Aluminium alloy 2017A 2017A

Al-Cu-Mg-Mn-Si alloy, EN AW-2017A: Cu 3.5 to 4.5, Mn 0.4 to 1.0, Mg 0.4 to 1.0, Si 0.2 to 0.8, Fe max 0.7, Zn max 0.25, Cr max 0.10, Zr plus Ti max 0.25, others max 0.05 each and 0.15 total, Al balance (wt%)

Also known as UNS A92017, EN 3.1325, EN name EN AW-2017A, DIN AlCuMg1, JIS 2017A, ISO AlCu4MgSi · 5 more

2017A is a heat-treatable wrought aluminium alloy of the Al-Cu-Mg-Mn-Si family, with 3.5 to 4.5 % copper.

10 sources · Updated 2026-10-26 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Carry load in the T4 temper

276 MPa yield

Machine it

105 HB

Weight

2.79 g/cm3

Heat

140 W/m.K

Soft form

69 MPa yield

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Al not statedAluminium
  • Cu not statedCopper
  • Mg not statedMagnesium
  • Mn not statedManganese
  • Si not statedSilicon
  • Fe not statedIron

Best for

Machined structural parts and solid rivets in the T4 temper (supplier rates machinability Excellent, yield strength 276 MPa)

Weakest at

Welding (resistance welding only, per the Smith and AircraftMaterials datasheets) and corrosion resistance (rated moderate by one supplier and good by another, with no test data for this grade)

Risk at a glance

  • People Low. Dust and fume warnings
  • If it fails Moderate. Poor weld joints
  • Corrosion Moderate. One supplier rates the corrosion resistance of 2017 T4 as moderate.

Quick facts: 2017A

Key properties of 2017A
PropertyValueBasis
Density2.79 g/cm³1 sourced value
Yield strength69 to 276 MPa5 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength179 to 451 MPa5 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus72 GPa1 sourced value
Hardness (Brinell)105 HB1 sourced value
Thermal conductivity134 to 140 W/(m·K)2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal expansion (CTE)22.9 to 23.6 ppm/K2 sourced values across conditions
Melting point510 to 641 °C2 sourced values across conditions
Specific heat880 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value

What is the density of Aluminium alloy 2017A?

Aluminium alloy 2017A has a density of 2.79 g/cm³. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the thermal conductivity of Aluminium alloy 2017A?

Aluminium alloy 2017A has a thermal conductivity of 134 to 140 W/(m·K). The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Aluminium alloy 2017A?

Aluminium alloy 2017A has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 22.9 to 23.6 ppm/K. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the melting point of Aluminium alloy 2017A?

Aluminium alloy 2017A has a melting point of 510 to 641 °C. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the yield strength of Aluminium alloy 2017A?

Aluminium alloy 2017A has a yield strength of 69 to 276 MPa. The range covers 5 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Aluminium alloy 2017A?

Aluminium alloy 2017A is also written as UNS A92017, EN 3.1325, EN name EN AW-2017A, DIN AlCuMg1, JIS 2017A, ISO AlCu4MgSi. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Aluminium alloy 2017A used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Solid rivets and fasteners (2017A-T42 wire for solid rivets); High-strength structural components, aircraft and machine construction; Dry (unpressurised) rocket compartments, made of duralumin.

Why it exists

2017A is an aircraft-type alloy that is strong for its weight and easy to machine in the T4 temper. One supplier page gives a density of 2.79 g/cm3, a yield strength of 276 MPa and a tensile strength of 427 MPa in T4. The AircraftMaterials and Smith datasheets give a minimum tensile strength of 379 MPa for T4 round bar. It is used for high-strength structures and solid rivets, and older duralumin-type parts were riveted or bolted into rocket compartments because welding was difficult.

Where it's used

Solid rivets and fasteners

Total Materia lists an aerospace specification, EN 2116:2009, for aluminium alloy 2017A-T42 as wire for solid rivets. The Smith datasheet lists rivets and fasteners as applications.

Aircraft structures

AircraftMaterials says the alloy is used for high-strength structural components, and lists aircraft, machine construction, military equipment and rivets. Smith lists aerospace components.

