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Aluminum 2A17-T4

Temper

GB 2A17

T4 = solution heat treated and naturally aged

Pick when moderate strength with better ductility/formability is needed before final artificial ageing.

High cost $$$$

Values for the T4 condition

Other 2A17 tempers and conditions

2A17 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at 2A17.

Compare all 6 conditionsHide
Condition · open for datasheetBest forYield MPaTensile MPaElong. %HardnessConductivity
Annealed
Softest condition for deep forming, bending or straightening before heat treatment.952101848 HB45 % IACS
Strain hardened from hot working only
Mill-supplied hot-worked stock intended for subsequent solution treatment and ageing.1502601465 HB42 % IACS
T4This page
Solution heat treated and naturally aged
Pick when moderate strength with better ductility/formability is needed before final artificial ageing.23538014100 HB30 % IACS
T6, heat treated by the user
For parts formed or welded in the soft state and then fully heat treated to T6-level strength.3104308116 HB35 % IACS
T6, stress relieved by stretching
Choose for thick plate or bar that will be heavily machined and must stay dimensionally stable.3154308118 HB35 % IACS
T6Default
Solution heat treated and artificially aged
Standard supply and service condition: peak strength plus retained strength at 200–300 °C.3204409120 HB35 % IACS

What is 2A17-T4?

2A17-T4 is 2A17 in the T4 temper — pick when moderate strength with better ductility/formability is needed before final artificial ageing. 2A17-T4 has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — stronger than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi). 2A17-T4 has a density of 2.84 g/cm³ (0.103 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of aluminum grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F). T6 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; T4 is available on request or by drawing note.

Advantages

  • Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 14%, better than 81% of aluminum grades

Limitations

  • Needs corrosion protection — 30/100, worse than 98% of aluminum grades
  • Poor heat conductor — 120 W/m·K (69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of aluminum grades

2A17-T4 properties

Typical room-temperature values for 2A17-T4; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 2A17 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.

Physical3

2A17-T4 has a density of 2.84 g/cm³ (0.103 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of aluminum grades. It melts at 540°C (1,004 °F).

Density2.84 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Melting Point (Solidus)540°C1,004 °F
Liquidus Temperature650°C1,202 °F

Mechanical13

2A17-T4 has a yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — stronger than 61% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 14% and the elastic modulus is 72 GPa (10.4 Msi).

Elastic (Young's) Modulus72 GPa10.4 Msi
Shear Modulus27 GPa3.9 Msi
Bulk Modulus71 GPa10.3 Msi
Poisson's Ratio0.33
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)380 MPa55.1 ksi
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)235 MPa34.1 ksi
Elongation at Break14%
Reduction in Area18%
Compressive Strength330 MPa47.9 ksi
Shear Strength230 MPa33.4 ksi
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)120 MPa17.4 ksi
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)26 MPa·√m23.7 ksi·√in
Hardness, Brinell100 HB

Thermal6

2A17-T4 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 120 W/m·K (69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.6 µm/m·K (12.6 µin/in·°F).

Thermal Conductivity120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity870 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)22.6 µm/m·K12.6 µin/in·°F
Latent Heat of Fusion390 J/g168 BTU/lb
Max Service Temperature (continuous)150°C302 °F
Min Service Temperature-196°C-321 °F

Electrical3

2A17-T4 conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, worse than 73% of aluminum grades.

Electrical Conductivity30 % IACS
Electrical Resistivity4.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.93 µΩ·in
Magnetic Responsenon-magnetic

Chemical & Environmental3

Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), worse than 98% of aluminum grades.

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)-0.69 V
Corrosion ResistancePoor30/100
Chemical Resistance SummaryCu-rich matrix gives poor resistance to chlorides, seawater and acids; susceptible to pitting, intergranular and exfoliation attack — use clad sheet, anodizing or primer/paint systems.

Sustainability4

Producing a kilogram of 2A17-T4 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.

Embodied Energy (primary production)200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Embodied Carbon (primary production)12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Embodied Water1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
Typical Recycled Content10%

Manufacturability8

2A17-T4's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades); weldability good (58/100); formability fair (45/100).

MachinabilityGood65/100
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)55%
WeldabilityGood58/100
Formability (cold)Fair45/100
CastabilityPoor25/100
Brazeability / SolderabilityPoor15/100
PolishabilityGood55/100
Anodizing Responsefair — hard/sulfuric anodizing possible but Cu content gives dull, darker, less uniform films; chromic anodize or clad surfaces preferred for aerospace

Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.

Working with 2A17-T4

Is 2A17 easy to machine?

Machines well in T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speeds and flood coolant; gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/T4.

Can 2A17 be welded?

One of the more fusion-weldable 2000-series grades (TIG/MIG with Al-Cu or Al-Si-free Cu-bearing filler); expect strength loss in the HAZ unless re-solution treated and aged (T62).

Can 2A17 be formed, bent or molded?

Form in O or freshly quenched T4 (within a few hours); T6 material has low ductility and needs generous bend radii or hot forming at 200–300 °C.

What surface finishes work on 2A17?

Anodizes to a dull, darker film because of high Cu; use chromic/sulfuric anodize plus chromate-free primer, or clad sheet, for corrosion protection.

2A17 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.

ElementSpec limit (wt %)Nominal
Cuprimary strengthening element6 – 76.5
Mndispersoid for high-temperature stability0.4 – 0.80.6
Mgdistinguishes 2A17 from 2A160.25 – 0.450.35
Tigrain refinement0.1 – 0.20.15
Siimpurity limit≤ 0.3—
Feimpurity limit≤ 0.3—
Znimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Niimpurity limit≤ 0.1—
Other (each)others total ≤ 0.15≤ 0.05—
Albalance—

2A17-T4 — frequently asked

What is 2A17-T4 used for?

2A17-T4 is typically used for high-temperature structural parts, engine components, airframe structure near heat sources, forged and machined hot-zone fittings, heat-resistant plate for brackets and welded elevated-temperature assemblies. In short: heat-resistant high-strength 2000 series; 440 MPa at 250 °C service; low formability, good machining.

What is the yield strength of 2A17-T4?

2A17-T4 has a typical yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — stronger than 61% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.

Is 2A17-T4 easy to machine?

Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speeds and flood coolant; gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/T4.

Can 2A17-T4 be welded?

Yes — weldability is rated good (58/100). One of the more fusion-weldable 2000-series grades (TIG/MIG with Al-Cu or Al-Si-free Cu-bearing filler); expect strength loss in the HAZ unless re-solution treated and aged (T62).

What surface finishes work on 2A17-T4?

Anodizes to a dull, darker film because of high Cu; use chromic/sulfuric anodize plus chromate-free primer, or clad sheet, for corrosion protection.

Can 2A17-T4 be formed, bent or molded?

Form in O or freshly quenched T4 (within a few hours); T6 material has low ductility and needs generous bend radii or hot forming at 200–300 °C.

What is the maximum service temperature of 2A17-T4?

2A17-T4 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 2A17-T6 and 2A17-O?

T6 is the default condition — standard supply and service condition: peak strength plus retained strength at 200–300 °C. O: softest condition for deep forming, bending or straightening before heat treatment. Yield strength is 320 MPa in T6 versus 95 MPa in O.

Sources

  1. ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
  2. 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.