Aluminum has been Framed!By Alec Stilwell and Michael Farese

Digging deeper into what makes Aluminum 7005 a great choice for your bike frame!

What is a bike frame?

Info:● A frame is the main

component of a bicycle

● It should be built to handle many kinds of forces and exposure to many outdoor elements

Important Properties for Bike FramesCorrosion Resistance:● Will Not Rust● Has a B rating on the

resistance scale (A is excellent D is poor)

Fatigue Strength:● The number of cycles of

stress that the material can handle before failure

Impact Strength:● Absorbs shock caused by

a rock or bump● Known for ability to

absorb force

Why use Aluminum 7005 for Bike Frames?

● AA 7005 is the strongest, heat-treatable aluminum alloy available

● Used by those who ride mostly on roads

● Converts force into speed easily

● Not expensive, but not cheap

● Will not rust or fatigue!

Other Metals Used for Bike Frames

● CrMo Chromoly Steels

● Carbon Steels

● Titanium

Aluminum Association Name- AA 7005

AA 7005

Tells you what the base element is, in this case, "Aluminum"

The "7" tells you that this aluminum alloy is an"aluminum-zinc alloy"

These two numbers just specify which 7xxx series alloy this is

The "0" Represents no alloy modification

A Closer Look at AA 7005

● Aluminum○ Base element (remainder)○ Lightweight○ Dissipates

● Zinc○ 4.0%-5.0%○ Main alloying Element○ Makes aluminum stronger

and heat treatable● Magnesium

○ 1.0%-1.8%○ Increases Strength and

hardening● Manganese

○ 0.2%-0.7%○ Increases strength and

hardening

● Zirconium○ 0.08%-0.2%○ Prevents Crystallization

● Chromium○ 0.06%-0.2%○ Prevents growth and

recrystallization after heat treat

● Titanium○ 0.01%-0.06○ Refines Grains

Composition

Properties of Aluminum 7005 (T-6 Condition)

● Density○ 2.7 g/cm3 ○ Density is related to

comfort, support and durability

● Hardness○ 94HB○ Keeps the frame

from denting or deforming

● Tensile Strength○ 50.8 ksi

How is the Bike Frame Made?

Hydroforming Welding1. Aluminum 7005 tubing is sent

from the manufacturer2. The tubing is processed in the

workshop3. The frame is aligned and welded4. Heat treat

Heat Treatment

● The welded frame is heated to a little under 900 degrees F

● Quenched immediately in water

● Naturally aged ● Then artificially aged at

220 degrees F for 8 hours and then 300 degrees F for 16 hours

Fun Fact

● The most expensive bike on the market is the "Scott Foil Premium"

● Made from a Carbon Fiber frame

$14,827.99

Any Questions?