Dry rocket compartments (duralumin family)

Metinvest says duralumin is used in so-called dry rocket compartments, joined by riveting or bolting. The article does not name grade 2017 or 2017A.

Recipe

Al-Cu-Mg-Mn-Si alloy, EN AW-2017A: Cu 3.5 to 4.5, Mn 0.4 to 1.0, Mg 0.4 to 1.0, Si 0.2 to 0.8, Fe max 0.7, Zn max 0.25, Cr max 0.10, Zr plus Ti max 0.25, others max 0.05 each and 0.15 total, Al balance (wt%)

2017A is a wrought Al-Cu-Mg-Mn-Si alloy. Copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and silicon are its main alloying elements (Wikipedia). The T4 temper is made by solution treatment, water quenching and natural ageing at about 25 °C. The PMC 2020 study held samples at 490, 500 and 510 °C for 6 h before water quenching, and the paper notes that the standard solution range for this alloy is narrower than the range it tested. The composition below is the standard limit range, not a measured value.

What 2017A is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Aluminium Al not stated The matrix of the alloy. It makes up the balance of the composition.
Copper Cu not stated Named by Wikipedia among the main alloying elements. The AircraftMaterials and Smith limits both print 3.5 to 4.5 wt%.
Magnesium Mg not stated Named by Wikipedia among the main alloying elements. The 2017A (EAA) limit is 0.4 to 1.0 wt%; the US 2017 limit is 0.4 to 0.8 wt%.
Manganese Mn not stated Alloying element named among the main elements, and printed with the same range in all sources.
Silicon Si not stated Alloying element named among the main elements.
Iron Fe not stated Impurity limit. Iron is named among the main elements in the Wikipedia article, but it is printed as a maximum.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Carry load in the T4 temper

276 MPa yield

measured

The T4 page gives a yield strength of 276 MPa and a tensile strength of 427 MPa, with 18 % elongation over A50 mm.

Machine it

105 HB

measured

The supplier rates machinability Excellent and gives a hardness of 105 HB in T4.

Weight

2.79 g/cm3

measured

The supplier gives a density of 2.79 g/cm3.

Heat

140 W/m.K

measured

The supplier gives a thermal conductivity of 140 W/m.K in T4. The Wikipedia 2017 article gives 134 W/m-K, with the condition not stated.

Soft form

69 MPa yield

measured

In the annealed condition the Wikipedia 2017 article gives 69 MPa yield and 179 MPa tensile strength, with 22 % elongation.

