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7108 is a high-strength aluminium alloy where zinc is the primary alloying element. It is typically used when structural performance and fatigue strength are the primary requirements and the profile does not need to be extensively formed or welded. It sits at the top of the strength range in Hydro's extrusion portfolio, but it comes with constraints that are worth understanding before committing to a design.
The case for 7108 is maximum structural performance. When a profile needs to carry serious load and fatigue resistance matters as it does in many building and transport applications, 7108 delivers strength that the 6000 series alloys cannot match.
Its high strength does come with some caveats. Extrudability is limited compared to the 6000 series, which means profile geometry needs to be thought through carefully, meaning complex shapes and thin walls are harder to achieve. Formability is also lower, so profiles that need to be bent or shaped after extrusion may not be suitable.
Welding is where the most caution is needed. 7108 can be welded, but it's generally only recommended in lower-loaded areas of a structure. In highly stressed zones, welded joints introduce stress-corrosion risk that needs to be managed through design rather than assumed away. If the assembly relies on welded joints in structurally critical locations, the alloy and joint design should be validated before going to production.
Typical applications
Structural profiles for building and construction
If maximum strength is the primary requirement, 7108 is your alloy of choice.
Examples: Structural frames, load-bearing facade components and high-stress support profiles
Transport structures and vehicle components
Ideal when strength-to-weight ratio is critical and fatigue performance matters under repeated loading.
Examples: Heavy vehicle frames, structural transport components and load-bearing trailer profiles
Bridges and civil infrastructure
Consider 7108 for long-span or high-load structural applications that push beyond what the 6000 series can reliably deliver.
Examples: Bridge decks, walkway structures and high-load infrastructure components
Specialist industrial applications
7108 alloy can handle sustained mechanical stress in demanding service conditions.
Examples: Crane components, heavy equipment frames and high-load machinery profiles
Frequently asked questions about 7108
Primarily used in structural extruded profiles for building, transport and civil infrastructure applications where maximum strength and good fatigue performance are the key requirements.
Yes, but with caution. Welding is generally only recommended in lower-loaded areas of a structure. In highly stressed zones, welded joints can introduce stress-corrosion risk.
7108 offers significantly higher strength than 6082, but with more constraints on extrudability, formability and welding. If 6082 is already meeting your structural requirements, there's no reason to move to 7108. If the application is pushing the limits of what 6082 can deliver, 7108 is the next step up.
Yes, but mainly for protective anodizing, which provides good corrosion and surface protection. It is not suited for decorative anodizing where more visual consistency is required.
