The 3xxx series alloys have manganese as the principle alloying element, and

are generally considered non heat-treatable. The most common variation is

3003, which offers moderate strength and has good
The 4xxx series aluminium is alloyed with silicon, which lowers a metals melting
temperature. This results in alloy that works well for welding and brazing.
Magnesium is used to produce the 5xxx series. These alloys possess good
welding and corrosion resistance.However,if the metal is exposed to high
tempteratures or excessive cold working,its susceptibility to corrosion increases.
If silicon and magnesium are added to aluminium, the resultant alloy carries a
6xxx series designation. In these alloys, the silicon and magnesium form
magnesium silicide which makes the alloy heat-treatable. Furthermore, the 6xxx
series has medium strength with good forming and corrosion resistance
properties.
When parts require more strength and little forming, harder aluminium alloys are
employed. The 7xxx series aluminium alloys are made harder and stronger by
the addition of zinc. Some widely used forms of aluminium-zinc alloys are 7075
and 7178.
The aluminium-zinc alloy 7075 has a tensile strength of 77 KSI and a bearing
strength of 139 KSI. However, the alloy is very hard and is difficult to bend. An
even stronger zinc alloy is 7178 which has a tensile strength of 84 KSI and a
bearing strength of 151 KSI. 1KSI = 1 kilopounds / square inch (1 KIP) = 1,000
pound-force/square inch (PSI) For example, on B737-200 aircraft:

Frames, stringers, keel and floor beams, wing ribs - Aluminium alloy 7075
(Aluminium and zinc) - High mechanical properties and improved stress
corrosion cracking resistance.
Bulkheads, window frames, landing gear beam - Aluminium alloy 7079
(Aluminium and zinc) Tempered to minimise residual heat treatment
stresses.
Wing upper skin, spars and beams - Aluminium alloy 7178 (Aluminium,
zinc, magnesium and copper) - High compressive strength to weight ratio.
Landing gear beam - Aluminium alloy 7175 (Aluminium, zinc, magnesium
and copper) - A very tough, very high tensile strength alloy.
Wing lower skin - Aluminium alloy 7055 (Aluminium, zinc, magnesium and
copper) - Superior stress corrosion.
8xxx series used for those alloys with lesser used alloying elements such as Fe,
Ni and Li. Each is used for the particular characteristics it provides the alloys: