extrusions (7049-T73511)
- EN 573-3 – Chemical composition and form of wrought products
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets)
7049 aerospace plate: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 7049 and 7075?
7049 has more zinc (7.2–8.2 %), so in the overaged T73 condition it keeps strength close to 7075-T6 while gaining much better stress-corrosion resistance.
What is 7049A?
The European variant of 7049 (EN AW-7049A), with slightly wider limits for zinc, magnesium and impurities and a combined zirconium-plus-titanium limit.
Is there an AMS specification for 7049 plate?
The main AMS documents for 7049 cover forgings (AMS 4111) and extrusions (AMS 4157, AMS 4159). Plate is normally ordered against purchaser or OEM specifications.
What is a good alternative to 7049 plate?
7050-T7451 plate offers a similar balance of strength and stress-corrosion resistance with better availability, subject to design approval.
Need 7049 plate or an alternative?
Send the temper, specification, size and quantity. We will reply with sourcing, certification and a delivered price.
