Aluminum A20X
A20X is a silver-bearing Al-Cu high-strength alloy grain-refined with TiB₂ ceramic particles, registered with the Aluminum Association as A205 and used mainly as gas-atomised powder for laser powder bed fusion.
Values for the As Printed condition
A20X tempers and conditions
A20X is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. As Printed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hot isostatic pressed | Choose to close gas/lack-of-fusion porosity and maximise fatigue life and ductility; normally followed by T6/T7 ageing. | 200 | 355 | 18 | 87 HB | 37 % IACS |
low-temperature anneal of as-built parts | Pick when residual stress and distortion control matter more than peak strength (e.g. thin-wall or large frames before machining). | 220 | 350 | 14 | 90 HB | 34 % IACS |
As PrintedDefault as-built L-PBF, no heat treatment | Baseline condition straight off the machine; use only for form/fit parts or before downstream HIP/heat treatment. | 240 | 380 | 12 | 95 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Default structural condition when maximum strength and hardness are required and corrosion exposure is controlled by coatings. | 425 | 495 | 9 | 140 HB | 31 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Preferred aerospace condition: near-T6 strength with better ductility, dimensional stability and resistance to intergranular/stress-corrosion attack. | 435 | 505 | 12 | 138 HB | 35 % IACS |
hot isostatic pressed, solution treated and over-aged | Highest-integrity route for fatigue- and fracture-critical flight hardware: porosity closed plus stabilised precipitation strengthening. | 440 | 510 | 14 | 140 HB | 36 % IACS |
What is A20X?
A20X is a silver-bearing Al-Cu high-strength alloy grain-refined with TiB₂ ceramic particles, registered with the Aluminum Association as A205 and used mainly as gas-atomised powder for laser powder bed fusion. The TiB₂ suppresses columnar growth and hot tearing, so this normally unweldable Al-Cu chemistry builds crack-free, reaching about 500 MPa tensile after solution treatment and ageing and holding useful strength at 180–200 °C. Default printed values are 240 MPa yield, 380 MPa tensile, 12 % elongation and 95 HB. Limits are poor corrosion resistance and dull anodising from the high copper, required solution and ageing steps, and powder and licence cost far above AlSi10Mg. A20X has a density of 2.83 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F). A20X has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 77 GPa (11.2 Msi).
What is A20X used for?
- Aerospace casting replacement parts
- Aluminium tooling and mould inserts
- Hot-running engine and powertrain brackets
- Motorsport structural components
- Defence hardware and mounts
- Pressure-tight housings
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 15 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 97% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 35/100, worse than 85% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 28 % IACS, worse than 82% of aluminum grades
A20X properties
Typical room-temperature values for A20X-As Printed; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
A20X has a density of 2.83 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 91% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).
Mechanical16
A20X has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 77 GPa (11.2 Msi).
Thermal6
A20X is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 105 W/m·K (60.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 91% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.3 µm/m·K (12.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
A20X conducts electricity at 28 % IACS, worse than 82% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (35/100), worse than 85% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of A20X takes about 240 MJ of energy and emits 15 kg of CO₂ — more than 98% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 5%.
Manufacturability8
A20X's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (50/100); formability poor (25/100).
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. A20X is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with A20X
Is A20X easy to machine?
Machines much like 2014/2219-T6 with sharp carbide and generous coolant, but the hard TiB₂ particles are abrasive and shorten tool life — prefer polycrystalline-diamond or coated carbide for finishing.
Can A20X be welded?
TiB₂ grain refinement gives far better hot-cracking resistance than conventional 2000 series; TIG/laser and friction-stir joining are feasible, though post-weld solution + ageing is needed to restore strength.
Can A20X be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as AM powder or premium castings, not as wrought stock; L-PBF requires tight oxygen/moisture control, pre-heated plates and 180–200 °C stress-relief before plate removal.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to A20X. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
3D printing
| Technologies | DMLS |
|---|---|
| Layer height | 20 – 60 µmdefault 30 µm |
| Minimum wall / feature | 0.5 / 0.3 mm |
| Build envelope | 250 × 250 × 325 mm |
| Supports | Yes |
| Anisotropy | Mild |
| Mandatory post-processing | heat treatment |
A20X 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 | 4.2 – 5 | 4.5 |
| Agrefines Ω/θ' precipitation, raises elevated-temperature strength | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Mgco-additive with Ag | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Tipresent largely as in-situ TiB₂ grain refiner | 1 – 2 | 1.5 |
| Bforms TiB₂ particles | 0.2 – 0.6 | 0.4 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on A20X?
Shot peening or chemical smoothing improves fatigue; use hard or sulphuric anodise plus chromate-free primer for corrosion protection — decorative anodising is unreliable due to Cu and TiB₂.
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).
Organic Coating
Metal Finish
How much does A20X cost?
A20X is a specialty-cost aluminum ($$$$$), pricier than about 100% 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.
A20X — frequently asked
What is A20X used for?
A20X is typically used for aerospace casting replacement parts, aluminium tooling and mould inserts, hot-running engine and powertrain brackets, motorsport structural components, defence hardware and mounts and pressure-tight housings. In short: castable high-strength LPBF.
What is the yield strength of A20X?
A20X has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is A20X easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades). Machines much like 2014/2219-T6 with sharp carbide and generous coolant, but the hard TiB₂ particles are abrasive and shorten tool life — prefer polycrystalline-diamond or coated carbide for finishing.
Can A20X be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (50/100). TiB₂ grain refinement gives far better hot-cracking resistance than conventional 2000 series; TIG/laser and friction-stir joining are feasible, though post-weld solution + ageing is needed to restore strength.
What surface finishes work on A20X?
Shot peening or chemical smoothing improves fatigue; use hard or sulphuric anodise plus chromate-free primer for corrosion protection — decorative anodising is unreliable due to Cu and TiB₂.
Can A20X be formed, bent or molded?
Supplied as AM powder or premium castings, not as wrought stock; L-PBF requires tight oxygen/moisture control, pre-heated plates and 180–200 °C stress-relief before plate removal.
What is the maximum service temperature of A20X?
A20X 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 A20X As Printed and A20X-T7?
As Printed is the default condition — baseline condition straight off the machine; use only for form/fit parts or before downstream HIP/heat treatment. T7: preferred aerospace condition: near-T6 strength with better ductility, dimensional stability and resistance to intergranular/stress-corrosion attack. Yield strength is 240 MPa in As Printed versus 435 MPa in T7.
How much does A20X cost?
A20X is a specialty-cost aluminum ($$$$$), pricier than about 100% 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 A20X?
Yes — A20X is available for 3D printing with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- A20X™ Aluminium Alloy Powder / Casting Alloy Technical Data — Aeromet International (A20X Ltd) (2023)
- Registration Record of Aluminum Association Alloy Designations (A205.0 casting alloy) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Additive-manufactured Al-Cu-Ag-TiB₂ mechanical property compilations (L-PBF) — peer-reviewed AM literature (2023)
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.