7050 Aluminum plate is a top choice for use in aerospace applications requiring the use of metals that have a great combination of resistance to SCC (stress corrosion cracking), strength, and toughness. It is commonly used for plate applications that are between three and six inches thick. Compared to 7075 grade alloys, 7050 aluminum has a higher resistance to corrosion and better toughness. 7050 Aluminum tends to be used in thicker sections because it has less quench sensitivity compared to other aerospace aluminum alloys. This enables it to maintain its strength properties, resistance to stress corrosion cracking, and fracture toughness.

The applications that commonly use 7050 aluminum alloy include bulkheads and fuselage frames that require sections to be between two and six inches thick. Another common application is for wing skins. 7050 Aluminum doesn’t have a good cold workability, but can instead be machined. It has good anodizing response as well. It is not recommended to use welding methods for joining, such as brazing, gas shielded arc welding, or coated metal arc welding.