Wrought 7xxx aluminum alloys, and methods for making the same

Abstract

New wrought 7xxx aluminum alloys are disclosed. The new wrought 7xxx aluminum alloys generally include from 3.75 to 8.0 wt. % Zn, from 1.25 to 3.0 wt. % Mg, where the wt. % Zn exceeds the wt. % Mg, from 0.35 to 1.35 wt. % Cu, from 0.04 to 0.20 wt. % V, from 0.06 to 0.20 wt. % Zr, where V+Zr≦0.23 wt. %, from 0.01 to 0.25 wt. % Ti, up to 0.50 wt. % Mn, up to 0.40 wt. % Cr, up to 0.35 wt. % Fe, and up to 0.25 wt. % Si, the balance being aluminum and impurities, wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy include not greater than 0.10 wt. % each of any one impurity, and wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.35 wt. % in total of the impurities.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy consisting of:
 (a) from 3.75 to 8.0 wt. % Zn;   (b) from 1.25 to 3.0 wt. % Mg;   (c) from 0.35 to 1.35 wt. % Cu;   (d) from 0.04 to 0.20 wt. % V;   (e) from 0.06 to 0.20 wt. % Zr;
 wherein V+Zr≦0.23 wt. %; 
   (f) from 0.01 to 0.25 wt. % Ti;   (g) up to 0.50 wt. % Mn;   (h) up to 0.40 wt. % Cr;   (i) up to 0.35 wt. % Fe; and   (j) up to 0.25 wt. % Si;   (k) the balance being aluminum and impurities, wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.10 wt. % each of any one impurity, and wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy includes not greater than 0.35 wt. % in total of the impurities.   
     
     
         2 . The wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy is a forged wheel product. 
     
     
         3 . The wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy is a forged wheel product in the T5 temper. 
     
     
         4 . The wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy of  claim 1 , wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy is a forged wheel product in the T5 temper, and wherein the wrought 7xxx aluminum alloy realizes a quench insensitivity of not greater than 7 ksi.