Method of producing an aluminum alloy product

Abstract

A 7000 series aluminum alloy characterized by high strength, high fatigue resistance and high fracture toughness consists essentially of 5.9 to 6.9% zinc, 2.0 to 2.7% magnesium, 1.9 to 2.5% copper, 0.08 to 0.15% zirconium, a maximum of 0.15% iron, a maximum of 0.12% silicon, a maximum of 0.06% titanium, a maximum of 0.04% chromium, a maximum of 0.05% for each of any other trace elements present in the alloy, the total of the other trace elements in the alloy being a maximum of 0.15%, the balance of the alloy being aluminum. The foregoing alloy is hot worked to provide a wrought product, such as an extruded or plate product, in which recrystallization is held to a minimum. The wrought product is subjected to a solution treatment, quench, and elevated temperature aging cycle, normally until the product is at or near its maximum strength.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.