T6
Solution heat-treated at about 500 °C, quenched and artificially aged. The standard temper for 2014 die forgings and the one covered by AMS 4133 and AMS 4135.
Aerospace forgings · 2xxx series
2014 Aerospace Aluminium Forgings
2014 is the classic high-strength forging alloy of the aircraft industry: in the T6 temper it reaches about 480 MPa tensile strength with good machinability, which is why it has been used for decades in landing-gear fittings, wheels, frames and engine mounts. Metline supplies 2014 die forgings, hand forgings, rolled rings, discs and forging stock to AMS and ASTM specifications, with full mill certification, to aerospace and defence buyers worldwide.
- Alloy
- 2014 / 2014A (Al-Cu-Si-Mg)
- Tempers
- T4, T6, T652
- Forms
- Die & hand forgings, rings, discs
- Standards
- AMS 4133 · AMS 4135 · ASTM B247
Why 2014 is used for aerospace forgings
2014 is an aluminium-copper alloy with an unusually high silicon content. The silicon makes the alloy age faster and harder than 2024, so 2014-T6 forgings reach higher yield strength than 2024 in the same section, and they keep that strength well into thick sections after quenching.
Forging refines the cast structure of the billet and aligns the grain flow with the outline of the part. For a landing-gear fitting or an engine mount, that grain flow follows the load path, which improves fatigue life and fracture behaviour compared with a part machined from plate. 2014 forges well in closed dies at roughly 420 – 460 °C, fills detailed cavities and machines to a fine finish after heat treatment.
The trade-off is corrosion behaviour. With 4 – 5 % copper, 2014 is one of the less corrosion-resistant aluminium alloys, and in the short-transverse direction of thick T6 forgings it is susceptible to stress-corrosion cracking. Designers therefore keep sustained tensile stresses out of the short-transverse grain, specify protective finishes (anodising, chromate-free conversion coatings, primers) and, for newer designs, often compare 2014 with 7050-T74 or 7175-T74 forgings.
2014 and 2014A chemical composition (wt %)
Most AMS and ASTM forging specifications call for 2014; European aerospace standards often use 2014A, which has tighter limits on silicon and iron for better toughness. The mill certificate reports the actual analysis of the forging lot.
| Element | 2014 (AA / ASTM) | 2014A (EN AW-2014A) | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 3.9 – 5.0 | 3.9 – 5.0 | Main strengthening element (Al2Cu precipitates) |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 – 1.2 | 0.50 – 0.9 | Speeds the ageing response; the "Si" in AlCu4SiMg |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 1.2 | 0.40 – 1.2 | Grain control and toughness |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.20 – 0.8 | 0.20 – 0.8 | Adds to precipitation hardening |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.7 max | 0.50 max | Impurity; lower Fe improves toughness |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.10 max | 0.10 max | Impurity |
| Nickel (Ni) | — | 0.10 max | Impurity |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.25 max | 0.25 max | Impurity |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.15 max | 0.15 max (Ti + Zr 0.20) | Grain refiner |
| Others, each / total | 0.05 / 0.15 | 0.05 / 0.15 | |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder | Remainder |
Mechanical properties of 2014 forgings
The figures below are typical values for wrought 2014 and show what each temper achieves. Forgings are certified against specified minimums that depend on the type of forging (die, hand or ring), the thickness of the section and the test direction relative to grain flow. Longitudinal values are highest; long-transverse and short-transverse minimums are lower, and those are the values to design to.
| Temper | Tensile strength | Yield strength (0.2 %) | Elongation | Brinell hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O (annealed) | 186 MPa / 27 ksi | 97 MPa / 14 ksi | 18 % | 45 HB |
| T4, T451 | 427 MPa / 62 ksi | 290 MPa / 42 ksi | 20 % | 105 HB |
| T6, T651, T6511 | 483 MPa / 70 ksi | 414 MPa / 60 ksi | 13 % | 135 HB |
Typical values from ASM and Aluminum Association data. Specified minimums for each section size and direction are given in AMS 4133, AMS 4135 and ASTM B247 and are reported on the test certificate.
Physical properties of 2014 (T6 unless noted)
- Density
- 2.80 g/cm³ (0.101 lb/in³)
- Modulus of elasticity
- about 73 GPa (10.6 Msi)
- Melting range
- about 507 – 638 °C
- Thermal conductivity
- about 154 W/m·K (T6); about 190 W/m·K (O)
- Electrical conductivity
- about 40 % IACS (T6); about 50 % IACS (O)
- Coefficient of thermal expansion
- about 23 µm/m·°C (20 – 100 °C)
2014 forging tempers explained
T652
Solution treated, then stress-relieved by 1 – 5 % permanent compression before ageing. Used for hand forgings and rings that will be heavily machined, because it cuts distortion.
