Where to buy 7005 aluminum?

[ken/ebike]

I have an aluminum 7005 frame that I need to modify for my Ebike build. I can't seem to find any place to buy aluminum. I found one place online, they are in California but only do business with businesses - probably only deal in large quantities. They do show a bunch of parts but no prices. In order to get any kind of price one must go through their obstacle course to set up a business account, have your background checked and whatever. Almost like applying for a security clearance for a government job.

DOES ANYBODY KNOW WHERE A PERSON CAN BUY 7005 ALUMINUM IN THE U.S.?

I am really tired of all these companies- bike parts shops, metal sells, etc. that you find online but they do not disclose where they are located???? Spend half an hour on a site to only find out when ready to order that they are in Germany, or Spain. or Italy, wherever. What is the freeking deal, it is too hard for they to state on their web site where they are at???????

 

[PaPaSteve]

BICYCLE FABRICATION SUPPLY

Supplier of bicycle frame building supplies for bicycle frame builders. Dedacciai tubing and carbon forks TIG and Brazing filler metals , frame parts and components , cut drill and abrasives and more

www.bikefabsupply.com

One of the companies I used to make aluminum frames for would supply a mix of 7005 and 6061 materials.
He also supplied an expensive welding rod . . .
Solution heat treated as per aircraft spec for 6061.
They were as reliable as any other aluminum frame.
Not what I would have recommended but hundreds of frames were made this way.

 

[ken/ebike]

Thank you. That looks like it will be a good source. But, I still need to find a source for 7005 bar stock and plate.

 

[PaPaSteve]

Perhaps Bicycle Fabrication Supply can order what you want.
Really though, without a follow up heat treatment there would be no gain with finding 7005.
For a one off build 6061 is probably the best path.

 

[Chalo]

Really though, without a follow up heat treatment there would be no gain with finding 7005.

One of the reasons the bike industry adopted 7005 aluminum is that it solution heat treats after welding at air cooling rates, when it's in typical bicycle section thicknesses. It's not as good as proper heat treatment, but it's good enough for BSO manufacturers who'll take any opportunity to save a nickel on production cost.

Whether bar or plate sections can also do the same trick, I don't know.

 

[neptronix]

Aircraft building supply places may have such metals. there's a few big ones in the USA. Google it.
I believe they will sell to the everyman.

 

[PaPaSteve]

Actually haven't seen any 7005 grade aluminum listed by an USA based aircraft supplier
7075 is commonly listed but is not a weldable alloy

 

[offGridDownUnder]

For a one off build 6061 is probably the best path.

I think 6061 requires a controllable oven to heat treat after welding?

My fabricator has been using 5083. Consider that instead?

 

[PaPaSteve]

As a general rule of thumb, a one off modification won't warrant the cost of heat treatment (also requiring paint removal)
5083 can be easily found but it is much lower strength so a mismatch in that regard.
7005 and 6061 are a closer strength match up.

link to alloy

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[PaulD]

Thank you. That looks like it will be a good source. But, I still need to find a source for 7005 bar stock and plate.

Fairing has 7005 stock. Bar Stock & Flat Plate - 7005 Aluminum - FRAME BUILDING MATERIALS
Perhaps this is the source that you are referring to that requires a business tax ID. DM me if you want me to order something for you with my next order.

 

[PaulD]

Perhaps Bicycle Fabrication Supply can order what you want.
Really though, without a follow up heat treatment there would be no gain with finding 7005.
For a one off build 6061 is probably the best path.

I think it is the opposite. 7005 regains most of it's strength 30 days after welding without heat treatment. Most recommend aging for 6 hours at 200°F plus 4 hours at 320°F.
I was taught to assume that 6061-T6 is essentially annealed (1/4 strength of T6) in certain areas of the HAZ.

 

[PaPaSteve]

I think it is the opposite. 7005 regains most of it's strength 30 days after welding without heat treatment. Most recommend aging for 6 hours at 200°F plus 4 hours at 320°F.
I was taught to assume that 6061-T6 is essentially annealed (1/4 strength of T6) in certain areas of the HAZ.

My understanding is both 7005 and 6061 soften significantly from the welding process and both regain some strength from natural aging.
Personal experience has shown from creating frames from both alloys that without follow up treatment longevity is significantly reduced.