Aluminum 2017

Aging Procedure

This alloy ages normally at room temperature to produce optimum mechanical properties.

Annealing Procedure

Annealing is done at 775 F for 3 hours and then controlled cooling at 50 F per hour down to 500 F. From that point it may be air cooled.

Applications

Commonly used in the manufacture of screw machine products and fittings, pulleys, gauges, coat hangers, and in crochet and knitting needles.

Cold Workability

Cold working, such as shaping, bending, etc., may readily be accomplished by conventional means. Ease of cold working is best with the alloy in the T4 temper.

Forgeability

No data.

Formability

Formability is very good, especially in the annealed state ("O" temper). The alloy may also be readily formed when in the T4 temper, but not as easily as for the "O" temper.

Hardening Procedure

This alloy is age hardenable and that occurs naturally at room temperature. See also "Aging".

Heat Treatability

The alloy may be solution annealed at 940 F for 3 to 4 hours followed by water quench. Age hardening then occurs at room temperature and this produces the T4 temper. The "O" temper results from a 775 F treatment for 3 hours, controlled cooling at 50 F per hour down to 500 F, then air cool.

Hot Workability

No data.

Machinability

Machinability is very good for this alloy in the T4 temper. In the annealed condition machinability is less good. Thus it is best to perform machining with the alloy in the T4 condition. Use of oil lubricants is recommended for all machining operations.

Other Mechanical Properties

Shear strength in annealed condition is 18 ksi and in T4 condition it is 38 ksi.

Other Physical Properties

Electrical conductivity 32% of copper.

Principle Design Features

This is a heat treatable (age-hardening) alloy of intermediate strength and good ductility.

Tempering Procedure

Not applicable.

Weldability

The alloy may be welded, however welding heat will reduce corrosion resistance. In general welding should be avoided unless heat treatment after welding is possible to restore corrosion resistance. Inert gas welding and resistance welding are the methods that should be used and the alloy is sensitive to cracking so fixturing needs to be such as to reduce any strain during welding.