Forming
Formability is lower than for conventional sheet. Warm forming and generous bend radii are normal; trial parts are recommended.
High-temperature aerospace sheet
8009 H112 Aerospace Aluminium Sheet & Plate
8009 is a rapidly solidified, powder-metallurgy aluminium alloy with about 8.6 % iron, 1.8 % silicon and 1.3 % vanadium. Unlike conventional aerospace grades it is not strengthened by ageing, so it keeps useful strength at 250 – 315 °C where 2xxx and 7xxx alloys soften. Metline sources 8009-H112 sheet to AMS 4308, and thicker plate on enquiry, for aerospace and defence customers worldwide.
- Alloy type
- Al-Fe-V-Si, dispersion strengthened
- Temper
- H112
- Sheet standard
- AMS 4308
- Service range
- Up to about 315 °C
What makes 8009 different from other aerospace alloys?
Most high-strength aluminium alloys rely on precipitates formed during ageing at 120 – 190 °C. Expose them to higher temperatures in service and those precipitates coarsen, so strength falls away. 8009 avoids this problem by using thermally stable iron-vanadium-silicon dispersoids that barely change below about 400 °C.
Those dispersoids can only be made fine enough by solidifying the metal extremely quickly. That is why 8009 is a powder-metallurgy product rather than a cast-and-rolled one. The alloy was developed for aero-engine and airframe parts that run hot, such as compressor-section components, nacelle structures, missile fins and skins near exhausts, where titanium was the only alternative.
An earlier version of this page gave a 7075-type chemistry (5 – 6 % zinc) and described 8009 as weldable and age-hardened. Both statements were wrong for the real alloy and have been corrected here.
8009 chemical composition (wt %)
The SAE specifications name the alloy by its nominal composition, 8.6Fe – 1.8Si – 1.3V. The limits below are approximate; certified values are given on the mill certificate for each lot.
| Element | Nominal (AMS 4308 / 4309 title) | Approximate range | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | 8.6 | About 8.4 – 8.9 | Forms the Al12(Fe,V)3Si dispersoids that carry strength at temperature |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.8 | About 1.7 – 1.9 | Stabilises the cubic silicide phase |
| Vanadium (V) | 1.3 | About 1.1 – 1.5 | Slows coarsening of the dispersoids |
| Copper, magnesium, zinc | — | Low impurity levels | Not used for strengthening |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder | Remainder | About 88 % |
How 8009 sheet and plate are produced
- Rapid solidificationMolten alloy is cooled at extremely high rates, for example by planar-flow casting onto a chilled wheel or by atomisation, so the iron and vanadium cannot form coarse needles.
- Powder or flakeThe ribbon or droplets are broken down into flake or powder with a very fine internal structure.
- ConsolidationThe powder is degassed, canned and hot-pressed into a dense billet.
- WorkingThe billet is hot rolled into sheet or plate, extruded into rod and profiles, or forged.
- No age hardeningThe product is delivered in H112 (as-fabricated). Strength comes from the dispersoids, not from a solution-and-age heat treatment.
Because the route involves powder handling and consolidation, 8009 sheet comes from a small number of specialist producers and is made in campaigns. Sizes depend on billet dimensions; confirm thickness, width and length at the enquiry stage.
Mechanical and physical properties
Published research on rapidly solidified and spray-formed 8009 reports room-temperature tensile strength of roughly 410 – 460 MPa and yield strength of roughly 345 – 410 MPa, with elongation around 8 – 12 %. Values depend strongly on the processing route and product form, so use the minimums in AMS 4308 for design.
| Property | 8009-H112 (indicative) | 2618-T61 (typical) | 7075-T6 (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength, room temperature | 410 – 460 MPa | 440 MPa | 570 MPa |
| Yield strength, room temperature | 345 – 410 MPa | 370 MPa | 505 MPa |
| Strength retention after long exposure at 250 – 315 °C | High | Moderate | Low |
| Strengthening mechanism | Dispersoids | Precipitation (aged) | Precipitation (aged) |
| Density | About 3.0 g/cm³ | 2.76 g/cm³ | 2.81 g/cm³ |
The high iron content makes 8009 denser than conventional aluminium, but its strength at temperature means specific strength above about 200 °C is still well ahead of 2xxx alloys. The iron-rich phases also raise the elastic modulus above that of ordinary aluminium alloys.