How it compares

Among the aluminium alloys on this site, 2017A is a high-strength Al-Cu-Mg-Mn-Si alloy whose strength depends strongly on temper. The sources here give its density, stiffness and thermal figures for this alloy and its family, and they do not compare it with other grades numerically.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
Measurement2017A60617075-T6202450525XXX2195 (Al-Cu-Li)Al1050201120142017221923192618A300331034047501950565083AlMg2AlMg36013606360826101AA7050AA8011Au-Al IMCsAl master alloys
Thermal behavior and safety
Melting point, 2017 T4Single value printed on a supplier product page510 °Cno data532 °Cno data607.2 to 649 °Cno data1020 degF660 °C645 to 657 °C540 °C535 °C510 °C543 °C543 to 643 °C549 °C655 °C655 °C1068 to 1080 °F575 to 630 °C565 to 640 °C570 °C605 to 650 °C590 to 645 °C579 °C600 °C575 °C1090 °F490 °C640 to 655 °Cno data880 °C
Melting range, 2017 (Wikipedia)513 to 641 °C2no data532 °Cno data607.2 to 649 °Cno data1020 degF660 °C645 to 657 °C540 °C535 °C510 °C543 °C543 to 643 °C549 °C655 °C655 °C1068 to 1080 °F575 to 630 °C565 to 640 °C570 °C605 to 650 °C590 to 645 °C579 °C600 °C575 °C1090 °F490 °C640 to 655 °Cno data880 °C
Thermal conductivity, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page140 W/m.K3167 W/(m·K)130 W/m·K121 W/m-K138 W/m-K138 W/(m·K)no data220 W/(m·K)229 W/m.K140 W/m.K138 W/(m·K)140 W/m.K130 W.m/m2.°Cno data147 W/m.K190 W/m.K160 W/m.Kno data110 to 140 W/(m·K)109 to 117 W/(m·K)121 W/(m·K)138 W/(m·K)140 to 160 W/(m·K)164 W/(m·K)200 W/(m·K)180 W/(m·K)no data154 W/(m·K)210 to 220 W/(m·K)no datano data
Thermal conductivity, 2017 (Wikipedia)134 W/m-K4167 W/(m·K)130 W/m·K121 W/m-K138 W/m-K138 W/(m·K)no data220 W/(m·K)229 W/m.K140 W/m.K138 W/(m·K)140 W/m.K130 W.m/m2.°Cno data147 W/m.K190 W/m.K160 W/m.Kno data110 to 140 W/(m·K)109 to 117 W/(m·K)121 W/(m·K)138 W/(m·K)140 to 160 W/(m·K)164 W/(m·K)200 W/(m·K)180 W/(m·K)no data154 W/(m·K)210 to 220 W/(m·K)no datano data
Specific heat capacity, 2017 (Wikipedia)0.88 J/g-°C6no data960 J/kg·K0.875 J/g-°Cno datano datano data900 J/(kg·K)no datano datano data0.88 J/(g·°C)0.86 J/g.°Cno datano datano datano datano data904 J/(kg·K)no datano data898 J/(kg·K)900 J/(kg·K)no datano data896 J/(kg·K)no data0.86 J/g°Cno datano datano data
Physical and electrical
Density, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page2.79 g/cm³12.7 g/cm³2.8 Mg/m32.78 g/cc2.68 g/cc2.68 g/cm³0.096 lb/in32.7 g/cm³2.71 g/cm³2.82 g/cm³2.82 g/cm³2.79 g/cm³2.84 g/cm³2.84 g/cm³2.76 g/cm³2.73 g/cm³2.73 g/cm³2.65 g/cm³2.64 g/cm³2.64 g/cm³2.65 g/cm³2.69 g/cm³2.67 g/cm³2.71 g/cm³2700 kg/m32.7 g/cm³0.097 lb/cu.in2.83 g/cm³2.71 g/cm³no datano data
