AMS 4117 Aluminum Alloy – Composition, Properties and Uses

AMS4117 is a popular aluminium alloy widely used in various industries because of its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Aluminum alloys are becoming increasingly popular in manufacturing due to their low density, power, and adaptability. AMS4117 is no exception; this alloy’s unique features make it an ideal material for several applications. This blog will discuss the composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, uses, and heat treatment of AMS 4117.

What is AMS 4117?

AMS 4117 (also known as 6061 Aluminum Alloy) is a specification that outlines the material properties and requirements for aluminium alloy 7075-T6. This alloy is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and is commonly used in aircraft components and high-performance sports equipment applications. The AMS4117 specification ensures that the material meets specific mechanical, chemical, and physical properties, making it suitable for demanding environments where high strength and durability are essential.

What form is AMS 4117 Available at Piping Mart?

• Pipes
• Tubing
• Sheet Plates
• Pipe Fittings
• Forged Fittings

 AMS 4117 Composition

AMS 4117 is an aluminum alloy with various elements contributing to its outstanding properties. The primary alloying elements include magnesium and silicon, with copper and iron present in trace amounts. The exact composition of the alloy is as follows: aluminium (balance), magnesium (1.2-1.8%), copper (0.10%), iron (0.50%), silicon (0.40%), and zinc (0.25%). Combining these elements makes AMS 4117 an ideal material for several high-performance applications.

AMS 4117 Physical Properties 

AMS 4117 has excellent physical properties, making it an ideal material for various applications. The density of AMS 4117 is 2.78 g/cm³, which makes it a lightweight material. The alloy has a melting point of 585°C and a thermal conductivity of 138 W/mK. It has a specific heat of 900 J/kgK and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 22.7 x 10^-6/K, indicating excellent thermal stability. These properties make AMS4117 ideal for the aerospace, automotive, and electrical industries.

 AMS 4117 Mechanical Properties

AMS 4117 has exceptional mechanical properties, making it the preferred material for high-stress applications. The alloy has a tensile strength of 427 MPa and a yield strength of 360 MPa. It has a modulus of elasticity of 70.3 GPa and a shear modulus of 26 GPa. The alloy also has outstanding fatigue resistance, making it an ideal material for aerospace applications. Its high strength-to-weight ratio means AMS 4117 is sought after when designing structures that require reduced weight, such as bicycles, aircraft, and vehicles.

AMS 4117 Equivalents

AMS 4117 Uses

AMS 4117 is commonly used in various industries, including aerospace, defence, automotive, and electrical. In the aerospace industry, AMS 4117 is popular as a structural material due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which allows for reduced fuel consumption and improved overall efficiency. The alloy is also ideal for manufacturing critical parts of the vehicle’s engine that require high strength, such as connecting rods and pistons. Its high-stress resistance makes it perfect for the manufacturing of electrical conductors.

 AMS 4117 Hardness

The hardness of AMS 4117 can be increased through heat treatment. The hardness of the alloy can be increased from 87 HRB to 95 HRB through solution heat treatment and ageing. The increased hardness improves the alloy’s wear resistance, making it perfect for high-stress, wear, and tear applications.

 AMS 4117 Heat treatment

The heat treatment process for AMS 4117 involves solution heat treatment and ageing. T5 temper is achieved by artificially ageing the alloy at room temperature after solution heat treatment. Alternatively, T6 temper is achieved by artificially ageing the alloy at 165°C. Solution heat treatment involves heating the material to 540°C, holding it for two to three hours, and quenching it in water. The solution heat treatment enhances the material’s strength and durability, making it an essential aspect of manufacturing.

Conclusion:

AMS 4117 is a typical aluminium alloy with unique features that make it an ideal material for several high-performance applications. The combination of elements in AMS 4117 makes it durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. The alloy’s exceptional mechanical and physical properties make it an essential component in the aerospace, automotive, and electrical industries. Heat treatment is crucial in AMS 4117’s manufacturing process, enhancing the material’s strength and durability. With these features, it’s no wonder that AMS 4117 is becoming increasingly popular in the manufacturing industry as the go-to material for high-performance applications.