[smokediver576]

Getting ready to do a production run of parts for a guy and he is using 7075. I'm used to running 6061 and these will be my first 7075 parts. Any suggestions on things that may jump out and bite me?

Thanks,
Awall

[RussMachine]

Nothing major to worry about.
7075 is a little 'stiffer' than 6061, but it machines like a dream.

[wildwhl]

Nothing major to worry about.
7075 is a little 'stiffer' than 6061, but it machines like a dream.

Ditto. I run quite a bit of 7075 and it runs great.

WW

[cobrakai]

7075 is much stronger than 6061. Stronger than some steels. But it cuts like a dream and is a lot less 'gummy' than 6061. You can sometimes cut dry or with a basic mist spray. Be wary of the stronger, sharper chips during cleanup.

[pickled]

7075 is nice to work with. I find that it requires less edge breaking and overall finishing work than 6061. It's the aluminum of choice for most of my personal projects.

[Steve Seebold]

I make running gear for remote control race boats and I use 6061 for everything EXCEPT the rudder. I ONLY use 7075 for rudders. I am so adamant about using 7075 for my rudders, if you ask me to make them out of 6061, I'll ask you to have them made somewhere else.

At the speeds some of these boats are traveling, I have seen rudders made from 6061 fold over causing the boat to crash. And it's not uncommon to have $2,500.00 ior even $3,000.00 nvested in one of these boats.

[pickled]

Dang Steve! How thick are those rudders typically? Sounds like a good spot to maybe deploy some grade 5 Titanium :-). Sorry to derail the thread, but that's pretty crazy to think about one of those boats grenading because of a rudder failure....definitely could bring a person to tears.

[Steve Seebold]

Dang Steve! How thick are those rudders typically? Sounds like a good spot to maybe deploy some grade 5 Titanium :-). Sorry to derail the thread, but that's pretty crazy to think about one of those boats grenading because of a rudder failure....definitely could bring a person to tears.

Titanium would be great, but I doubt anyone would pay $100.00 for a rudder.

[Dallas J]

Something to add about 6061 vs 7075, while 7075s ultimate tensile strength is about 75% higher they have the same modulus of elasticity (stiffness) and it costs a fair bit more. On parts that I make stiffness is critical as I'm replacing steel suspension parts and FS is high.

Not really related to the OP but when designing its always good to think about the part requirements.

[Steve Seebold]

Dang Steve! How thick are those rudders typically? Sounds like a good spot to maybe deploy some grade 5 Titanium :-). Sorry to derail the thread, but that's pretty crazy to think about one of those boats grenading because of a rudder failure....definitely could bring a person to tears.

I start with 1/4 inch material for the mounting area and a finished rudder is .190 thick on the trailing edge and .015 thick on the leading edge.

[warrenb]

I prefer machining 7xxx aluminum to 6xxx.

[al010964]

Same here, do quite a bit of 7075, only thing to add is that i use mist not flood.

Cheers,
.adrian