Aluminum 2195
AA 2195 · UNS A92195
2195 is a third-generation Al-Li-Cu alloy (UNS A92195) best known from the Space Shuttle external tank, offering low density with high strength and stiffness.
Values for the T8 condition
2195 tempers and conditions
2195 is supplied in 10 conditions, soft to hard. T8 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 10 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest condition, used for severe forming or intermediate processing before re-solution treating. | 150 | 270 | 18 | 70 HB | 34 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged | Intermediate forming temper: enough ductility to stretch-form or roll panels before the final artificial age to T8. | 300 | 430 | 15 | 115 HB | 25 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Used for forgings/parts that cannot be stretched; lower strength than T8 because T1 precipitation is not dislocation-assisted. | 470 | 530 | 8 | 148 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked, artificially aged | Aerospace plate temper trading a little strength for better ductility, short-transverse toughness and forming after ageing. | 525 | 570 | 10 | 155 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, ~1 % cold worked, artificially aged | Low cold-work T8 variant for parts with limited stretch capability; slightly lower strength than T87. | 540 | 580 | 8 | 157 HB | 29 % IACS |
T8Default Solution heat treated, cold worked and artificially aged | Standard high-strength delivery condition for 2195 plate and extrusions; the temper used on cryogenic tank structure. | 550 | 590 | 9 | 160 HB | 29 % IACS |
T8, stress relieved by stretching | Stretched plate temper for thick machined structure where residual-stress-driven distortion must be minimised. | 550 | 590 | 9 | 160 HB | 29 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked ~2 %, artificially aged | AMS-registered plate temper for cryogenic tank barrel and dome gores; best balance of strength and cryogenic toughness. | 560 | 600 | 8 | 163 HB | 29 % IACS |
T8 with 7 % cold work | Peak-strength temper for strength-critical panels; lowest ductility and toughness of the 2195 T8 family. | 580 | 615 | 7 | 170 HB | 29 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked ~3 %, artificially aged | Highest-strength extrusion temper for stringers and ring frames where longitudinal strength dominates. | 580 | 615 | 6 | 168 HB | 28 % IACS |
What is 2195?
2195 is a third-generation Al-Li-Cu alloy (UNS A92195) best known from the Space Shuttle external tank, offering low density with high strength and stiffness. It is used as plate and machined structure in T8-type tempers, with typical values of 550 MPa yield, 590 MPa tensile, 9% elongation and 160 HB, and it holds properties well at cryogenic temperatures. Formability is low (score 28) and the material is anisotropic, bare surfaces pit in chloride service, service is limited to about 150 °C, and cost and mill availability are restricted. 2219 is the more available and lower-cost alternative where weldability outweighs density. 2195 has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 570°C (1,058 °F). 2195 has a yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — stronger than 97% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).
What is 2195 used for?
- Cryogenic fuel tanks
- Aerospace structures
- Launch vehicle tank barrels and domes
- Friction-stir-welded tank panels
- Machined airframe frames and ribs
- Weight-critical spacecraft brackets
Advantages
- High strength — 550 MPa (79.8 ksi), better than 97% of aluminum grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 33 MPa·√m (30 ksi·√in), better than 87% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Poor heat conductor — 115 W/m·K (66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 85% of aluminum grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 38/100, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades
2195 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2195-T8; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
2195 has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 570°C (1,058 °F).
Mechanical14
2195 has a yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — stronger than 97% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 76 GPa (11 Msi).
Thermal6
2195 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 115 W/m·K (66.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 85% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22 µm/m·K (12.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2195 conducts electricity at 29 % IACS, worse than 78% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (38/100), worse than 79% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2195 takes about 215 MJ of energy and emits 13.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 93% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability8
2195's machinability is good (58/100, worse than 54% of aluminum grades); weldability good (62/100); formability poor (28/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 2195 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 2195
Is 2195 easy to machine?
Machines like a hard 2000-series-T8: sharp uncoated carbide, high speed, generous flood coolant; Li-bearing fines are reactive, so collect chips wet and avoid dry grinding.
Can 2195 be welded?
Designed for fusion welding (VPPA/GTAW with 4043/2319-type filler) and is an excellent friction-stir-welding alloy; keep heat input low and expect a softened, re-agable HAZ.
Can 2195 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T3 then age to T8; T8 tempers are stiff and anisotropic with limited bend radii, so use warm forming or creep-age forming for curved panels.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 2195. Every 2195 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Good58 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair28 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Good62 / 100 |
2195 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu | 3.7 – 4.3 | 4 |
| Liprimary density reducer | 0.8 – 1.2 | 1 |
| Mg | 0.25 – 0.8 | 0.4 |
| Agpromotes T1 nucleation | 0.25 – 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Zrgrain-structure control | 0.08 – 0.16 | 0.12 |
| Mn | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Si | ≤ 0.12 | |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Ti | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 2195?
Chromic/sulfuric anodize or chromate/Cr-free conversion coat plus epoxy primer; bare surfaces pit in chloride service and Cu/Li phases make dyed anodize colours inconsistent.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 2195 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A92195
- Aluminum Association
- AA2195
- Also called
- 2195-T8
How much does 2195 cost?
2195 is a high-cost aluminum ($$$$), pricier than about 98% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
2195 — frequently asked
What is 2195 used for?
2195 is typically used for cryogenic fuel tanks, aerospace structures, launch vehicle tank barrels and domes, friction-stir-welded tank panels, machined airframe frames and ribs and weight-critical spacecraft brackets. In short: aluminum-lithium; low density; cryogenic-grade.
What is the yield strength of 2195?
2195 has a typical yield strength of 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 590 MPa (85.6 ksi) — stronger than 97% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.
Is 2195 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (58/100, worse than 54% of aluminum grades). Machines like a hard 2000-series-T8: sharp uncoated carbide, high speed, generous flood coolant; Li-bearing fines are reactive, so collect chips wet and avoid dry grinding.
Can 2195 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (62/100). Designed for fusion welding (VPPA/GTAW with 4043/2319-type filler) and is an excellent friction-stir-welding alloy; keep heat input low and expect a softened, re-agable HAZ.
What surface finishes work on 2195?
Chromic/sulfuric anodize or chromate/Cr-free conversion coat plus epoxy primer; bare surfaces pit in chloride service and Cu/Li phases make dyed anodize colours inconsistent.
Can 2195 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T3 then age to T8; T8 tempers are stiff and anisotropic with limited bend radii, so use warm forming or creep-age forming for curved panels.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2195?
2195 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 2195-T8 and 2195-O?
T8 is the default condition — standard high-strength delivery condition for 2195 plate and extrusions; the temper used on cryogenic tank structure. O: softest condition, used for severe forming or intermediate processing before re-solution treating. Yield strength is 550 MPa in T8 versus 150 MPa in O.
How much does 2195 cost?
2195 is a high-cost aluminum ($$$$), pricier than about 98% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 2195?
Yes — 2195 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. 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)
- AMS 4472 — Aluminum Alloy 2195 Plate — SAE International (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (Al-Li alloys) — ASM International (1990)
- Aluminum-Lithium Alloys: Processing, Properties and Applications — Elsevier/Butterworth-Heinemann (2014)
- Al-Li alloy product data (2195/2050/2198) — Constellium / Arconic (2021)
- Super Lightweight External Tank 2195 material characterization reports — NASA / Lockheed Martin (1998)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.