Aluminum 2219
AA 2219 · UNS A92219 · EN AW-2219, AW 2219 · GB 2A16, LY16
2219 is an Al-Cu-Mn alloy with about 6.3 % copper plus V, Zr and Ti grain refiners, giving the best fusion weldability in the 2000-series family along with strength retention from below -253 °C up to about 200 °C.
Values for the T87 condition
2219 tempers and conditions
2219 is supplied in 13 conditions, soft to hard. T87 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 13 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest, most formable condition for deep forming or before re-solution treatment; annealed at ~415 °C with slow cool. | 76 | 172 | 18 | 45 HB | 44 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged by the user | User-performed solution treatment plus natural aging, used when parts are formed in O temper and then heat treated. | 185 | 360 | 20 | 90 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked ~1 %, naturally aged | Intermediate condition for forming/welding of sheet and plate before final T81 artificial aging. | 248 | 360 | 17 | 100 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged | Solution-treated, cold-worked and naturally aged 2219 — moderate strength with good ductility and formability, the usual pre-weld/pre-age condition for sheet and plate. | 250 | 360 | 17 | 100 HB | 28 % IACS |
T3, stress relieved by stretching | Low-residual-stress plate/bar version of T31 for machined parts that will later be aged or used as-is. | 250 | 360 | 15 | 100 HB | 28 % IACS |
T6, heat treated by the user | Pick when parts are formed or welded soft and then given a full user solution + aging cycle; slightly lower strength than T81/T87. | 290 | 414 | 10 | 115 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard peak-aged temper for 2219 die forgings, hand forgings and extrusions (AMS 4143). | 290 | 415 | 10 | 115 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and cold worked ~7 % | Heavily stretched pre-temper used as the starting stock for T87 tank plate; higher strength than T31 with lower ductility. | 315 | 393 | 11 | 110 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution treated, mechanically stress-relieved (cold compressed),… | Forging temper (AMS 4144) with low residual stress and good short-transverse properties for machined cryogenic hardware. | 345 | 440 | 6 | 128 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked and artificially aged | Peak-aged 2219 after cold work — highest usable strength with retained cryogenic toughness and weldability, the standard aerospace tankage condition. | 350 | 455 | 10 | 130 HB | 30 % IACS |
T8, stress relieved by stretching | Low-residual-stress thick plate and rolled bar temper for machined structural fittings. | 350 | 455 | 8 | 132 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution treated, cold worked, artificially aged | Final aged temper of T31 sheet/plate: high strength with better SCC resistance than naturally aged tempers. | 352 | 455 | 10 | 134 HB | 30 % IACS |
T87Default T8 with 7 % cold work | The classic launch-vehicle cryogenic tank plate temper: highest 2219 strength with good weld and cryogenic performance. | 393 | 476 | 10 | 130 HB | 30 % IACS |
What is 2219?
2219 is an Al-Cu-Mn alloy with about 6.3 % copper plus V, Zr and Ti grain refiners, giving the best fusion weldability in the 2000-series family along with strength retention from below -253 °C up to about 200 °C. T81/T87 plate reaches 450–480 MPa tensile with good fracture toughness (data on file: 476 MPa tensile, 393 MPa yield, 10 % elongation, 130 HB, 30 % IACS, 130 W/m·K) and is welded with 2319 filler for launch-vehicle tanks and cryogenic pressure vessels. Corrosion resistance is poor, with stress-corrosion and intergranular sensitivity, so cladding, anodize or coatings are required; supply is mainly aerospace plate and forgings at higher cost. 2219 has a density of 2.84 g/cm³ (0.103 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of aluminum grades. It melts at 543°C (1,009 °F). 2219 has a yield strength of 393 MPa (57 ksi) and a tensile strength of 476 MPa (69 ksi) — stronger than 88% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 73.8 GPa (10.7 Msi).
What is 2219 used for?
- Cryogenic propellant tanks
- Missile and launch-vehicle structures
- Welded cryogenic pressure vessels
- Supersonic airframe structures
- Machined aerospace forgings
- Elevated-temperature structural fittings
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 36 MPa·√m (32.8 ksi·√in), better than 93% of aluminum grades
- High service temperature — 200°C (392 °F), better than 90% of aluminum grades
- High strength — 393 MPa (57 ksi), better than 88% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 35/100, worse than 85% of aluminum grades
2219 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2219-T87; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
2219 has a density of 2.84 g/cm³ (0.103 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of aluminum grades. It melts at 543°C (1,009 °F).
