2017-T4 Aluminum vs. 2017-T451 Aluminum

The choice between 2017-T4 and 2017-T451 aluminum alloys depends on the specific requirements of the application: whether the focus is on ductility, tensile strength, and the subsequent processing needs.

• 2017-T4 aluminum alloy is more suitable for applications that require higher ductility and carry small to medium loads. Although its tensile strength is slightly lower, it has better formability.
• 2017-T451 aluminum alloy has a slight advantage in tensile strength and dimensional stability, making it suitable for structural components that need to withstand larger loads and have higher requirements for dimensions and shape. It is ideal for engineering applications that require long-term stress resistance and higher strength.

Similarities between 2017-T4 Aluminum and 2017-T451 Aluminum

The differences between 2017 aluminum alloy in the T4 and T451 tempers primarily lie in the material's mechanical properties, ductility, tensile strength, and processing techniques.

Comparison of Mechanical Properties of 2017 T4 Aluminum and 2017-T451 Aluminum

Tensile Strength:

• 2017-T4 has a yield strength of approximately 260 MPa, which allows it to show stronger resistance under larger loads, making it suitable for structural components that endure high tensile forces.
• 2017-T451 has a yield strength of about 250 MPa, slightly lower than the T4 temper, but its tensile strength is higher. Typically, it maintains better dimensional and shape stability after stretching, which can provide better application advantages in some specific requirements.

Elongation:

• 2017-T4 aluminum has an elongation of 18%, slightly higher than the T451 temper, meaning T4 alloy has better ductility. In applications requiring higher ductility and formability, T4 aluminum is more suitable for deep processing or complex forming.
• 2017-T451 aluminum has an elongation of 16%, slightly lower than T4, but still offers good ductility. Especially during stretching, the material demonstrates better dimensional stability and less internal stress, making it suitable for applications requiring high strength and durability.

Heat Treatment and Process Differences between 2017-T4 Aluminum and 2017-T451 Aluminum

• T4 Temper Heat Treatment: In the T4 temper, the aluminum alloy undergoes solution heat treatment and air cooling to achieve a high level of strength, but over time, its strength may decrease. Therefore, T4 aluminum is commonly used in applications that do not require long-term high strength or where further heat treatment can be applied to enhance strength.
• T451 Temper Heat Treatment: The T451 temper aluminum alloy undergoes stretching after the T4 treatment to enhance its tensile strength and dimensional stability. This process reduces the deformation of the alloy during transportation and processing, especially in large parts, significantly improving structural stability.

2017-T4 Aluminum vs. 2017-T451 Aluminum Applications

2017 T4 Aluminum Applications

• Aerospace: T4 tempered 2017 aluminum is suitable for parts of aircraft structures that require high strength but some ductility, such as wings, fuselage frames, and other main structural components.
• Automotive and Transportation: Can be used to manufacture parts that require higher ductility and good machinability.

2017 T451 Aluminum Applications

• Aerospace: T451 aluminum is commonly used in aerospace applications for high-strength components, particularly where long-term high strength and stability are required.
• Military and Industrial Applications: Used to manufacture parts that require higher strength and dimensional stability, such as large aerospace components, load-bearing structures, and heavy machinery parts.