Ergal

http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ergal

Yes thanks; I had read that Wikipedia entry, and while it has some information in terms of a broad hint at the chemsitry, it doesn't go where I need my info trail to lead me!

Try searching the web for Al 7075.

interesting that wiki reference was in Italian, there is no reference to ergal in English wikipedia, but references to ergal within wikipedia relating to Ducati motorcycles, T6 7075 reference within MTB magazines, lots of tuning applications for model and real cars, windsurfing, all instances where people will pay more for less;

- ergo, ergal is a trade name.

is your name robin bradley by any chance?

well done, you figured it out -- I thought of writing that backwards too but life's too short. Your conclusion about the how and why of something being a brand name is very astute. It is most common with Italian engineers and parts makers; somewhat in France and Spain too though. It is a weight saving high strength aluminium, and as a low quantity special order 'exotic' (relative to common or garden 6061 T6) yes, it does therefore carry a price premium and marketers will always mark-up still further anything that can carry performance improvement/weight saving claims. Apparently it is also more expensive to work with as it needs superior grade CNC cabinet tools, or at least different ones, and it machines more slowly as well. I really do want to get into the derivation of the word if I can though!

Don't know who came up with it - but it's surely from Erg (energy) + Al

Perhaps you may find something at this site.

Oops, already had that one. Forget it!

PS...did you look at the hyperlink at the bottom called Aluminum Alloys?