May 27 2013
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Other Designations
Fabrication
Applications
Introduction
Aluminium / aluminum combined with various percentages of other metals such as copper, manganese, magnesium, and chromium form the aluminium / aluminum alloys.
In most cases aluminium / aluminum 2000 series alloys in the form of sheet are clad with a high-purity aluminium / aluminum 6000 or 7000 series alloy to provide physical and electrolytic protection to the key material, and thereby increasing resistance to corrosion. Aluminium / aluminum 2018 alloy is a heat treatable wrought alloy.
The following datasheet will provide more details about aluminium / aluminum 2117 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of aluminium / aluminum 2117-T4 alloy.
|
Element |
Content (%) |
|
Aluminum, Al |
94.3 - 97.6 |
|
Copper, Cu |
2.2 - 3 |
|
Silicon, Si |
≤ 0.80 |
|
Iron, Fe |
≤ 0.70 |
|
Zinc, Zn |
≤ 0.25 |
|
Magnesium, Mg |
0.20 - 0.50 |
|
Manganese, Mn |
≤ 0.20 |
|
Chromium, Cr |
≤ 0.10 |
|
Other (each) |
≤ 0.050 |
|
Other (total) |
≤ 0.15 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of aluminium / aluminum 2117-T4 alloy are outlined in the following table.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Density |
2.75 g/cm³ |
0.0994 lb/in³ |
|
Melting point |
554 - 649°C |
1030 - 1200°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of aluminium / aluminum 2117-T4 alloy are tabulated below.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Tensile strength |
296 MPa |
43000 psi |
|
Yield strength |
165 MPa |
24000 psi |
|
Elongation at break (@diameter 12.7 mm/0.500 in) |
27% |
27% |
|
Poisson’s ratio |
0.33 |
0.33 |
|
Elastic modulus |
71 GPa |
10300 ksi |
|
Shear strength |
193 MPa |
28000 psi |
|
Hardness, Brinell (@load 500 kg; thickness 10.0 mm) |
70 |
70 |
|
Hardness, Knoop (converted from Brinell hardness value) |
93 |
93 |
|
Hardness, Vickers (converted from Brinell hardness value) |
81 |
81 |
|
Machinability |
50 |
50 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of aluminium / aluminum 2117-T4 alloy are tabulated below.
|
Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Thermal expansion co-efficient (@20-100°C/68-212°F) |
23.8 µm/m°C |
13.2µin/in°F |
|
Thermal conductivity |
154W/mK |
1070 BTU in/hr.ft².°F |
Other Designations
Equivalent materials to aluminium / aluminum 2117 alloy are:
-
AMS 7222
-
ASTM B316
-
QQ A-430
-
SAE J454
Fabrication
Machinability of aluminium / aluminum 2117 alloy is good in the T4 condition; however machining is difficult in the annealed condition. The use of oil lubricant is recommended for all processes. This alloy has very good workability with hot and cold working. Hot working should be performed at 426-343°C (800 to 650°F). Both should be performed with the alloy in T4 or O (annealed) conditions.
Welding of aluminium / aluminum 2117 alloy can be performed using TIG or MIG methods. It is recommended that the filler rod be of the same alloy. Forging should be carried out 521-343°C (970-650°F). Likewise annealing should be performed at 412°C (775°F) for 3 h followed by controlled cooling at 10°C (50 °F)/h down to 260°C (500 °F). Finally, it should be air cooled.
Applications
Aluminium / aluminum 2117 alloy is chiefly used in the manufacture of a variety of mechanical fasteners among other products. It is also used for making rivets.