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Imagine an alloy that combines strength, versatility, and resilience, all while being lightweight—welcome to the world of AMS 4173 aluminum alloy. Whether you’re an engineer, a materials scientist, or simply curious about advanced metal compositions, understanding AMS 4173 is crucial. This guide delves into the intricate details of its chemical composition, mechanical properties, and diverse applications. From aerospace components to structural engineering marvels, AMS 4173 aluminum alloy stands out for its unique balance of performance characteristics. Ready to uncover why this alloy is a cornerstone in various industries and how its properties can be optimized through specific heat treatments? Let’s explore the depths of AMS 4173 and discover what makes it indispensable.
AMS 4173 is an aluminum alloy specification based on the 6061 series, designed for high performance in demanding applications. This alloy is recognized for its balanced combination of strength, corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and excellent workability. These attributes make AMS 4173 a versatile material suitable for industries such as aerospace, automotive, structural engineering, and electronics.
The chemical composition of AMS 4173 closely aligns with the 6061 aluminum alloy. It includes approximately 98.9% Aluminum (Al), 1.0% Magnesium (Mg), 0.6% Silicon (Si), 0.3% Copper (Cu), and 0.2% Chromium (Cr). These elements enhance its strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, and overall structural integrity.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is strong, lightweight, and stable under varying temperatures. It has a tensile strength of about 97 MPa (14,069 psi), a yield strength of around 76 MPa (11,023 psi), and a density of approximately 2.7 g/cm³. The alloy’s thermal conductivity is 166 W/m·K, making it efficient at heat dissipation, and its electrical resistivity is low (~0.040 x 10^-6 Ω·m), allowing for efficient current flow.
AMS 4173 is produced through extrusion, followed by solution heat treatment, stress relief, and precipitation heat treatment. This process ensures minimal warping and dimensional stability. The alloy is available in various temper designations, such as O (soft), T4, T4510, T6510, and T6511, with T6511 offering a balance between strength and workability.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is used in aerospace for lightweight structural components, automotive parts requiring durability and weight reduction, structural engineering projects like bridges and pipelines, electronics for heat exchangers and housings, and general manufacturing for precise extruded profiles.
The development of aluminum alloys like AMS 4173 began in the early 20th century, driven by the need for lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant materials. Initially, aluminum’s primary use was limited due to its high cost and the technical challenges associated with its extraction. However, advancements in electrolytic reduction processes, particularly the Hall-Héroult process, significantly reduced the cost of aluminum production, enabling its broader application.
Aluminum alloy 6061, the foundation for AMS 4173, was introduced in the 1930s by the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa). Developed to provide a balanced combination of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance, this alloy quickly gained popularity in the aerospace and automotive industries due to its superior mechanical properties and excellent weldability.
The Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS), created by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), standardize materials used in the aerospace industry to ensure they meet strict quality and performance criteria. AMS 4173 was developed as part of this initiative to standardize the properties and processing methods for 6061 aluminum alloy extrusions.
Since its inception, AMS 4173 has been regularly updated to incorporate new processing techniques, improve material properties, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Each revision aims to enhance the alloy’s performance, reliability, and consistency in demanding applications.
AMS 4173 has had a significant impact on various industries, particularly aerospace and defense, where material performance and reliability are critical. The specification ensures that 6061 aluminum alloy extrusions meet the rigorous demands of these sectors, providing lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant materials for structural components. Additionally, AMS 4173 has facilitated the adoption of 6061 alloy in other industries, such as automotive, marine, and electronics, where its balanced properties are highly valued.
AMS 4173 corresponds closely to the 6061 aluminum alloy, renowned for its balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent machinability. This alloy is extensively used in aerospace and other high-performance applications due to its well-rounded properties.
The chemical composition of AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is meticulously controlled to ensure it meets stringent aerospace standards. Each element contributes significantly to the alloy’s performance:
Silicon, ranging from 0.40% to 0.80%, significantly enhances the strength and castability of the alloy while improving corrosion resistance. The presence of silicon helps form a robust and stable matrix within the aluminum, contributing to the alloy’s durability.
Magnesium, present in amounts between 0.80% and 1.20%, is crucial for enhancing the alloy’s performance, making it ideal for challenging environments. It improves both the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of the alloy.
Copper, ranging from 0.15% to 0.40%, increases the alloy’s strength and hardness, particularly after heat treatment. However, its concentration is carefully limited to avoid compromising the alloy’s corrosion resistance.
