It's trivially easy to improve most aluminum alloys, especially in the 7000-series, with the addition of a little bit of Zr and sometimes a bit of mischmetal or Ce/Er/whatever. We're talking on the order 0.1% Zr and 0.3% Er, so it's not expensive. You get way better strength, better fatigue performance, and at no penalty to ductility.
Why is this not more commonly done?!?!
Why does something like 7075 still exist, when 7068 is better in every way, and 7068+Er would be better still? Yet 7068 is not only uncommon, it's practically impossible to find.
I honestly don't get it.
Chinalcometal•1mo ago
gus_massa•1mo ago
> Because it's corrosion- and weather-resistant, perfect for outdoor use.
For HN, you probably would have better results with more technical questions. I guess only 3 or 4, but very technical, but not ultra mega technical.
Is the alloy used in bicycles different from the alloy used in balcony? How is the composition different? How are the mechanical properties different? How are those related?
I remember an old post about a creating an alloy of steel for knives, and one of secret parts was to add a small amount of vanadium to keep it sharp for a long time. These kind of details may create a nice post.