Aluminium alloy (7075)

Material

  • Price

    Premium

    Top of the range. You pay for properties that cheaper materials cannot offer — whether it is durability, hypoallergenicity or long-term stability.

  • Strength

    Very high

    Designed for situations where failure is not an option — working dogs, rescue service, extreme loads. Holds shape and function even under permanent intense stress.

  • Corrosion resistance

    Limited

    Holds up fine in dry conditions, but starts to oxidise or change surface gradually with repeated moisture contact. Not suitable for permanently wet environments without protection.

  • Water

    Fresh water

    Tolerates occasional contact with fresh water — rain, puddles, brief immersion. Better to dry after being in water, otherwise it may degrade over time.

Weight Very light Practically weightless. Even the smallest dog will wear it without noticing anything.
Allergy risk No risk Contains no nickel or other known contact allergens and does not release them during wear. Safe for sensitive skin without restriction.
Aging Minor changes Over time slight dulling or minor surface changes may occur. This does not affect function, but is visible on closer inspection.
Maintenance Low maintenance Occasionally wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth and the material will stay in good condition. No special products or regular routine required.

What 7075 alloy is

An aluminium alloy with zinc, magnesium and copper. For strength-to-weight ratio it is among the best metals there are – which is why the aerospace industry uses it, and why AustriAlpin machines Cobra buckles from it. The alloy itself does not resist corrosion particularly well, so all our hardware made from it is anodised.

Why we use it for hardware

It carries loads that would otherwise need steel, at a fraction of the weight. Snap hooks and buckles made from it are aimed at products for large, powerful dogs, where every gram on the animal's neck counts.

When to choose it and when to look elsewhere

  • Large dogs that pull – a load capacity of hundreds of kilograms at a weight of a few dozen grams.
  • Sport dog handling and mushing – gear that must not weigh the dog down.

If price is your main concern, look at zinc alloy; for permanent use in salt water, 316 stainless steel is the better choice.

How it ages and how to care for it

The anodised surface keeps its colour and shape – an occasional rinse with water is all it needs. After time in the sea, rinse with fresh water – chlorides are not kind to anodising in the long run either.

Good to know

Climbing gear is made from 7075 alloy too. Climbers trust Cobra buckles – the same piece of metal you have on a collar also secures people on a rock face.

Products — Material: Aluminium alloy (7075)