Chromium, present at 0.04% to 0.35%, is essential for controlling the grain structure. It prevents the formation of harmful grain boundary precipitates, enhances toughness, and improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Chromium’s presence ensures the alloy maintains structural integrity under stress.
| Element | Weight % Range | Role and Impact on Alloy Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.40 – 0.80% | Enhances strength, castability, and corrosion resistance. Silicon helps form a strong and stable matrix in the alloy, contributing to overall durability. |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.70% | Increases strength but excessive iron can reduce ductility and corrosion resistance. |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.15 – 0.40% | Improves strength and hardness, especially after heat treatment; however, it may slightly reduce corrosion resistance. |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.15% | Refines grain structure to increase strength and toughness. |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.80 – 1.20% | Provides solid solution strengthening and improves corrosion resistance, significantly boosting mechanical strength. |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.04 – 0.35% | Controls grain structure, prevents harmful grain boundary precipitates, enhances toughness, and improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking. |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25% | Can improve strength but excessive amounts can hurt ductility and corrosion resistance. |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.15% | Acts as a grain refiner, improving mechanical properties and toughness. |
| Other Elements | Each ≤ 0.05%, Total ≤ 0.15% | Minor elements are controlled to maintain alloy consistency and prevent detrimental effects on mechanical and chemical properties. |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder | Base metal providing light weight and overall matrix for alloying elements. |
The exact alloying limits of AMS 4173 ensure it meets aerospace requirements for strength and durability. This well-balanced formulation supports complex machining and forming processes, making AMS 4173 suitable for intricate components like heat exchangers, electronic housings, and semiconductor parts. Additionally, its durability and light weight make it ideal for infrastructure applications such as bridges and pressure vessels.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is known for its high tensile and yield strengths, making it ideal for challenging applications. AMS 4173 has a tensile strength of 42 to 45 ksi (290 to 310 MPa) and a yield strength of 35 to 40 ksi (241 to 276 MPa). These strengths allow the material to withstand significant stress and handle substantial loads before deforming.
AMS 4173’s Brinell hardness of about 95 means it resists wear and surface damage well. Additionally, the alloy’s elongation range of 8% to 10% demonstrates good flexibility and toughness, allowing it to absorb impact without breaking.
AMS 4173 offers excellent corrosion resistance, essential for aerospace and defense applications. Elements like magnesium and silicon in the alloy help it endure corrosive environments, ensuring durability and reliability.
Heat treatment processes significantly enhance the mechanical properties of AMS 4173. Solution heat treatment heats and quickly cools the alloy, dissolving elements like magnesium and silicon into the aluminum, which increases its strength and hardness. Following this, precipitation heat treatment ages the alloy at lower temperatures, precipitating magnesium silicide and further improving its strength.
AMS 4173’s physical properties complement its mechanical attributes. The modulus of elasticity is approximately 70 GPa (10,153 ksi), ensuring minimal deformation under load. Its excellent thermal conductivity, around 166 W/m·K, is beneficial for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation.
Heat treatment processes are crucial for improving the mechanical properties of AMS 4173 aluminum alloy. The primary goal is to enhance strength, hardness, and dimensional stability while ensuring minimal warping. Several specific techniques are employed to achieve these objectives, each tailored to the alloy’s requirements.
Solution heat treatment involves heating the AMS 4173 alloy to a high temperature, typically between 530°C and 550°C, to dissolve alloying elements such as magnesium and silicon into the aluminum matrix, creating a homogeneous microstructure. The alloy is held at this temperature to ensure complete dissolution of these elements.
Quenching follows the solution heat treatment and rapidly cools the alloy, usually in water, to room temperature. This prevents the dissolved elements from precipitating out of the aluminum matrix, maintaining a supersaturated solution.
Artificial aging, also known as precipitation heat treatment, involves heating the quenched alloy at lower temperatures (typically between 150°C and 190°C) for a specified duration. This process allows the dissolved elements to precipitate out, forming fine particles that strengthen the aluminum matrix.
For tempers such as T651 and T6511, stress relieving is done by stretching the alloy after quenching but before aging. This involves stretching the material by 1–3%, which helps to relieve internal stresses, minimize warping, and improve dimensional stability.
Artificial aging (T6, T651, T6511) significantly enhances the tensile and yield strength of AMS 4173. The precipitation of hardening phases during aging increases the material’s ability to withstand mechanical stress.
Stress-relief stretching (T651/T6511) ensures minimal warping, which is critical for applications requiring high precision and stability, such as aerospace components and machined parts.
The choice of temper allows manufacturers to balance strength and formability. Tempers like T4 provide good formability, while T6 and T651 offer higher strength for more demanding applications.
