Aluminum 2017 · temper
Aluminum 2017-T4
Properties of the T4 condition, compared with the other 2017 tempers.
The standard stocked condition: near-peak natural-aged strength with 20%+ ductility, used for rivets, bolts, shafts and machined structural parts.
What is 2017-T4?
2017-T4 is 2017 in the T4 temper — the standard stocked condition: near-peak natural-aged strength with 20%+ ductility, used for rivets, bolts, shafts and machined structural parts. 2017-T4 has a yield strength of 276 MPa (40 ksi) and a tensile strength of 427 MPa (61.9 ksi) — stronger than 71% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 72.4 GPa (10.5 Msi). 2017-T4 has a density of 2.79 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³), heavier than 77% of aluminum grades. It melts at 513°C (955 °F).
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 22%, better than 91% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 30 MPa·√m (27.3 ksi·√in), better than 76% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 33/100, worse than 90% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 89% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
2017-T4 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2017-T4 — 18 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 2017 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
2017-T4 has a density of 2.79 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³), heavier than 77% of aluminum grades. It melts at 513°C (955 °F).
Mechanical14
2017-T4 has a yield strength of 276 MPa (40 ksi) and a tensile strength of 427 MPa (61.9 ksi) — stronger than 71% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 72.4 GPa (10.5 Msi).
Thermal6
2017-T4 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 134 W/m·K (77.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 59% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.6 µm/m·K (13.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2017-T4 conducts electricity at 34 % IACS, worse than 52% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (33/100), worse than 90% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2017-T4 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
2017-T4's machinability is very good (78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability fair (45/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other 2017 tempers and conditions
2017 is also supplied in 7 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 2017 overview.
- T3Solution treated, cold worked and naturally aged 2017 (2A11/LY11 duralumin) — peak natural-age strength with slightly higher yield than T4 from the cold work.290 MPa yield · 105 HB
- T4The standard stocked condition: near-peak natural-aged strength with 20%+ ductility, used for rivets, bolts, shafts and machined structural parts.276 MPa yield · 105 HB
- T351Plate/bar temper: solution treated, stretched 1.5–3 % for residual-stress relief, then naturally aged — stable for machined parts and tooling plate.275 MPa yield · 103 HB
- T451Choose for plate and rolled/cold-finished bar that must stay flat and dimensionally stable after heavy machining.270 MPa yield · 103 HB
- OPick for maximum cold formability, deep drawing or heavy machining before solution heat treatment.70 MPa yield · 45 HB
Working with 2017-T4
Is 2017 easy to machine?
Excellent chip-breaking in T4/T451 — run high SFM with sharp uncoated carbide or PCD, 5–10% emulsion coolant; annealed stock is gummy and should be avoided for fine finishes.
Can 2017 be welded?
Not recommended for arc welding (hot cracking, loss of temper in HAZ); join by riveting, bolting, adhesive bonding, resistance spot welding or friction stir welding.
Can 2017 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O temper or within a few hours of solution quench ('as-quenched W'), then let it naturally age; T4 stock bends only over generous radii (≈4–6t) with strong springback.
What surface finishes work on 2017?
Always protect: chromate/Ti-Zr conversion coat plus primer, or sulphuric/chromic anodize (dull grey-tan film due to Cu); Alclad sheet is used where bare corrosion resistance is insufficient.
2017 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.2 – 0.8 | 0.5 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.7 | 0.35 |
| Cuprincipal hardener | 3.5 – 4.5 | 4 |
| Mn | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Mg | 0.4 – 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Ti+Zrcombined limit per AA registration | ≤ 0.25 | 0.1 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | ≥ 91.5 (balance) | — |
2017-T4 — frequently asked
What is 2017-T4 used for?
2017-T4 is typically used for rivets, pulleys and fittings. In short: classic high-strength choice.
What is the yield strength of 2017-T4?
2017-T4 has a typical yield strength of 276 MPa (40 ksi) and a tensile strength of 427 MPa (61.9 ksi) — stronger than 71% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is 2017-T4 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (78/100, better than 89% of aluminum grades). Excellent chip-breaking in T4/T451 — run high SFM with sharp uncoated carbide or PCD, 5–10% emulsion coolant; annealed stock is gummy and should be avoided for fine finishes.
Can 2017-T4 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not recommended for arc welding (hot cracking, loss of temper in HAZ); join by riveting, bolting, adhesive bonding, resistance spot welding or friction stir welding.
What surface finishes work on 2017-T4?
Always protect: chromate/Ti-Zr conversion coat plus primer, or sulphuric/chromic anodize (dull grey-tan film due to Cu); Alclad sheet is used where bare corrosion resistance is insufficient.
Can 2017-T4 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O temper or within a few hours of solution quench ('as-quenched W'), then let it naturally age; T4 stock bends only over generous radii (≈4–6t) with strong springback.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2017-T4?
2017-T4 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in 2017-T4?
Yes — 2017-T4 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B211 / B209 — Aluminum-Alloy Bar, Rod, Wire and Sheet/Plate — ASTM International (2019)
- EN 573-3 / EN 485-2 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys, chemical composition and mechanical properties — CEN (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.