Supply range and standards
8009 sheet and plate
- Temper
- H112 (as-fabricated); O on request for forming trials
- Sheet thickness
- 0.25 – 6.35 mm (0.010 – 0.250 in), the range covered by AMS 4308
- Plate and thicker sections
- On enquiry, subject to billet size
- Width and length
- Confirmed per order; cut-to-size blanks available
- Specification
- SAE AMS 4308 (sheet); AMS 4309 covers extrusions of the same alloy
- Testing
- Chemistry, tensile at room temperature, optional elevated-temperature tensile and ultrasonic testing
The 1.0 – 150 mm and 1250 × 2500 mm sizes quoted on an earlier version of this page are not typical for a powder-metallurgy product and should not be assumed.
Forming, joining and machining
Joining
Fusion welding melts the rapidly solidified structure and coarsens the dispersoids, so weld zones lose much of their strength. Riveting, bolting, diffusion bonding and friction-stir welding are preferred.
Machining
Machines well with carbide tools; the hard intermetallic particles cause more tool wear than 6061.
Heat exposure
Avoid processing above about 450 °C; temperatures above about 600 °C coarsen the dispersoids and permanently reduce strength.
Surface treatment
Chemical conversion coatings and paint systems apply normally; anodising gives a darker film because of the iron content.
Inspection
Ultrasonic inspection is advisable for thicker sections to confirm full consolidation.
Typical uses of 8009 sheet and plate
- Nacelle, pylon and auxiliary power unit panels exposed to warm air
- Compressor-section housings and ducting in small gas turbines
- Missile fins and skins heated by aerodynamic friction
- Heat-exchanger and bleed-air components where weight matters
- Research and replacement of titanium parts in the 150 – 315 °C band
An earlier version of this page suggested turbine discs and blades. Those run far above any aluminium alloy's capability and are made from titanium and nickel superalloys.
How to order 8009 sheet
- SpecifyAlloy and temper, thickness, width and length, quantity and the governing specification with its revision (AMS 4308).
- ConfirmWe confirm the specification can be met, the tolerance class, any extra tests and the delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP).
- InspectMaterial is checked for dimensions, straightness and surface condition; tests named on the order are carried out or arranged with a third party.
- DocumentEach lot ships with a mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 showing chemistry and mechanical results, traceable to the cast or lot number.
- Pack and shipExport packing in sealed, moisture-protected wooden cases, coils on pallets or reels, shipped by sea or air to your port or door.
References and standards
- SAE AMS 4308 – Aluminum Alloy, Sheet 8.6Fe-1.8Si-1.3V (8009-H112), Powder Metallurgy Product, Strain Hardened
- SAE AMS 4309 – Aluminum Alloy Extrusions 8.6Fe-1.8Si-1.3V (8009-H112), Powder Metallurgy Product
- NASA Technical Reports Server – studies of dispersion-strengthened Al-Fe-V-Si alloys
- ASM Handbook, Vol. 2 – Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets)
8009 aluminium (aluminum) sheet: frequently asked questions
Is 8009 a heat-treatable alloy?
No. It is supplied in H112 and gets its strength from fine Fe-V-Si dispersoids formed during rapid solidification. Solution treatment and ageing do not apply.
What temperature can 8009 withstand in service?
It is designed for long-term use up to roughly 315 °C, well beyond the range where 2xxx and 7xxx alloys lose strength. Exposure above about 600 °C permanently degrades it.
Can 8009 be welded?
Fusion welding is not recommended because it destroys the rapidly solidified structure. Use mechanical fastening, diffusion bonding or friction-stir welding.
Which specification covers 8009 sheet?
SAE AMS 4308 covers sheet 0.25 – 6.35 mm thick in H112. AMS 4309 covers extrusions of the same alloy.
Why is 8009 denser than other aluminium alloys?
It contains about 8.6 % iron, which is much heavier than aluminium. Density is about 3.0 g/cm³, against 2.7 – 2.8 g/cm³ for conventional grades.
Can Metline supply 8009?
Yes, on enquiry. Because it is a specialist powder-metallurgy product, we confirm size, specification and availability with each quote.
Need heat-resistant aluminium sheet?
Send your 8009 requirement, or describe the service temperature, and we will advise on 8009, 2618 or 2219.