AMS 4173, especially in T651/T6511 tempers, is widely used in aerospace structures, automotive components, heat exchangers, electronic housings, and structural engineering applications due to its combination of light weight, strength, and thermal conductivity.
The aerospace industry highly favors AMS 4173 aluminum alloy for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Components such as aircraft frames, wings, and fuselage parts utilize AMS 4173 for its ability to endure high stress while remaining lightweight, and its weldability and machinability make it suitable for intricate parts requiring precision and reliability.
In structural engineering, AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is used extensively for constructing bridges, buildings, and pipelines. Its combination of high strength and low weight allows for the creation of robust structures without adding unnecessary mass. Its resistance to corrosion ensures long-lasting structures and lower maintenance costs, making it ideal for projects in harsh environments.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is perfect for electronic housings because it conducts heat and electricity well. It is used in the manufacturing of semiconductor components and electronic enclosures where efficient heat dissipation is crucial. The alloy’s ability to be precisely machined into complex shapes allows for the production of custom electronic housings that meet specific design requirements.
The thermal conductivity of AMS 4173 makes it suitable for heat exchangers, which require efficient heat transfer to maintain operational efficiency. Additionally, its strength and resistance to corrosion make it an excellent material for pressure vessels that must withstand high internal pressures and corrosive environments. These properties ensure the safe and effective performance of heat exchangers and pressure vessels in various industrial applications.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is also utilized in marine applications, particularly in the construction of boat hulls and other components exposed to saltwater. Its corrosion resistance and lightweight properties make it ideal for marine environments demanding durability and performance, while its ease of fabrication allows for creating custom parts tailored to specific operational needs.
One notable example of AMS 4173 in action is its use in aircraft wing spars. These components require exceptional strength and fatigue resistance to support the aircraft’s wings during flight. AMS 4173 provides the necessary mechanical properties, ensuring safe and efficient performance.
AMS 4173 has been used in the construction of modern bridges, where its lightweight and high-strength characteristics contribute to the overall structural integrity. The alloy’s corrosion resistance ensures that the bridges remain durable and require minimal maintenance over time.
In the electronics industry, AMS 4173 is employed in the production of enclosures for sensitive components. Its ability to dissipate heat efficiently protects electronic parts from overheating, while its machinability allows for precise and custom designs.
Marine vessels benefit from AMS 4173’s corrosion resistance, which is essential for long-term exposure to saltwater. The alloy’s lightweight properties also enhance the vessel’s performance by reducing overall weight and improving fuel efficiency.
When evaluating AMS 4173 aluminum alloy, it is essential to understand how it compares with other similar aluminum alloys, particularly those widely used in structural, aerospace, and general engineering applications. This comparison helps engineers and designers make informed decisions about material selection for specific applications.
6061 aluminum alloy is one of the most common alloys used in various industries due to its versatile properties. Both AMS 4173 and 6061 share similarities but also have distinct differences that cater to specific applications.
| Element | AMS 4173 Aluminum Alloy | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~1.0% | 0.8–1.2% |
| Silicon (Si) | ~0.60% | 0.40–0.80% |
| Copper (Cu) | ~0.30% | 0.15–0.40% |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.35% | 0.04–0.35% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.70% | ≤ 0.70% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.15% | ≤ 0.15% |
AMS 4173’s chemical composition is tailored for extrusion products, offering specific strength and conductivity.
AMS 4173 and 6061 exhibit excellent mechanical properties suitable for various applications.
| Property | AMS 4173 Aluminum Alloy | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 42–45 ksi (290–310 MPa) | 42–45 ksi (290–310 MPa) |
| Yield Strength | 35–40 ksi (241–276 MPa) | 35–40 ksi (241–276 MPa) |
| Hardness | Brinell ~95 | Brinell ~95 |
| Elongation | 8–10% | 8–10% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent |
Both alloys have high tensile and yield strengths, but AMS 4173’s balanced properties make it especially suitable for structural and pressure vessel uses. 6061 is favored for its excellent corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments.
AMS 4173 is recognized for its superior thermal and electrical conductivity.
| Property | AMS 4173 Aluminum Alloy | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | 166 W/m·K | 151–170 W/m·K (varies with temper) |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~0.040 x 10^-6 Ω·m | ~0.040 x 10^-6 Ω·m |
| Thermal Expansion | 23.4 x 10^-6 /°C | 13.1 microinch/inch/°F (23.6 x 10^-6 /°C) |
AMS 4173’s thermal conductivity makes it ideal for heat exchangers and electronic housings that need efficient heat dissipation. While 6061 also performs well thermally, AMS 4173 is preferred in applications demanding superior heat management.
| Property | AMS 4173 Aluminum Alloy | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Machinability | Excellent | Good |
| Formability | Excellent | Good (varies with temper) |
| Weldability | Good | Excellent |
AMS 4173’s excellent machinability and formability make it perfect for creating intricate parts needed in electronics and aerospace. 6061 is known for good weldability and machinability, though it may require specific tempers to optimize these properties.
