EN AW-2017A (AlCu4MgSi): A High Strength Aluminium Alloy
Alloy Definition and Chemical Composition
EN AW-2017A is a copper-based, age hardenable aluminium alloy and belongs to the 2xxx series. This alloy has been developed especially for applications requiring high strength and stands out with its machinability and hardenability. The “2017A” version shows performance close to alloys in the American series such as 2011 and 2024, but according to the European norms it has better weldability and a lower impurity content.
Its typical chemical composition (% by weight):
- Aluminium (Al): Balance
- Copper (Cu): 3.5 – 4.5%
- Magnesium (Mg): 0.40 – 1.0%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.40 – 1.0%
- Silicon (Si): 0.20 – 0.80%
- Iron (Fe): Max. 0.70%
- Zinc (Zn), Titanium (Ti), Chromium (Cr): In trace amounts
The basic strength of this alloy comes from the precipitation hardening mechanism between Cu and Mg. As a result of the ageing operation a quite high strength level is obtained.
EN AW-2017A Standards and Specifications
EN AW-2017A has been defined in many European and international standards:
- EN 573-3 – Chemical composition
- EN 485-2 – Mechanical properties (sheet, strip)
- EN 515 – Temper designations
- ISO 209
- DIN 3.1325 / AlCu4MgSi
The temper codes are frequently T3, T4, T6.
American equivalent: AA 2017 (UNS A92017)
EN AW-2017A Trade Names and Equivalents
- EN AW-2017A
- AlCu4MgSi
- AA2017A
- 3.1325 / DIN 2017A
- Avional / Avional 2017 (especially in aerospace)
- UNS A92017
EN AW-2017A Mechanical and Physical Properties
The mechanical properties of the alloy depend on the heat treatment (temper) applied. Below, typical T4 (solution treated and naturally aged) temper values are presented:
- Tensile Strength: 390–460 MPa
- Yield Strength: 260–370 MPa
- Elongation (A50): 9% – 13%
- Density: 2.78 g/cm³
- Hardness (Brinell): ~110 HB
- Modulus of Elasticity: ~72 GPa
- Melting Point: 510 – 650 °C
- Machinability: Very good
- Weldability: Medium – careful preparation is required
Application Areas
EN AW-2017A is used in applications where high strength is critical but lightness is also preferred:
1.Aerospace Industry
#Structural parts, support arms
#Landing gear components
2.Automotive and Rail Systems
#Suspension parts
#Engine mounts, chassis supports
3.Defence Industry
#Lightweight armour parts
#Composite connection systems
4.Machinery and Mould Industry
#Gears, shafts
#Mould plates and construction elements
5.Shipbuilding and Marine
#Lightweight structures
#Interior components where a medium level of corrosion resistance is sufficient
Advantages
- High Strength / Weight Ratio: Especially in tempers such as T6 it can compete with steel in terms of strength.
- Good Machinability: High precision machining can be carried out on CNC machines.
- Hardenability by Heat Treatment: The desired mechanical properties can be reached by ageing.
- Suitability for Surface Treatment: Aesthetic and protective surfaces can be obtained with operations such as anodising and coating.
Disadvantages
- Limited Corrosion Resistance: Since the copper content is high, it is open to galvanic corrosion especially in a marine environment.
- Medium Level Weldability: Surface preparation and filler wire selection are important before MIG/TIG welding operations.
- Formability Lower Than the Other Series: Because of the high hardness it is difficult to give complex shapes.
Conclusion and Engineering Evaluation
EN AW-2017A is an aluminium alloy with high machinability whose strength can be increased by ageing. Preferred especially in structural applications, this material offers a balanced solution from an engineering point of view with its properties of high strength, reasonable corrosion resistance and machinability.
When making a selection, however, a detailed analysis of the corrosion conditions and, if necessary, support with surface coatings are recommended. It is of strategic importance especially for applications seeking both lightness and reliability in the aerospace, automotive and defence fields.
#Alloy2017/2017A
#UNSA92017/2017A
#ASTM B209
#DIN AlCu4MgSi
#AMS4110
#AMS4116
#AMS4116
| Chemical Composition | % Value | Physical Properties | % Value | Mechanical Properties | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0,20 – 0,80 | Density | 2,79 g/cm³ | Yield Strength | 270 MPa |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0,00 – 0,10 | Melting Point | 510 °C | Tensile Strength | 390 MPa |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0,40 – 1,00 | Coeff. of Thermal Expansion | 22.9 x 10^-6 /K | Elongation | 15% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0,40 – 1,00 | Modulus of Elasticity | 72 GPa | Elasticity | 72 GPa |
| Copper (Cu) | 3,50 – 4,50 | Heat Capacity | 140 W/m.K | | |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0,00 – 0,25 | | | ||
| Iron (Fe) | 0,00 – 0,70 | | | ||
| Zinc (Zn) | 0,00 – 0,25 | | | ||
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance | | |
We supply this material
We supply EN AW 2017A (3.1325) — to AMS 4118, AMS 4110 standards, in the dimensions and forms required. For stock availability and pricing:
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