Aluminum 7017
AA 7017 · EN AW-7017, AW 7017
7017 is a weldable, precipitation-hardening Al-Zn-Mg (7000 series, essentially copper-free) alloy with Zr for grain-structure control, registered as AA7017 / EN AW-7017.
7017 tempers and conditions
7017 is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest condition for maximum cold forming or deep drawing before solution treatment and ageing. | 110 | 225 | 18 | 65 HB | 40 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Intermediate-strength, more formable condition; also represents the naturally re-aged strength recovered in weld HAZ. | 250 | 380 | 16 | 105 HB | 33 % IACS |
T73, stress relieved by stretching | Best combination for thick machined structures: SCC-resistant overaged microstructure with low residual stress and good toughness. | 340 | 412 | 12 | 126 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged for stress-corrosion resistance | Choose when stress-corrosion cracking or exfoliation risk governs (marine, thick sections, sustained tensile stress), accepting ~10 % lower strength. | 350 | 420 | 12 | 128 HB | 38 % IACS |
T6, stress relieved by stretching | Standard supply condition for 7017 armour and structural plate: T6 strength with low residual stress for flat, stable machined parts. | 390 | 455 | 11 | 138 HB | 32 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Peak-strength temper for structural plate and armour; highest strength but the most SCC/exfoliation sensitive. | 400 | 460 | 11 | 140 HB | 32 % IACS |
What is 7017?
7017 is a weldable, precipitation-hardening Al-Zn-Mg (7000 series, essentially copper-free) alloy with Zr for grain-structure control, registered as AA7017 / EN AW-7017. Because it hardens naturally after welding and recovers most of its strength in the HAZ, it is used for armoured vehicle hulls, military and rail structures, and heavily welded high-strength plate work where 7075 cannot be welded. Its main limitations are susceptibility to stress-corrosion cracking and exfoliation in peak-aged (T6/T651) tempers, the need for controlled post-weld ageing/stress-relief practice, and limited commercial availability compared with 7020 or 7075. 7017 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 590°C (1,094 °F). 7017 has a yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 455 MPa (66 ksi) — stronger than 87% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
What is 7017 used for?
- Armour plate for military vehicles
- Combat vehicle hulls
- Welded military structures
- Rail vehicle structures
- High-strength welded plate assemblies
- Military bridging and shelter structures
Advantages
- High strength — 390 MPa (56.6 ksi), better than 87% of aluminum grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 32 MPa·√m (29.1 ksi·√in), better than 83% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
7017 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
7017 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 590°C (1,094 °F).
Mechanical12
7017 has a yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 455 MPa (66 ksi) — stronger than 87% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
7017 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 140 W/m·K (80.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 52% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
7017 conducts electricity at 32 % IACS, worse than 63% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 62% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 7017 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability8
7017's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (72/100); formability fair (35/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 7017 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 7017
Is 7017 easy to machine?
Machines well in T6/T651 with sharp carbide tools, high speeds and generous coolant; chips are short and finishes are good, but relieve residual stress (T651/T7351) before heavy asymmetric machining to avoid distortion.
Can 7017 be welded?
Its selling point — MIG/TIG weldable with 5356 or 5183 filler; the HAZ naturally re-ages to a large fraction of parent strength, but avoid restrained joints and consider post-weld ageing/overageing to limit HAZ stress-corrosion cracking.
Can 7017 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T4; peak-aged plate has limited bend ductility (use generous bend radii, warm forming or form-then-age).
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 7017. Every 7017 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent65 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Not Recommend35 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Fair72 / 100 |
7017 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.35 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.45 | |
| Cumax; essentially Cu-free to keep weldability | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Mn | 0.05 – 0.5 | 0.3 |
| Mg | 2 – 3 | 2.5 |
| Crmax; limit varies between standard editions | ≤ 0.35 | |
| Zn | 4 – 5.2 | 4.6 |
| Zrgrain-structure/recrystallisation control | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.16 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Others (each)0.15 total | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 7017?
Anodizes and paints well after proper deoxidising; clear anodic films tend slightly grey, and chromate-free primers plus paint are standard for armour and marine service.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 7017 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Aluminum Association
- AA7017
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-7017AW 7017
How much does 7017 cost?
7017 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
7017 — frequently asked
What is 7017 used for?
7017 is typically used for armour plate for military vehicles, combat vehicle hulls, welded military structures, rail vehicle structures, high-strength welded plate assemblies and military bridging and shelter structures. In short: armor plate alloy.
What is the yield strength of 7017?
7017 has a typical yield strength of 390 MPa (56.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 455 MPa (66 ksi) — stronger than 87% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 7017 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T6/T651 with sharp carbide tools, high speeds and generous coolant; chips are short and finishes are good, but relieve residual stress (T651/T7351) before heavy asymmetric machining to avoid distortion.
Can 7017 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (72/100). Its selling point — MIG/TIG weldable with 5356 or 5183 filler; the HAZ naturally re-ages to a large fraction of parent strength, but avoid restrained joints and consider post-weld ageing/overageing to limit HAZ stress-corrosion cracking.
What surface finishes work on 7017?
Anodizes and paints well after proper deoxidising; clear anodic films tend slightly grey, and chromate-free primers plus paint are standard for armour and marine service.
Can 7017 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T4; peak-aged plate has limited bend ductility (use generous bend radii, warm forming or form-then-age).
What is the maximum service temperature of 7017?
7017 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 7017 cost?
7017 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 7017?
Yes — 7017 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- EN 573-3 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Chemical composition (EN AW-7017) — CEN (2019)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum Alloys (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- EN 485-2 Aluminium and aluminium alloys — Sheet, strip and plate: mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials (aluminium alloys) — ASM International (2005)
- Published research and producer data on 7017 armour-grade aluminium plate — various (peer-reviewed literature) (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.