Aluminum 2195 · temper · default condition
Aluminum 2195-T8
Properties of the T8 condition, compared with the other 2195 tempers.
Standard high-strength delivery condition for 2195 plate and extrusions; the temper used on cryogenic tank structure.
What is 2195-T8?
2195-T8 is 2195 in the T8 temper — standard high-strength delivery condition for 2195 plate and extrusions; the temper used on cryogenic tank structure. 2195-T8 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). 2195-T8 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).
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 88% 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-T8 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2195-T8 — 12 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every 2195 temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
2195-T8 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-T8 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-T8 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-T8 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-T8 takes about 215 MJ of energy and emits 13.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 92% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability8
2195-T8's machinability is good (58/100, worse than 53% 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.
Other 2195 tempers and conditions
2195 is also supplied in 9 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the 2195 overview.
- T8DefaultStandard high-strength delivery condition for 2195 plate and extrusions; the temper used on cryogenic tank structure.550 MPa yield · 160 HB
- T87Peak-strength temper for strength-critical panels; lowest ductility and toughness of the 2195 T8 family.580 MPa yield · 170 HB
- OSoftest condition, used for severe forming or intermediate processing before re-solution treating.150 MPa yield · 70 HB
Working with 2195-T8
Is 2195 easy to machine?
Machines like a hard 2xxx-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.
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.
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 | — |
2195-T8 — frequently asked
What is 2195-T8 used for?
2195-T8 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-T8?
2195-T8 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-T8 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (58/100, worse than 53% of aluminum grades). Machines like a hard 2xxx-T8: sharp uncoated carbide, high speed, generous flood coolant; Li-bearing fines are reactive, so collect chips wet and avoid dry grinding.
Can 2195-T8 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-T8?
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-T8 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-T8?
2195-T8 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.
Can FabDigit make parts in 2195-T8?
Yes — 2195-T8 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)
- 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. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.