2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy
2014 T4 aluminum alloy is based on the 2014 aluminum alloy material, which is processed into the T4 condition after solution heat treatment (SHT) and natural aging. Its main features include high strength, hardness, and good machinability. Compared to other aluminum alloys, the 2014 alloy exhibits superior strength and toughness due to its higher copper content, but its corrosion resistance is relatively weak and requires additional protective measures.
2014 aluminum alloy belongs to the 2000 series aluminum alloys, primarily based on Al-Cu. These alloys are known for their high strength and excellent machinability. The "T4" designation indicates that the alloy has undergone solution heat treatment and then naturally aged at room temperature. This temper provides a balanced combination of strength and ductility, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring moderate forming before any final aging process.
2014 T4 Aluminum Standards and Certifications
- AMS: 4120 (for forgings), 4140 (for extrusions).
- ASTM: B211 (standard specification for bars).
- SAE: J454 (chemical composition standard).
- Typically requires aerospace certifications (e.g., NADCAP).
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Corrosion Resistance and Machinability
Corrosion Resistance
Like many alloys in the 2000 series, 2014 aluminum in T4 temper has limited corrosion resistance. It is typically used in applications where exposure to corrosive environments is minimized or protective coatings are applied.
- Moderate corrosion resistance; lower than 6000/7000 series alloys.
- Susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in corrosive environments.
- Typically protected through coatings, anodizing, or aluminum cladding.
Machinability
- Weldability: Due to its alloying elements and heat treatment history, 2014 aluminum is generally not recommended for welding. Risks of weld cracking and reduced strength in the heat-affected zone are concerns.
- Applications requiring machinability and formability: The T4 state is particularly useful when additional machining or forming is required before final aging and strengthening.
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Comparison with Other Aluminum Alloys
- 2014 vs. 2024: 2014 has higher silicon content (better machinability), while 2024 has higher magnesium content (better strength-to-weight ratio).
- T4 vs. T6: T4 provides natural aging and balanced ductility, whereas T6 (artificial aging) offers higher strength but reduced toughness.
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Mechanical Properties
- Strength: Compared to peak-aged (T6) temper, 2014 T4 aluminum alloy exhibits moderate tensile and yield strength. While it does not reach the maximum strength potential of 2014 alloy, the T4 temper provides sufficient strength for many structural applications.
- Ductility and Formability: The natural aging process in the T4 state (as opposed to artificial aging) enhances ductility and formability. This makes operations like bending or minor forming easier before any additional strengthening steps.
- Fatigue Resistance: 2014 T4 aluminum alloy maintains good fatigue resistance, which is an essential property for components subjected to cyclic loading.
- Machinability: 2014 alloy in T4 temper is known for its excellent machinability, making it highly beneficial for precision machining applications.
| Property | 2014-T4 Aluminum | 2024-T4 Aluminum |
| Brinell Hardness (HB) | 110 | 120 |
| Elastic Modulus (GPa) | 72 | 71 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 14 | 16 |
| Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 140 | 140 |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Shear Modulus (GPa) | 27 | 27 |
| Shear Strength (MPa) | 260 | 290 |
| Tensile Strength: Ultimate (MPa) | 430 | 480 |
| Tensile Strength: Yield (MPa) | 270 | 310 |
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Thermal Properties
| Property | 2014-T4 Aluminum | 2024-T4 Aluminum |
| Latent Heat of Fusion (J/g) | 400 | 390 |
| Maximum Mechanical Temperature (°C) | 210 | 200 |
| Melting Completion (Liquidus °C) | 630 | 640 |
| Melting Onset (Solidus °C) | 510 | 500 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (J/kg-K) | 870 | 880 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m-K) | 150 | 120 |
| Thermal Expansion (µm/m-K) | 23 | 23 |
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Electrical Properties
| Property | 2014-T4 Aluminum | 2024-T4 Aluminum |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume (% IACS) | 40 | 30 |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (% IACS) | 120 | 90 |
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition Range or Maximum |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder |
| Chromium (Cr) | Max 0.1% |
| Copper (Cu) | 3.9% - 5% |
| Iron (Fe) | Max 0.7% |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.2% - 0.8% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4% - 1.2% |
| Other Elements (Each) | Max 0.05% |
| Other Elements (Total) | Max 0.15% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5% - 1.2% |
| Titanium (Ti) | Max 0.15% |
| Titanium + Zinc (Ti + Zn) | Max 0.2% |
| Zinc (Zn) | Max 0.25% |
Haomei Aluminum offers 2014 alloy products
| Product Form | Description |
| 2014 Aluminum Plate | 2014 T4 aluminum plate is widely used in the aviation and heavy machinery industries, suitable for manufacturing components that require high strength and wear resistance, such as aircraft fuselage frames, support parts, and mechanical components. |
| 2014 Aluminum Rod | 2014 T4 aluminum rods are commonly used to manufacture high-strength bolts, fasteners, and other structural components. Its good machinability and high strength make it an ideal material for machining. |
| 2014 Aluminum Tube | 2014 T4 aluminum tubes can be used in applications requiring high pressure resistance, commonly used in aviation, aerospace, and other high-load structures. |
| 2014 Aluminum Profile | 2014 T4 aluminum profiles are used to manufacture lightweight, high-strength frames and support structures, particularly suitable for components in aircraft, heavy machinery, and transportation equipment. |
| 2014 Aluminum Sheet/Strip | 2014 T4 aluminum sheets and strips are used to manufacture components such as aircraft wing skins, particularly for applications with strict weight and strength requirements. |
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Applications
- Aerospace Components: High strength-to-weight ratio is crucial for aircraft structures, fittings, and other critical parts.