Mechanical12
2219 has a yield strength of 393 MPa (57 ksi) and a tensile strength of 476 MPa (69 ksi) — stronger than 88% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 73.8 GPa (10.7 Msi).
Thermal6
2219 is rated for continuous service to 200°C (392 °F). It conducts heat at 130 W/m·K (75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 65% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.3 µm/m·K (12.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2219 conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, worse than 73% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (35/100), worse than 85% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2219 takes about 205 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability8
2219's machinability is good (68/100, better than 67% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability poor (22/100).
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. 2219 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 2219
Is 2219 easy to machine?
Machines well in T8x tempers with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/T42.
Can 2219 be welded?
Best weldable 2000-series alloy — GTAW/GMAW/EBW/FSW with 2319 filler; welds are quench-sensitive, expect ~60–70 % of parent strength unless post-weld solution + age is possible.
Can 2219 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T31/T42; T87 plate has low cold formability and should be brake-formed with generous radii or hot-formed 150–200 °C.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 2219. Every 2219 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Good68 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.2 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 280 / 340 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 6× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair22 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better85 / 100 |
2219 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cumain strengthening addition | 5.8 – 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Mn | 0.2 – 0.4 | 0.3 |
| Si | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.02 – 0.1 | 0.06 |
| Velevated-temperature stability | 0.05 – 0.15 | 0.1 |
| Zrgrain-structure control, weld crack resistance | 0.1 – 0.25 | 0.18 |
| Others (each)each | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others (total)total | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 2219?
Use chromic or thin sulfuric anodize plus primer for corrosion protection (Cu content darkens film); alkaline cleaning must be short to avoid intergranular attack; not suitable for bright decorative anodizing.
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 2219 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A92219
- Aluminum Association
- AA2219
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-2219AW 2219AlCu6Mn
- GB (China)
- 2A16LY16
How much does 2219 cost?
2219 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 59% 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.
2219 — frequently asked
What is 2219 used for?
2219 is typically used for cryogenic propellant tanks, missile and launch-vehicle structures, welded cryogenic pressure vessels, supersonic airframe structures, machined aerospace forgings and elevated-temperature structural fittings. In short: weldable + cryogenic; aerospace tank.
What is the yield strength of 2219?
2219 has a typical yield strength of 393 MPa (57 ksi) and a tensile strength of 476 MPa (69 ksi) — stronger than 88% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 13 listed tempers.
Is 2219 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (68/100, better than 67% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T8x tempers with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/T42.
Can 2219 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Best weldable 2000-series alloy — GTAW/GMAW/EBW/FSW with 2319 filler; welds are quench-sensitive, expect ~60–70 % of parent strength unless post-weld solution + age is possible.
What surface finishes work on 2219?
Use chromic or thin sulfuric anodize plus primer for corrosion protection (Cu content darkens film); alkaline cleaning must be short to avoid intergranular attack; not suitable for bright decorative anodizing.
Can 2219 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or T31/T42; T87 plate has low cold formability and should be brake-formed with generous radii or hot-formed 150–200 °C.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2219?
2219 is rated for continuous use to about 200°C (392 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 2219-T87 and 2219-O?
T87 is the default condition — the classic launch-vehicle cryogenic tank plate temper: highest 2219 strength with good weld and cryogenic performance. O: softest, most formable condition for deep forming or before re-solution treatment; annealed at ~415 °C with slow cool. Yield strength is 393 MPa in T87 versus 76 MPa in O.
How much does 2219 cost?
2219 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 59% 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 2219?
Yes — 2219 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
- Aluminum Association Teal Sheets — International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B209 / B209M — Aluminum Sheet and Plate — ASTM (2021)
- AMS-QQ-A-250/30 — 2219 Aluminum Alloy Plate and Sheet — SAE (2016)
- AMS 4143 / AMS 4144 — 2219 Forgings (T6, T852) — SAE (2017)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- MMPDS-2023 Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization — FAA/Battelle (2023)
- MatWeb alloy data sheets — Aluminum 2219 tempers — MatWeb LLC (2024)
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.