Aluminium used in industrial applications is usually an alloy, and many different types are available. Aluminium A2017 (EN AW-2017 equiv.), also known as duralumin, is one alloy that is widely used thanks to its excellent mechanical properties. But what exactly is A2017, and what are its main features?
In this article, we explain what aluminium A2017 is, look at its advantages and disadvantages, and show how it differs from similar materials such as A2024, A7075, stainless steel and steel.
What is aluminium A2017?
Duralumin (A2017) is an aluminium alloy made by adding copper (3.5–4.5%) and magnesium (0.4–0.8%) to aluminium. Aluminium on its own is an extremely lightweight metal, but its weakness is low strength. Thanks to its copper content, A2017 reaches a hardness of up to approx. 105 HB – considerably higher than pure aluminium. Depending on the application, its strength is comparable to that of mild steel.
A2017 is lightweight, strong and easy to process. As a result, it is used extensively in aircraft and mechanical components, among other applications. Its very good machinability also makes it well suited to cutting and forging processes.
| Property | Aluminium A2017 (EN AW-2017 equiv.) |
|---|---|
| Main alloying elements | Copper (3.5–4.5%), magnesium (0.4–0.8%) |
| Density | 2.79 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | Up to approx. 105 HB |
| Machinability | Very good |
| Weldability | Poor |
| Corrosion resistance | Limited – protection recommended |
| Anodising | Possible, with limitations |
Advantages of A2017
- Lighter weight compared to carbon steel and other steels
- Higher strength compared to other aluminium materials
- Very good machinability for milled and turned parts
The specific gravity of A2017 is 2.79 – significantly lower than the approx. 7.8 of carbon steel. Because the alloy consists predominantly of aluminium, which is inherently lightweight, it is exceptionally light for a metallic material. At the same time, the added copper makes it considerably stronger than pure aluminium.
Disadvantages of A2017
- Low weldability
- Inferior corrosion resistance
Aluminium in general is not well suited to welding because of the oxide film that forms on its surface and its high thermal conductivity. A2017 shares this characteristic and has low weldability. The oxide film, which has a higher melting point than the base material, has to be removed before welding, and the weld pool tends to be unstable because heat dissipates quickly from the base material.
In addition, the copper content results in lower corrosion resistance than pure aluminium. In corrosive environments, corrosion protection measures are essential. Compared with general-purpose or pure aluminium, duralumin is also more difficult to anodise, so careful attention is needed when anodising is planned as corrosion protection.
A2017, A2024 and A7075: the duralumin family
In addition to A2017, other aluminium alloys are also referred to as duralumin – most notably A2024, known as super duralumin, and A7075, known as extra super duralumin. Their densities are similar (approx. 2.79 to 2.8), but they differ in strength and properties.
| Alloy | Common name | Main alloying elements | Strength | Corrosion resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2017 | Duralumin | Copper, magnesium | High | Limited |
| A2024 | Super duralumin | Copper, magnesium (higher content than A2017) | Higher than A2017 | Lower than A2017 |
| A7075 | Extra super duralumin | Zinc, magnesium, copper | Highest in the family | Susceptible to stress corrosion cracking |
Super duralumin (A2024) contains more copper and magnesium than A2017, which increases its strength. Due to the higher copper content, however, its corrosion resistance is lower.
A7075 is an aluminium alloy with added zinc, magnesium and copper and offers the highest strength of the duralumin family. It is, however, susceptible to stress corrosion cracking when exposed to a corrosive environment under tensile stress.
How A2017 compares with stainless steel and steel
The most significant difference between duralumin A2017 and metals such as stainless steel and steel is density. A2017 weighs less than half as much as stainless steel or steel, which is why it is increasingly used for components where weight reduction is crucial.
In terms of strength and weldability, however, A2017 is inferior to stainless steel and steel. Keep this in mind when choosing a material and planning further processing.
What parts are made from A2017?
A2017 is a popular choice for machined components that need to be light yet strong – for example jigs and fixtures, brackets, plates, blocks, housings, shafts and pins in machine building and automation. It is also used for fastening components such as screws and rivets.
With meviy, you can order individually designed custom parts in A2017 (EN AW-2017 equiv.) directly from your own 3D CAD data – no standard or catalogue parts, but components made exactly to your design. A2017 is available for CNC milling and CNC turning: upload your model, select the material, and get the price and delivery date instantly.
Frequently asked questions about A2017
Is aluminium A2017 the same as duralumin?
Yes. A2017 is the original alloy known as duralumin. The related alloys A2024 and A7075 are known as super duralumin and extra super duralumin respectively.
What is the European equivalent of A2017?
A2017 is the Japanese (JIS) designation. The comparable European material is EN AW-2017, which is why meviy lists it as "EN AW-2017 equiv."
Can A2017 be welded?
Welding A2017 is difficult because of the oxide film on its surface and its high thermal conductivity. For assemblies made from A2017, mechanical joining such as screws or rivets is usually the better choice.
Is A2017 corrosion resistant?
Only to a limited extent. The copper content lowers its corrosion resistance compared with pure aluminium, so parts used in corrosive environments need suitable corrosion protection.
Conclusion
Duralumin A2017 is an aluminium alloy in which copper and magnesium are added to aluminium, creating a metal that is both lightweight and strong. Thanks to these properties, it is used in aircraft components, machine parts and fastening components such as screws and rivets. While it is light, durable and very easy to machine, it falls short of steel in corrosion resistance and strength. It belongs to the duralumin family, alongside super duralumin (A2024) and extra super duralumin (A7075), which offer even greater strength.