T4
Solution treated and naturally aged. Lower strength, higher ductility; occasionally used for parts that are formed or straightened after forging.
F and O
As-forged (F) or annealed (O) blanks, supplied when the customer heat-treats the finished or rough-machined part.
T651 and T6511
Stretched tempers of plate and extruded bar. They are not forging tempers, but buyers often compare a forging with a part machined from 2014-T651 plate or T6511 bar.
Choosing
Use T6 for closed-die parts, T652 for large hand forgings and rings, and confirm with your stress engineer which direction-specific minimums apply.
Specifications and international equivalents
2014 forgings are usually ordered to an SAE AMS material specification, to ASTM B247 for commercial and defence work, or to an aerospace customer specification that calls up one of these. Heat treatment of the part is commonly controlled by AMS 2772 and ultrasonic inspection by AMS-STD-2154.
Common forging specifications
- AMS 4133
- 2014-T6 die forgings, hand forgings, rolled rings and forging stock
- AMS 4135
- 2014-T6 forgings and forging stock
- AMS-QQ-A-367
- Aluminium alloy forgings, general (former federal QQ-A-367), includes 2014
- ASTM B247
- Aluminium alloy die forgings, hand forgings and rolled ring forgings
- ISO 209
- Chemical composition designation AlCu4SiMg
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Association / UNS | 2014 / A92014 | Basis of ASTM and AMS specifications |
| European (EN) | EN AW-2014 (AlCu4SiMg); EN AW-2014A (AlCu4SiMg(A)) | 2014A has tighter Si and Fe limits |
| German Werkstoff | 3.1255 | AlCuSiMn in older DIN usage |
| ISO | AlCu4SiMg | ISO 209 |
| Japan (JIS) | A2014 | JIS H4000 / H4040 / H4140 |
| France (old NF) | AU4SG | Still seen on older drawings |
| China (GB) | 2A14 (close equivalent) | Similar chemistry; check limits before substituting |
2014 forging shapes and supply range
Forging size limits depend on press capacity and the quench rate required to reach T6 properties through the section, so every enquiry is reviewed against the drawing. The shapes below cover most aerospace demand.
| Forging type | Typical use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-die forgings | Fittings, brackets, wheel halves, housings | Near-net shape; grain flow follows the outline |
| Open-die (hand) forgings | Blocks and bars for machined frames and beams | Usually T652 to keep machining distortion low |
| Rolled rings | Engine and gearbox rings, flanges, bearing housings | Circumferential grain flow |
| Forged discs | Wheel and rotor blanks, flanges | Pancake forged from billet |
| Forged shafts and bars | Axles, pins, actuator parts | Round or stepped |
| Forging stock | Billet for customer forging | Supplied with chemistry and macro-etch results |
Testing, inspection and documentation
- Chemistry by spectrometer for every melt, reported on the certificate.
- Tensile tests from prolongations or sacrificial forgings, in the directions the specification requires (longitudinal, long-transverse, short-transverse).
- Hardness and electrical conductivity checks to confirm correct heat treatment of every piece.
- Ultrasonic inspection to AMS-STD-2154 or ASTM B594 classes where the drawing calls for it.
- Macro-etch and grain-flow examination on first-article or sample forgings.
- Dimensional inspection against the forging drawing, plus penetrant inspection on request.
- Certification to EN 10204 3.1 with heat-treatment and test traceability.
Machining, joining and surface protection
Machining
2014-T6 machines very well: chips break cleanly and the finish is bright. Use sharp carbide or PCD tools, high speeds and flood coolant. Rough-machine, then finish after any stress-relief to hold tolerances.
Welding
Fusion welding is not recommended for structural joints: the alloy is prone to hot cracking and the weld zone loses much of its strength. Parts are joined mechanically (bolts, rivets) or by friction-stir methods.
Corrosion protection
Always protect 2014: sulphuric or boric-sulphuric anodising, conversion coating plus primer, or sealant at faying surfaces. Avoid sustained short-transverse tensile stress.
Shot peening
Peening of fillets and bores puts the surface in compression and improves fatigue and stress-corrosion performance, a common step on landing-gear parts.
Temperature limit
Strength falls with prolonged exposure above about 120 – 150 °C. For hotter parts, 2618A or 2219 forgings are better choices.
