Certifications and Compliance
When you are qualifying a precision machining supplier for aerospace, defense, or space work, certifications are not a formality. They are the first filter, and they should be. A shop without AS9100D certification does not operate the quality system your program requires. A shop without ITAR registration cannot legally handle your controlled drawings.
Carr Machine & Tool holds the certifications and registrations that defense and aerospace procurement teams require at the supplier qualification stage. This page documents what we hold, what each one means for your program, and how to request supporting documentation.
AS9100D Certification
We machine 7075 in all of these conditions. For deep-pocket or thin-wall structures machined from thick plate, we recommend T651 or T7351 over standard T6 or T73 stress-relieved plate, which releases significantly less residual stress during machining, reducing distortion after machining on complex structural parts.
ITAR Registration
We machine 7075 in all of these conditions. For deep-pocket or thin-wall structures machined from thick plate, we recommend T651 or T7351 over standard T6 or T73 stress-relieved plate, which releases significantly less residual stress during machining, reducing distortion after machining on complex structural parts.
CMMC - Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
We machine 7075 in all of these conditions. For deep-pocket or thin-wall structures machined from thick plate, we recommend T651 or T7351 over standard T6 or T73 stress-relieved plate, which releases significantly less residual stress during machining, reducing distortion after machining on complex structural parts.
Common 7075 Aluminum Components We Machine
- Airframe Structural Members: Ribs, spars, frames, and longerons for aircraft and UAV structures
- Bulkheads and Panels: Pressure and non-pressure structural panels for aerospace structures
- Mounting Plates and Brackets: Avionics mounting, sensor brackets, and structural attachment hardware
- Satellite Structural Hardware: Bus frames, adapter rings, and equipment mounting structures
- Defense System Housings: Radar system enclosures, EO/IR system housings, and electronic enclosures
- Weapon System Hardware: Structural components for ground and airborne weapon systems
Integrated Quality and Documentation
Material Traceability to Heat and Lot: Every 7075 aluminum job is run from stock with a documented mill certificate covering chemistry and mechanical properties. The heat and lot number is tied to your job traveler and retained in our records. This traceability is maintained from raw stock receipt through shipment of finished parts.
First Article Inspection Reports: New 7075 aluminum programs receive complete FAIRs with balloon drawings and actual measured values for every print callout. FAIRs are formatted to your program requirements, like AS9100D, AS9102, or customer-specific formats, and are provided with the first shipment.
CMM Dimensional Verification: Critical dimensions and GD&T callouts on 7075 aluminum components are verified with CMM inspection. CMM reports document actual values, nominal values, and tolerance bands for every controlled feature. We include CMM reports with shipments on programs where dimensional documentation is required.
Surface Finish Verification: Surface finish callouts on 7075 aluminum aerospace parts are verified with profilometer measurement and documented in our inspection records. Fatigue-life-critical surfaces receive particular attention during the finishing process and inspection.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between 7075-T6 and 7075-T73?
Both are heat-treated conditions of 7075 aluminum, but they are optimized for different properties. T6 is peak-aged for maximum strength — tensile strength around 83 ksi. T73 is deliberately overaged to reduce strength slightly (tensile around 73 ksi) in exchange for significantly improved stress corrosion cracking resistance. For aerospace components exposed to sustained tensile stress in corrosive environments, T73 or T7351 is often specified to prevent SCC failure. T651 and T7351 are stress-relieved versions of T6 and T73 respectively, and are preferred for machined parts because they release less residual stress during cutting.
Is 7075 stronger than 6061 aluminum?
Yes, significantly. 7075-T6 has a typical yield strength of 73 ksi compared to 40 ksi for 6061-T6 — nearly twice as strong. The trade-off is that 6061 welds more readily, costs less, and is more readily available in a wider range of product forms. For structural aerospace and defense applications where weight and strength are both constrained, 7075 is typically the specification choice.
What AMS specification covers 7075 plate?
7075 aluminum plate is commonly procured to AMS 4045 (for T7351) or AMS 4078 (for T651). Bar stock is typically AMS 4147. We source to the specification on your drawing and provide certifications with every job.
Can you machine deep pockets in 7075 without distortion?
Yes, with the right approach. Deep-pocket structures in 7075 plate require careful management of residual stress release during machining. We use stress-relieved temper conditions (T651, T7351) where the design allows, sequence our roughing and finishing operations to remove material symmetrically, and check critical dimensions in-process before final passes. We flag any distortion risk during the quoting process if your geometry presents it.
Do you coordinate anodize for 7075 parts?
Yes. We coordinate with qualified anodize suppliers for Type II and Type III anodize, and with platers for chemical film (alodine) per MIL-DTL-5541. Special process certifications are included in your documentation package. Identify your finishing requirements in the RFQ and we include them in the quote scope and schedule.
Partner with CARR Machine & Tool
Submit your drawing with quantity, temper condition if specified, and any special process requirements. We will review the geometry and return a complete quote with lead time and any DFM notes.