- Automotive Parts: Weight reduction is essential in high-performance automotive applications.
- Structural Applications: Components requiring subsequent forming operations before final aging.
- Military Vehicle Components and Structural Forgings.
- High-Strength Machined Components: Benefits from silicon-enhanced machinability.
- Rivets, Screws, and Hydraulic Valve Components.
| Application Field | Description |
| Aircraft Structural Components | Aircraft structural components, such as fuselage frames and support parts, often need to withstand large stresses and loads under extreme flight conditions. 2014 T4 aluminum, due to its high strength and hardness, is an ideal choice for these aerospace structural components. It provides sufficient strength to ensure the stability and safety of the aircraft structure, especially in areas subjected to repeated loads and external pressure. |
| Heavy Machinery Components | Heavy machinery components frequently face high loads and friction during operation, requiring materials with wear resistance and adequate strength. 2014 T4 aluminum, with its excellent strength, hardness, and good wear resistance, is widely used to manufacture key components of heavy machinery, such as mechanical brackets, gears, and bearing housings. These components need to endure long-term use and friction, and 2014 T4 aluminum ensures their long-lasting performance and stability. |
| High-Strength Bolts | High-strength bolts and fasteners play a critical role in many structures, particularly those that need to withstand significant loads and stresses. The high-strength characteristics of 2014 T4 aluminum make it an ideal material for manufacturing high-strength bolts, fasteners, and other connectors. It not only provides the necessary tensile and shear strength but also offers good machinability, allowing it to be precisely made into complex shapes for reliable connections in high-load environments. |
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Treatment and Surface Protection
Although 2014 T4 aluminum alloy has high strength, its corrosion resistance is relatively poor. Therefore, in practical applications, it typically requires anodizing or other coatings to improve its corrosion resistance. This is especially important for aerospace components and other parts exposed to corrosive environments.
2014 T4 aluminum alloy is a high-strength, high-hardness material with good machinability, widely used in aviation, military, and heavy machinery fields. Its main characteristics are high strength and good machinability. Although its corrosion resistance is poor, surface treatments can effectively enhance its durability.
2014 T4 Aluminum Alloy Heat Treatment and Aging
To achieve the T4 condition, 2014 aluminum alloy undergoes solution heat treatment, where the metal is heated to a certain temperature (typically 500-520°C) to dissolve the alloying elements into the aluminum matrix. The metal is then rapidly cooled (quenched) and naturally aged to allow the alloying elements to precipitate out, ultimately achieving the desired mechanical properties. T4 condition 2014 aluminum has high tensile strength and good ductility, making it suitable for most aerospace and engineering applications.
- T4 Temper: The T4 state is achieved by subjecting 2014 alloy to solution heat treatment, followed by natural aging. This process results in a state with moderate strength and enhanced ductility.
- Comparison with Other Tempers: Compared to the T6 temper (solution heat treatment, quenching, and artificial aging), the T4 temper generally has lower ultimate strength but improved machinability. This trade-off is often advantageous when further forming operations are required before final product shaping.
2014 T4 aluminum alloy is an Al-Cu alloy known for its high strength and good machinability, achieved through solution heat treatment and natural aging. While it offers lower ultimate strength than the more heavily aged T6 temper, its enhanced ductility and formability make it an attractive choice for manufacturing processes requiring additional forming before final aging. Designers and engineers must consider its limited corrosion resistance and weldability when selecting this alloy for specific applications.