Brinell hardness, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page105 HBno datano datano datano datano datano datano data35 HB105 HBno data105 HBno datano data120 HBno data45 HBno data65 to 95 HBno datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Other measurements
Coefficient of thermal expansion, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page22.9 µm/m.°C23.6 ppm/K23.4 µm/m·K23.2 ppm/K24.8 µm/m-°C24 ppm/Kno data22.5 ppm/K23.5 x10-6/K21.4 µm/m.°C23 ppm/K22.9 µm/(m·°C)22.5 x10^-6 m/m.°Cno data21.6 µm/m°C23.1 ppm/K23.1 x10-6/Kno datano data2.41×10^-5 1/K25 ppm/K23.8 µm/m/°C23.9 ppm/K21.7 µm/m°C23.5 ppm/K23.1 ppm/Kno data23.5 ppm/K2.35×10^-5 1/Kno datano data
Coefficient of thermal expansion, 2017 (Wikipedia)23.6 µm/m-°C523.6 ppm/K23.4 µm/m·K23.2 ppm/K24.8 µm/m-°C24 ppm/Kno data22.5 ppm/K23.5 x10-6/K21.4 µm/m.°C23 ppm/K22.9 µm/(m·°C)22.5 x10^-6 m/m.°Cno data21.6 µm/m°C23.1 ppm/K23.1 x10-6/Kno datano data2.41×10^-5 1/K25 ppm/K23.8 µm/m/°C23.9 ppm/K21.7 µm/m°C23.5 ppm/K23.1 ppm/Kno data23.5 ppm/K2.35×10^-5 1/Kno datano data
Modulus of elasticity, 2017 T472 GPa768.9 GPa71 GPa73.1 GPa70.3 GPa70.3 GPa11 MSI69 GPa69000 MPa70 GPa71 GPa72 GPa73.8 x10^3 N/mm2no data71 GPa69.5 GPa69.5 GPano data70 GPa71 GPa72 GPa70 GPa70 GPa71 GPa69.5 GPa70 GPano data71.5 GPa70 GPano datano data
Yield strength, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page276 MPa8276 MPa503 MPa324 MPa13 ksi193 MPa74 ksi29 MPa> 85 MPa140 MPa> 400 MPa276 MPa> 50 ksi70 MPa350 MPa50 MPa> 110 MPa55 MPano datano data> 125 MPa> 120 MPa> 80 MPa350 MPa21 ksi> 255 MPa28000 psi> 414 MPano datano datano data
Ultimate tensile strength, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page427 MPa310 MPa572 MPa469 MPa28 ksi228 MPa80 ksi88 MPa105 to 145 MPa300 MPa> 460 MPa427 MPa> 62 ksi160 MPa420 MPa110 MPa> 140 MPa124 MPa270 to 350 MPa300 MPa275 to 350 MPa190 to 230 MPa190 to 260 MPa410 MPa27 ksi> 300 MPa32000 psi> 483 MPa180 to 195 MPano datano data
Elongation, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page18 %917 %11 %19 %25 %12 %8 %50 to 65 %4 to 8 %16 %> 6 %18 %> 6 %12 %> 5 %25 %> 8 %12 %> 2 %20 %> 12 %4 to 12 %> 12 %4 %8 %> 9 %> 8 %> 7 %> 1 %no datano data
Minimum yield strength, 2017 T4, thickness over 25 up to 75 mm> 270 MPa10276 MPa503 MPa324 MPa13 ksi193 MPa74 ksi29 MPa> 85 MPa140 MPa> 400 MPa276 MPa> 50 ksi70 MPa350 MPa50 MPa> 110 MPa55 MPano datano data> 125 MPa> 120 MPa> 80 MPa350 MPa21 ksi> 255 MPa28000 psi> 414 MPano datano datano data
Minimum tensile strength, 2017 T4, thickness over 25 up to 75 mm> 400 MPa11310 MPa572 MPa469 MPa28 ksi228 MPa80 ksi88 MPa105 to 145 MPa300 MPa> 460 MPa427 MPa> 62 ksi160 MPa420 MPa110 MPa> 140 MPa124 MPa270 to 350 MPa300 MPa275 to 350 MPa190 to 230 MPa190 to 260 MPa410 MPa27 ksi> 300 MPa32000 psi> 483 MPa180 to 195 MPano datano data
