Cold heading
Head in O or H13/H15. Lubrication and die condition control surface quality and head cracking.
Aerospace rivet wire
2117 Aerospace Aluminium Rivet Wire and Rod
2117 is the standard alloy for "AD" solid aircraft rivets, the most widely used rivet in light and transport aircraft. Its low magnesium content lets rivets be driven in the T4 condition straight from stock, without refrigeration or re-heat-treatment, while still giving a reliable shear strength. Metline supplies 2117 rivet wire and rod in coils and lengths to QQ-A-430, ASTM B316 and EN specifications for fastener makers worldwide.
- Alloy
- 2117 (Al-Cu-Mg)
- Tempers
- O, H13, H15, T4
- Rivet code
- AD
- Standards
- QQ-A-430 · ASTM B316
Why 2117 is the default rivet alloy
A solid rivet must be soft enough to upset into a tight head without cracking, yet strong enough in shear to carry the joint load. Higher-strength alloys such as 2017 and 2024 solve this by being driven immediately after quenching, or stored in a freezer to delay natural ageing. 2117 avoids that step.
With about 2.6 % copper and only 0.2 – 0.5 % magnesium, 2117 ages naturally to a moderate strength that still allows cold driving. Rivets are headed from wire, heat treated to T4 and used as received; the driving process adds a little further strength by cold work. This simplicity, together with good corrosion behaviour after anodising, is why 2117 AD rivets are the general-purpose aircraft rivet.
Rivet manufacturers buy 2117 as wire or rod in the annealed or lightly drawn condition, cold head it into rivet blanks, then solution treat and age the finished rivets. Wire quality, diameter tolerance and surface condition directly affect heading yield, so wire is supplied to tight tolerances and inspected for seams and laps.
2117 chemical composition (wt %)
Registered limits for 2117 (EN AW-2117, AlCu2.5Mg). The same composition applies to wire and rod under QQ-A-430 and ASTM B316.
| Element | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.8 |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.7 |
| Copper (Cu) | 2.2 | 3.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | — | 0.20 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.20 | 0.50 |
| Chromium (Cr) | — | 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 0.25 |
| Others, each / total | — | 0.05 / 0.15 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
Mechanical properties
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Shear strength | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O (annealed wire) | Low; for heading | — | — | Maximum formability |
| H13 / H15 (drawn wire) | Slightly above O | — | — | Lightly cold drawn for straightness and handling |
| T4, typical | 295 MPa (43 ksi) | 165 MPa (24 ksi) | 195 MPa (28 ksi) | Heat-treated rivet or wire |
| 2117-T4 rivet, specified shear | — | — | 179 MPa (26 ksi) min. | Procurement minimum in rivet specifications |
Typical T4 values from ASM and Aluminum Association data; the 26 ksi minimum shear is the procurement figure in 2117-T4 rivet specifications; joint allowables come from MMPDS or your design manual. Some published sheets quote a 2117 yield strength of 240 MPa or more; we have not found a standard supporting that value.
Physical properties
- Density
- 2.75 g/cm³
- Modulus of elasticity
- About 71 GPa
- Thermal conductivity (T4)
- About 155 W/m·K
- Electrical conductivity (T4)
- About 40 % IACS
- Melting range
- About 510 – 650 °C
Standards and rivet specifications
| Document | Scope |
|---|---|
| QQ-A-430 | Aluminium alloy rod and wire for rivets and cold heading (still widely called up) |
| ASTM B316 / B316M | Aluminium and aluminium-alloy rivet and cold-heading wire and rods |
| AMS 7222 | 2117-T4 rivets |
| NASM20470 / NASM20426 | Universal and countersunk head solid rivets (AD = 2117) |
| EN AW-2117 | European designation; EN 1301 for drawn wire |
| UNS | A92117 |
The "2117A" seen in some catalogues is not a separate registered alloy; orders are made and certified as 2117 to the specification named.
Sizes, tolerances and packing
Typical supply range
- Wire diameter
- About 1.6 – 10 mm for rivets (1/16 to 3/8 in rivet sizes plus heading allowance)
- Rod
- Larger diameters in straight lengths for cold heading or machining
- Tempers
- O, H13, H15 or T4 as ordered
- Coils
- Level-wound coils or spools sized for heading machines
- Tolerances
- Close diameter tolerance and roundness per QQ-A-430 or ASTM B316; tighter on request
- Testing
- Tensile, shear and upset (heading) tests on samples from each lot
The upset test is the practical one for rivet makers: a sample is compressed to a set ratio and must show no cracks. Ask for it on the order if your heading process is demanding.
Heading, heat treatment and finishing
Heat treatment
Solution treat and quench rivets, then allow natural ageing to T4. Follow AMS 2771/2772-type controls for aerospace parts.
Finishing
Anodise (chromic or sulphuric) or apply a conversion coating; some programmes add a dye colour for identification.
Installation
AD rivets are driven as received, with no time limit, unlike D and DD rivets.
2117 compared with other rivet alloys
| Alloy (code) | Relative shear strength | Driving condition | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 (A) | Lowest | As received | Non-structural |
| 2117-T4 (AD) | Moderate (26 ksi min.) | As received | General airframe riveting |
| 2017-T4 (D) | Higher | Freshly quenched or refrigerated | Higher-load joints |
| 2024-T4 (DD) | High | Freshly quenched or refrigerated | Highest-strength aluminium rivets |
| 5056 (B) | Moderate | As received | Magnesium structures |
| 7050-T73 (E) | Highest | As received | Replacement for DD rivets |
How to order 2117 wire
- SpecifyDiameter and tolerance, temper (O, H13, H15 or T4), coil or length, quantity, specification (QQ-A-430, ASTM B316) and any upset or shear test requirements.
- Confirm the specificationWe check the order against the governing AMS, ASTM or EN document, confirm tempers, sizes, tolerances and any customer flow-down clauses, and quote on EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP terms.
- ProcessWire is drawn, annealed or heat treated as ordered, tested and wound on coils sized for your heading equipment.
- DocumentEach lot ships with a mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 showing heat or lot number, chemical analysis and mechanical test results, plus any ultrasonic or other inspection reports called for on the order.
- Pack and shipMaterial is protected against moisture and handling damage, packed in seaworthy cases or on pallets, marked for traceability and shipped by sea or air.
References and standards
- ASTM B316 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rivet and Cold-Heading Wire and Rods
- QQ-A-430 – Aluminum Alloy Rod and Wire, for Rivets and Cold Heading
- SAE AMS 7222 – Rivets, Aluminum Alloy, 2117-T4
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits
2117 aluminium (aluminum) rivet wire: FAQ
What does AD mean on an aircraft rivet?
AD identifies a 2117-T4 rivet, marked with a small dimple on the head. It is driven as received, and rivet procurement specifications require a minimum shear strength of 26 ksi (179 MPa).
Why do 2117 rivets not need refrigeration?
Their low magnesium content limits natural ageing, so they stay soft enough to drive indefinitely. 2017 and 2024 rivets harden within hours of quenching.
What temper should rivet wire be ordered in?
Rivet makers usually order O, H13 or H15 wire for heading, then heat treat the rivets to T4. T4 wire is ordered for parts that are not heat treated after forming.
Is 2117A different from 2117?
No separate 2117A alloy is registered. Material is supplied and certified as 2117 (EN AW-2117).
What tests are made on rivet wire?
Chemical analysis, tensile tests, diameter checks and, on request, shear and upset tests to confirm heading performance.
Need 2117 rivet wire or rod?
Send diameter, temper, coil size and specification. We will reply with tolerances, testing and delivery terms.
