H14
Half-hard drawn wire. Straight and stable in automatic headers; the rivets are solution treated after heading.
Wire guide
2A04 Aluminium Wire for Rivets (H14, T4)
2A04 (formerly LY4) is a high-magnesium Al-Cu-Mg rivet alloy designed for joints that run hot, typically in the 125 – 250 °C range. Supplied as H14 or T4 wire to GB/T 3195, it reaches at least 275 MPa shear strength in smaller diameters, but rivets must be driven within a few hours of quenching. Its Russian counterpart is Д19П.
- Equivalent
- Д19П (Russian)
- Tempers
- H14 · T4
- Shear (T4)
- ≥ 275 MPa (≤ 5 mm)
- Service
- about 125 – 250 °C
What is 2A04 rivet wire?
2A04 is a Chinese national-standard (GB) designation in the 2xxx Al-Cu-Mg family. The "A" in the middle shows that the grade was carried over from the older Chinese system, where it was called LY4. Its nearest Russian counterpart is Д19П (1197).
Its chemistry, 3.2 – 3.7 % copper with 2.1 – 2.6 % magnesium plus manganese and a trace of beryllium, matches the Russian cold-heading wire grade Д19П in GOST 4784. The high magnesium raises both strength and resistance to softening at temperature, which is why the alloy is chosen for rivets in hot zones of airframes.
2A04 chemical composition (GB/T 3190, wt %)
| Element | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2.1 | 2.6 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.50 | 0.8 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.05 | 0.40 |
| Beryllium (Be) | 0.001 | 0.01 |
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.30 |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.30 |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 0.10 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
Others: each ≤ 0.05 %, total ≤ 0.10 – 0.15 % depending on edition. The certificate shows the actual melt analysis.
Shear strength and riveting performance
GB/T 3195 accepts rivet wire on two tests carried out on heat-treated samples: a shear test and an upsetting (riveting) test in which a sample of set height-to-diameter ratio is compressed into a head without cracking. Values below are the requirements commonly quoted from the standard; confirm them against the edition named on your order (the current edition is GB/T 3195-2023).
| Supply temper | Test temper | Diameter (mm) | Shear strength | Upset sample ratio | Riveting timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H14 | H14 | 1.6 – 5.5 | — | 1.5 | — |
| H14 | H14 | > 5.5 – 10.0 | — | 1.4 | — |
| T4 | T4 | 1.6 – 5.0 | ≥ 275 MPa | 1.3 | Within 6 h of quenching |
| T4 | T4 | > 5.0 – 6.0 | ≥ 275 MPa | 1.3 | Within 4 h of quenching |
| T4 | T4 | > 6.0 – 8.0 | ≥ 265 MPa | 1.2 | Within 2 h of quenching |
The time limits are the key practical difference from 2A01 and 2A10. Because 2A04 contains much more magnesium, it hardens quickly after quenching, and larger rivets reach the limit sooner. Rivet shops plan heat-treatment batches to match installation, or use cold storage to extend the window, following their process specification.
Diameter tolerances and surface quality
| Diameter (mm) | Class A | Class B | Class C | Class D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 1.6 | +0 / −0.015 | ±0.015 | ±0.015 | +0 / −0.04 |
| > 1.6 – 4.0 | +0 / −0.025 | +0.025 / −0.015 | ±0.025 | +0 / −0.05 |
| > 4.0 – 6.0 | +0 / −0.030 | ±0.025 | ±0.040 | +0 / −0.08 |
| > 6.0 – 10.0 | +0 / −0.040 | +0.050 / −0.025 | ±0.060 | +0 / −0.12 |
- No cracks, burrs, peeling, blisters, dents, pressed-in metal or non-metal, or corrosion
- Scratches and bumps only within half the minus tolerance
- Light oil residue allowed
H14 or T4: which supply temper?
T4
Solution treated and naturally aged wire, used where the rivet maker heads and drives within the alloy's working window.
O (on request)
Annealed for severe head forms; heat treated after forming.
Where 2A04 rivets are used
- Aircraft engine areas and hot structure: rivets near engines, ducts and exhausts where 2A01 or 2A10 would lose strength
- Defence and missile structures: joints exposed to aerodynamic or propulsion heating
- High-load riveted joints: where the highest shear capacity among GB rivet alloys is needed
2A04 is not the right choice for everyday joints: the driving time limit adds cost and risk. Use 2A01 or 2A10 unless temperature or shear load requires 2A04.
What the quality certificate shows
- Product name, alloy and temper, diameter and standard number
- Batch and cast numbers for traceability
- Net weight and number of coils or packages
- Results of chemical, tensile, shear and riveting tests
- Inspection stamp and date of manufacture
Metline supplies an EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate with each lot on request, along with packing lists. Coils are wrapped against moisture and packed in wooden cases or on pallets for export.
How to order
- Alloy and supply temperFor example 2A04 in O, H13/H14 or T4, and the temper the finished rivet must reach.
- StandardASTM B316, EN 1301, GB/T 3195, AMS or your own specification, with the edition you work to.
- Diameter and toleranceNominal diameter and tolerance class, plus coil or cut-length form and coil weight.
- TestsShear strength, upsetting (heading) test, tensile, surface and dimensional checks to be shown on the certificate.
- DeliveryQuantity, packing (wrapped coils in wooden cases or on pallets), EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP terms and destination.
References and standards
- GB/T 3190 – Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys: chemical composition
- GB/T 3195-2023 – Aluminium and aluminium alloy drawn (rolled) round wire
- GOST 4784 – Aluminium and wrought aluminium alloys. Grades
- ASTM B316/B316M – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rivet and Cold-Heading Wire and Rods
2A04 aluminium (aluminum) rivet wire: FAQ
What is 2A04 aluminium used for?
Heat-resistant structural rivets for joints that operate at roughly 125 – 250 °C, such as areas near engines, and for high-shear riveted joints.
How long after quenching can 2A04 rivets be driven?
Per the commonly quoted GB/T 3195 values: within 6 h for up to 5 mm, 4 h for 5 – 6 mm and 2 h for 6 – 8 mm diameters.
What is the equivalent of 2A04?
The Russian rivet wire grade Д19П has the same composition range. There is no direct Aluminum Association equivalent.
What was 2A04 called before?
LY4 in the older Chinese duralumin designations.
Can 2024 rivet wire replace 2A04?
Not directly. 2024 has more copper and less magnesium, different driving limits and different elevated-temperature behaviour, so a substitution needs approval from the designer.
Need 2A04 rivet wire?
Tell us the temper, diameter, tolerance class and quantity. We will reply with availability, certificates and delivery terms worldwide.