Dimensional stability
T652 compression stress relief reduces residual quench stress so thin walls do not move during final machining.
Where 2014 aerospace forgings are used
- Landing gear: torque links, brackets, trunnion fittings and actuator ends on light and transport aircraft
- Wheels and brakes: forged wheel halves and brake housings for aircraft and helicopters
- Airframe fittings: wing-to-fuselage fittings, engine mounts, frames and hinge brackets
- Helicopter parts: transmission housings, mast fittings and control-system parts
- Defence: missile bodies and fins, launcher fittings and vehicle suspension parts
- Ground equipment: towing fittings, jacks and test-rig parts that need aircraft-grade strength
A typical wheel-half programme, for example, uses 2014-T6 closed-die forgings because the alloy gives high strength at a lower cost than 7xxx grades and machines quickly, while anodising and paint protect the surface in service.
2014 forgings compared with 2024, 7075 and 7050
| Property | 2014-T6 | 2024-T4/T352 | 7075-T73 | 7050-T74 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical tensile strength | ~483 MPa | ~427 – 469 MPa | ~505 MPa | ~510 MPa |
| Typical yield strength | ~414 MPa | ~290 – 324 MPa | ~435 MPa | ~440 MPa |
| Stress-corrosion resistance | Low (short-transverse) | Low–moderate | High | High |
| Fracture toughness | Moderate | Good | Good | Very good |
| Machinability | Very good | Good | Very good | Very good |
| Relative cost | Lower | Lower | Higher | Highest |
For new designs with thick sections, 7050-T74 and 7175-T74 forgings usually win on stress-corrosion resistance and toughness. 2014-T6 remains the practical choice for established programmes, wheels and parts where its strength-to-cost ratio and machinability matter most.
How to order 2014 forgings
- SpecifyAlloy and temper (2014-T6 or T652), forging drawing or envelope size, quantity per lot and any first-article requirement.
- Name the standardAMS 4133, AMS 4135, AMS-QQ-A-367, ASTM B247 or your customer specification, with test directions and ultrasonic class.
- QuoteWe confirm availability, tolerance, test scope, certification and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP) for your port or site.
- Process and inspectForgings are heat-treated, tested, inspected for dimensions and surface, and marked for lot traceability.
- Document and shipEach lot ships with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate traceable to the heat and lot, plus a packing list. Material is packed in seaworthy wooden cases with moisture protection; third-party inspection can be arranged on request.
References and standards
- SAE AMS 4133 – Aluminum Alloy Forgings and Rolled Rings, 2014-T6
- SAE AMS 4135 – Aluminum Alloy Forgings, 2014-T6
- ASTM B247 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Die Forgings, Hand Forgings and Rolled Ring Forgings
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets)
- ASM Handbook, Vol. 2 – Properties of Wrought Aluminum Alloys: 2014
2014 aerospace aluminium (aluminum) forgings: FAQ
What is the difference between 2014 and 2014A forgings?
2014A is the European variant with tighter limits on silicon (0.50 – 0.9 %) and iron (0.50 % max), plus a Ti + Zr limit. Properties are very close; 2014A gives slightly better toughness. US specifications such as AMS 4133 call for 2014.
Can 2014-T6 forgings be welded?
Not for structural joints. 2014 cracks easily during fusion welding and the heat-affected zone loses strength. Use mechanical fastening or friction-stir welding, and treat any repair weld as a special engineering case.
Why do 2014 forgings need a protective finish?
The high copper content lowers corrosion resistance, and thick T6 sections can suffer stress-corrosion cracking in the short-transverse direction. Anodising or conversion coating plus primer, and sealant at joints, are standard.
What is T652 and when should I order it?
T652 is solution treated, compressed 1 – 5 % to relieve quench stresses, then aged. Order it for hand forgings, rings and blocks that will be heavily machined, so the part does not distort.
Is 2014 or 7075 better for a forged fitting?
7075-T73 has similar strength and far better stress-corrosion resistance, at higher cost. 2014-T6 is chosen where the design already uses it, where cost matters and where the stress state and finish keep corrosion risk low.
What certificates come with 2014 forgings?
An EN 10204 3.1 certificate with chemistry, tensile results in the required directions, hardness or conductivity, and heat-treatment traceability; ultrasonic and dimensional reports are added when specified.
Need 2014 forgings for an aerospace programme?
Send the drawing, specification, temper and quantity. Our technical team will confirm feasibility, test plan and a delivered price.