Minimum tensile strength, 2017-T4 bar> 379 MPa12310 MPa572 MPa469 MPa28 ksi228 MPa80 ksi88 MPa105 to 145 MPa300 MPa> 460 MPa427 MPa> 62 ksi160 MPa420 MPa110 MPa> 140 MPa124 MPa270 to 350 MPa300 MPa275 to 350 MPa190 to 230 MPa190 to 260 MPa410 MPa27 ksi> 300 MPa32000 psi> 483 MPa180 to 195 MPano datano data
Minimum yield strength, 2017-T4 bar> 221 MPa13276 MPa503 MPa324 MPa13 ksi193 MPa74 ksi29 MPa> 85 MPa140 MPa> 400 MPa276 MPa> 50 ksi70 MPa350 MPa50 MPa> 110 MPa55 MPano datano data> 125 MPa> 120 MPa> 80 MPa350 MPa21 ksi> 255 MPa28000 psi> 414 MPano datano datano data
Minimum elongation, 2017-T4 bar> 12 %1417 %11 %19 %25 %12 %8 %50 to 65 %4 to 8 %16 %> 6 %18 %> 6 %12 %> 5 %25 %> 8 %12 %> 2 %20 %> 12 %4 to 12 %> 12 %4 %8 %> 9 %> 8 %> 7 %> 1 %no datano data
Yield strength Rp0.2, 2017A laboratory ingot, T4 (510 °C solution treatment, 70 h natural ageing)268.7 MPa15276 MPa503 MPa324 MPa13 ksi193 MPa74 ksi29 MPa> 85 MPa140 MPa> 400 MPa276 MPa> 50 ksi70 MPa350 MPa50 MPa> 110 MPa55 MPano datano data> 125 MPa> 120 MPa> 80 MPa350 MPa21 ksi> 255 MPa28000 psi> 414 MPano datano datano data
Tensile strength Rm, 2017A laboratory ingot, T4 (510 °C solution treatment, 70 h natural ageing)450.5 MPa16310 MPa572 MPa469 MPa28 ksi228 MPa80 ksi88 MPa105 to 145 MPa300 MPa> 460 MPa427 MPa> 62 ksi160 MPa420 MPa110 MPa> 140 MPa124 MPa270 to 350 MPa300 MPa275 to 350 MPa190 to 230 MPa190 to 260 MPa410 MPa27 ksi> 300 MPa32000 psi> 483 MPa180 to 195 MPano datano data
Elongation A5, 2017A laboratory ingot, T4 (510 °C solution treatment, 70 h natural ageing)14.65 %1717 %11 %19 %25 %12 %8 %50 to 65 %4 to 8 %16 %> 6 %18 %> 6 %12 %> 5 %25 %> 8 %12 %> 2 %20 %> 12 %4 to 12 %> 12 %4 %8 %> 9 %> 8 %> 7 %> 1 %no datano data
Tensile strength, 2017 annealed (Wikipedia)179 MPa18310 MPa572 MPa469 MPa28 ksi228 MPa80 ksi88 MPa105 to 145 MPa300 MPa> 460 MPa427 MPa> 62 ksi160 MPa420 MPa110 MPa> 140 MPa124 MPa270 to 350 MPa300 MPa275 to 350 MPa190 to 230 MPa190 to 260 MPa410 MPa27 ksi> 300 MPa32000 psi> 483 MPa180 to 195 MPano datano data
Yield strength, 2017 annealed (Wikipedia)69 MPa19276 MPa503 MPa324 MPa13 ksi193 MPa74 ksi29 MPa> 85 MPa140 MPa> 400 MPa276 MPa> 50 ksi70 MPa350 MPa50 MPa> 110 MPa55 MPano datano data> 125 MPa> 120 MPa> 80 MPa350 MPa21 ksi> 255 MPa28000 psi> 414 MPano datano datano data
Elongation, 2017 annealed (Wikipedia)22 %2017 %11 %19 %25 %12 %8 %50 to 65 %4 to 8 %16 %> 6 %18 %> 6 %12 %> 5 %25 %> 8 %12 %> 2 %20 %> 12 %4 to 12 %> 12 %4 %8 %> 9 %> 8 %> 7 %> 1 %no datano data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Machined structural parts in the T4 temper: supplier rates machinability Excellent and yield strength 276 MPa.
  • Rivets and fasteners in aircraft-type structures, as printed in the Total Materia and AircraftMaterials sources.
  • Light structural parts where a density near 2.79 g/cm3 is wanted.

