Aluminum 2050-T3
Temper
AA 2050 · UNS A92050
T3 = solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged
Intermediate as-delivered condition for parts that will be formed/machined and then artificially aged to T8.
Values for the T3 condition
Other 2050 tempers and conditions
2050 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at 2050.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest condition, supplied for severe forming or re-heat-treatment; strength must be restored by solution treating and ageing. | 135 | 250 | 18 | 65 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, ~3–4 % stretched and naturally aged | Choose when plate must be stretch-formed, roll-formed or machined near net shape before ageing to T84. | 305 | 430 | 17 | 112 HB | 24 % IACS |
T3This page Solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged | Intermediate as-delivered condition for parts that will be formed/machined and then artificially aged to T8. | 320 | 440 | 15 | 115 HB | 24 % IACS |
T8, stress relieved by stretching | Thick plate condition with controlled residual stress for large machined monolithic parts with tight distortion limits. | 480 | 520 | 8 | 147 HB | 28 % IACS |
T84Default Solution heat treated, stretched and artificially aged | Standard aerospace plate delivery condition: best balance of strength, toughness and corrosion resistance for machined structural parts. | 495 | 530 | 9 | 150 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, heavily cold worked and artificially aged | Highest-strength condition, used for extruded stringers and stiffeners where ductility and toughness may be traded for strength. | 540 | 570 | 7 | 160 HB | 29 % IACS |
What is 2050-T3?
2050-T3 is 2050 in the T3 temper — intermediate as-delivered condition for parts that will be formed/machined and then artificially aged to T8. 2050-T3 has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 76.5 GPa (11.1 Msi). 2050-T3 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 560°C (1,040 °F). T84 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; T3 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 40 MPa·√m (36.4 ksi·√in), better than 98% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 15%, better than 82% of aluminum grades
- High strength — 320 MPa (46.4 ksi), better than 80% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 85 W/m·K (49.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 100% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 36/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
2050-T3 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2050-T3; 22 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 2050 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
2050-T3 has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³), lighter than 59% of aluminum grades. It melts at 560°C (1,040 °F).
Mechanical11
2050-T3 has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 15% and the elastic modulus is 76.5 GPa (11.1 Msi).
Thermal6
2050-T3 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 85 W/m·K (49.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 100% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22 µm/m·K (12.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2050-T3 conducts electricity at 24 % IACS, worse than 95% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (36/100), worse than 81% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2050-T3 takes about 215 MJ of energy and emits 13 kg of CO₂ — more than 93% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 8%.
Manufacturability8
2050-T3's machinability is good (60/100, worse than 51% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability fair (50/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 2050-T3
Is 2050 easy to machine?
Machines like a hard 2000-series alloy: sharp carbide tools, high speed with flood coolant, symmetric stock removal and stress-relieved (T851) plate to limit distortion in monolithic parts; keep Li-bearing chips dry and segregated.
Can 2050 be welded?
Not recommended for fusion welding (hot cracking, Li oxide/porosity); joined by friction stir welding, laser-beam welding with tailored filler, riveting or bonding.
Can 2050 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T34 before ageing — cold formability in T84 is limited and the alloy shows marked anisotropy; hot forming and creep-age forming of panels are practiced.
What surface finishes work on 2050?
Alkaline etch/deoxidize then chromic or thin-film sulfuric anodize plus primer for aerospace protection; avoid decorative anodizing (dark, streaky films) and insulate joints to CFRP or steel.
2050 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 | ≤ 0.08 | 0.03 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.1 | 0.05 |
| Cu | 3.2 – 3.9 | 3.5 |
| Mn | 0.2 – 0.5 | 0.35 |
| Mg | 0.2 – 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Lidensity-reducing, stiffness-increasing addition | 0.7 – 1.3 | 1 |
| Agpromotes T1 precipitation | 0.2 – 0.7 | 0.4 |
| Zrgrain-structure control | 0.06 – 0.14 | 0.1 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Others (each)each | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total)total | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
2050-T3 — frequently asked
What is 2050-T3 used for?
2050-T3 is typically used for aircraft fuselage plate, wing ribs and spars. In short: lower-density 2024 upgrade; stiff Al-Cu-Li plate; better corrosion than 2024.
What is the yield strength of 2050-T3?
2050-T3 has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 2050-T3 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (60/100, worse than 51% of aluminum grades). Machines like a hard 2000-series alloy: sharp carbide tools, high speed with flood coolant, symmetric stock removal and stress-relieved (T851) plate to limit distortion in monolithic parts; keep Li-bearing chips dry and segregated.
Can 2050-T3 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Not recommended for fusion welding (hot cracking, Li oxide/porosity); joined by friction stir welding, laser-beam welding with tailored filler, riveting or bonding.
What surface finishes work on 2050-T3?
Alkaline etch/deoxidize then chromic or thin-film sulfuric anodize plus primer for aerospace protection; avoid decorative anodizing (dark, streaky films) and insulate joints to CFRP or steel.
Can 2050-T3 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T34 before ageing — cold formability in T84 is limited and the alloy shows marked anisotropy; hot forming and creep-age forming of panels are practiced.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2050-T3?
2050-T3 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.
What is the difference between 2050-T84 and 2050-O?
T84 is the default condition — standard aerospace plate delivery condition: best balance of strength, toughness and corrosion resistance for machined structural parts. O: softest condition, supplied for severe forming or re-heat-treatment; strength must be restored by solution treating and ageing. Yield strength is 495 MPa in T84 versus 135 MPa in O.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets), alloy 2050 — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- Airware 2050 plate technical data — Constellium (2020)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- Aluminum-Lithium Alloys: Processing, Properties and Applications — Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann (2014)
- MMPDS-style typical property compilations for Al-Li plate — Battelle/FAA (2021)
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.