Watch out for

  • Weldability: only resistance welding is suitable, and one supplier says welding is not recommended.
  • Corrosion: the suppliers disagree (moderate and good), and no test data for this grade were found.
  • Strength varies with temper: annealed values are 69 MPa yield, against 276 MPa in T4.
  • Spacecraft or launcher use of the 2017A grade is not confirmed by any source read here.

2017A is a strong, machinable Al-Cu-Mg alloy for aircraft-type structures and solid rivets, with strength that depends on its temper. It is hard to weld, its corrosion rating is disputed, and the sources here do not confirm a flight record for the grade.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSA92017
EN3.1325
EN nameEN AW-2017A
DINAlCuMg1
JIS2017A
ISOAlCu4MgSi (A)
AMS4118
ASTMB209 (plate and sheet), B221 (extruded round bar, tube, flat bar, wire, profile), B211 (cold-drawn round bar, tube, flat bar, wire, profile), B316 (bar, rod and wire)

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density, 2017 T4—temper T4 (page title AMS 4110 / AlCu4MgSi / 2017 / T4)form not statedtemperature not stated—
2Melting range, 2017 (Wikipedia)Range printed in the thermal properties table of the Wikipedia articlealloy 2017 family article, not 2017A specificallycondition in source not stated—
3Thermal conductivity, 2017 T4—temper T4 (page title)temperature not statedform not stated—
4Thermal conductivity, 2017 (Wikipedia)Value printed in the thermal properties table of the Wikipedia articlealloy 2017 family article, not 2017A specificallytemperature not statedcondition in source not stated—
5Coefficient of thermal expansion, 2017 (Wikipedia)Value printed in the thermal properties table of the Wikipedia articletemperature 68 °F as printedalloy 2017 family article, not 2017A specifically—
6Specific heat capacity, 2017 (Wikipedia)Value printed in the thermal properties table of the Wikipedia articlealloy 2017 family article, not 2017A specificallytemperature not stated—
7Modulus of elasticity, 2017 T4Value printed on a supplier product page; the Wikipedia article prints the same 72 GPa for 2017 without a tempertemper T4 (page title)temperature not stated—
8Yield strength, 2017 T4—temper T4 (page title)form not statedmeasure not stated—
9Elongation, 2017 T4—temper T4 (page title)form not statedgauge length A50 mm—
10Minimum yield strength, 2017 T4, thickness over 25 up to 75 mmMinimum value printed in the delivery table of a supplier product pagetemper T4 (page title)thickness over 25 up to and including 75 mmbasis minimum delivery value—
11Minimum tensile strength, 2017 T4, thickness over 25 up to 75 mmMinimum value printed in the delivery table of a supplier product pagetemper T4 (page title)thickness over 25 up to and including 75 mmbasis minimum delivery value—
12Minimum tensile strength, 2017-T4 barMinimum value printed in the mechanical table of the AircraftMaterials datasheet. The Smith Metal datasheet prints the same 55 ksi / 379 MPa minimum for 2017 round bar.product bar, rod and wire (round bar)temper T4unit in source 55 ksibasis minimum value—
13Minimum yield strength, 2017-T4 barMinimum value printed in the mechanical table of the AircraftMaterials datasheet. The Smith Metal datasheet prints the same 32 ksi / 221 MPa minimum for 2017 round bar.product bar, rod and wire (round bar)temper T4unit in source 32 ksibasis minimum value—
14Minimum elongation, 2017-T4 barMinimum value printed in the mechanical table of the AircraftMaterials datasheet. The Smith Metal datasheet prints 12 % in 4D for the same bar.product bar, rod and wire (round bar)temper T4gauge length 4D—
15Yield strength Rp0.2, 2017A laboratory ingot, T4 (510 °C solution treatment, 70 h natural ageing)Tensile test result printed in a table of a peer-reviewed paper (Materials 2020)product 2017A ingot cast from scrap, laboratory studytemper T4 (solution treatment 510 °C, natural ageing 70 h)note on source not a commercial product—
16Tensile strength Rm, 2017A laboratory ingot, T4 (510 °C solution treatment, 70 h natural ageing)Tensile test result printed in a table of a peer-reviewed paper (Materials 2020)product 2017A ingot cast from scrap, laboratory studytemper T4 (solution treatment 510 °C, natural ageing 70 h)note on source not a commercial product—
17Elongation A5, 2017A laboratory ingot, T4 (510 °C solution treatment, 70 h natural ageing)Tensile test result printed in a table of a peer-reviewed paper (Materials 2020)product 2017A ingot cast from scrap, laboratory studytemper T4 (solution treatment 510 °C, natural ageing 70 h)gauge length A5 as printed—
18Tensile strength, 2017 annealed (Wikipedia)Value printed in the mechanical properties table of the Wikipedia articletemper Annealed (as printed)alloy 2017 family article, not 2017A specifically—
19Yield strength, 2017 annealed (Wikipedia)Value printed in the mechanical properties table of the Wikipedia articletemper Annealed (as printed)alloy 2017 family article, not 2017A specifically—
20Elongation, 2017 annealed (Wikipedia)Value printed in the mechanical properties table of the Wikipedia articletemper Annealed (as printed)alloy 2017 family article, not 2017A specificallygauge length not stated—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
General service (supplier selection factor, no test conditions) moderate One supplier rates the corrosion resistance of 2017 T4 as moderate.1
General service (supplier datasheet, no test conditions) low A second supplier describes the corrosion resistance of 2017A as good.2
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 General service (supplier selection factor, no test conditions) The Referans Metal selection factors table rates corrosion resistance Moderate for the T4 product, alongside strength Very good, machinability Excellent, weldability Moderate and formability Good. No test environment, exposure time or rate is given. basis qualitative selection factor onlytest none statedtemper T4
2 General service (supplier datasheet, no test conditions) The Smith Metal 2017A datasheet lists good corrosion resistance among its key features. The same page says that traditional welding is not possible because welding would change the corrosion resistance. No test result is given. The two supplier ratings (moderate and good) disagree, so neither is a test result. basis qualitative key-features statement only; the supplier word is Good corrosion resistance, stored on the site scale as lowtest none stated

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The Hydro safety data sheet for the 2xxx series gives dust, fume and environmental warnings for processing. No health data for the 2017A grade were found.

Machining dust
Metallic dust can ignite or explode, and dusts and fumes from machining or welding can cause metal fume fever (Hydro SDS, 2xxx series).
Environment
Small chips, fine turnings and processing dust may be toxic to aquatic life, according to the same sheet.

If it fails

The failure routes found in the sources are weld joints, under-aged strength and surface corrosion.

Welds
Both the Smith and AircraftMaterials datasheets say only resistance welding is suitable. The Smith sheet says welding would change the corrosion resistance, and the Referans sheet rates weldability Moderate.
Ageing
In a laboratory study, yield strength after 4 h at 490 °C was 211.1 MPa, against 268.7 MPa after 70 h at 510 °C. The study used a scrap-based ingot.
Corrosion
The suppliers disagree: moderate at Referans Metal and good at Smith Metal. No test result for this grade was found.

Handling and storage

Specify temper and form
Yield and tensile values depend strongly on the temper and form, so state T4, annealed, bar or plate when comparing figures.
Dust control
Keep machining dust and fines under control, and do not breathe dust or fume, following the Hydro SDS.

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Poor weld jointsmoderate severityFusion welding of 2017A parts (the Smith and AircraftMaterials datasheets say only resistance welding is suitable)The Smith datasheet says welding is not recommended and that welding would change the corrosion resistance. The supplier also rates weldability Moderate. No weld-strength figure was found.
Low strength from short or incomplete natural ageingmoderate severitySolution treatment at 490 °C with natural ageing for 4 h, instead of 510 °C and 70 hIn the laboratory study the yield strength after 4 h at 490 °C was 211.1 MPa, against 268.7 MPa after 70 h at 510 °C. The study used a scrap-based lab ingot, not a commercial product.
Surface corrosion of unprotected partslow severityLong exposure in service environmentsThe suppliers rate corrosion resistance as moderate (Referans Metal) and good (Smith Metal). No rate, pit depth or test result for this grade was found, so the risk is qualitative only.

Handling and storage

  • Keep machining dust and fines under control. The Hydro sheet says that metallic dusts may ignite or explode and that the product dust may be toxic to aquatic life, and it says to avoid breathing dust or fume (P260).
  • Do not allow water or moist air to contact the material during processing, and treat the dust as combustible. The Hydro sheet says product dust is combustible and that care is needed to minimise dust generation.
  • Specify the temper and product form before comparing values. The datasheets print different minimum and nominal figures for T4 bar, plate and annealed material, and the suppliers disagree on the corrosion rating.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Primary aluminium smelter production, 2025 estimate (world)

Top producers (2025)
China 60.8%, India 5.7%, Russia 5.3%, Canada 4.5%, United Arab Emirates 3.6%
Critical mineral lists
US: listed
Recycling
USGS: in 2025 about 3.6 million tons of aluminum were recovered from purchased scrap in the United States. Old-scrap recovery was equivalent to about 28 % of apparent consumption.
Substitutes
USGS: composites can substitute for aluminum in aircraft fuselages and wings. Glass, paper, plastics and steel can substitute in packaging.