7075 aluminum alloy is another high-strength alloy often compared with AMS 4173, especially in aerospace applications.
| Element | AMS 4173 Aluminum Alloy | 7075 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | ~1.0% | 2.1–2.9% |
| Silicon (Si) | ~0.60% | ≤ 0.40% |
| Copper (Cu) | ~0.30% | 1.2–2.0% |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.35% | ≤ 0.25% |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25% | 5.1–6.1% |
7075 has more magnesium and copper, which gives it greater strength but usually lessens its corrosion resistance compared to AMS 4173.
| Property | AMS 4173 Aluminum Alloy | 7075 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 42–45 ksi (290–310 MPa) | 73 ksi (503 MPa) |
| Yield Strength | 35–40 ksi (241–276 MPa) | 63 ksi (434 MPa) |
| Hardness | Brinell ~95 | Brinell ~150 |
| Elongation | 8–10% | 6–11% |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Fair |
7075 offers higher tensile and yield strengths, making it suitable for applications requiring exceptional strength, such as aerospace structural components. However, AMS 4173’s balanced properties and better corrosion resistance make it ideal for broader applications.
AMS 4173 is a specification established by SAE International that outlines the requirements for the 6061 aluminum alloy in various extruded forms such as bars, rods, wire, profiles, and tubing. This standard ensures consistency and quality across manufacturers, catering to demanding sectors like aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering.
AMS 4173 defines the chemical makeup of the aluminum alloy, including about 1.0% Magnesium (Mg), 0.60% Silicon (Si), and 0.30% Copper (Cu). These elements are essential for the alloy’s mechanical properties and reliable performance.
The standard applies to extruded shapes, including:
These forms are selected for applications requiring precise mechanical properties and dimensional stability.
AMS 4173 mandates strict adherence to several key aspects to ensure the alloy’s performance:
The standard requires precise control over the alloying elements to ensure predictable mechanical and physical characteristics. This includes maintaining specific limits for each element, such as Magnesium, Silicon, and Copper.
AMS 4173 includes several temper conditions like O (annealed), T4, T42, T4510, T4511, T6, T62, T6510, and T6511, each defining the alloy’s mechanical properties and application suitability.
The specification outlines the required mechanical properties, including:
AMS 4173 typically requires tensile strength ranging from 42 ksi (290 MPa) to 45 ksi (310 MPa), ensuring the alloy can resist applied loads effectively.
The yield strength is specified between 35 ksi (241 MPa) and 40 ksi (276 MPa), indicating the stress limit before permanent deformation occurs.
Elongation values of approximately 8% to 10% are specified, highlighting the alloy’s ductility and toughness, which are crucial for forming and impact resistance.
The standard specifies a hardness of about 95 Brinell, contributing to the alloy’s wear and shear resistance.
AMS 4173 defines the modulus of elasticity around 68 to 70 GPa (approximately 10,153 ksi), reflecting the alloy’s stiffness and ability to maintain shape under load.
The AMS 4173 aluminum alloy is processed through several steps to achieve the required temper and mechanical properties:
A standardized stretching process is utilized to minimize distortion during heat treatment, ensuring dimensional tolerances critical for aerospace and precision engineering components.
AMS 4173 is often cross-referenced with other standards such as AMS-QQ-A-200/8 and ASTM B221 for extruded aluminum products. This ensures broad acceptance and compatibility in manufacturing and procurement specifications.
AMS 4173 also aligns with defense and aerospace requirements, including compliance with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), making it suitable for military applications.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy, which corresponds to the 6061 aluminum alloy, has a specific chemical composition designed to balance strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability. The key elements in AMS 4173 include:
This composition provides AMS 4173 with a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and good machinability, making it suitable for various applications such as aerospace components, structural engineering, electronic housings, and heat exchangers.
AMS 4173 corresponds to the 6061-T651 aluminum alloy, known for its balanced mechanical properties. The tensile strength typically ranges from 42 ksi (290 MPa) to 45 ksi (310 MPa), while the yield strength is between 35 ksi (241 MPa) and 40 ksi (276 MPa). These values indicate the alloy’s capacity to withstand stress and deformation. The elongation percentage, which measures ductility, ranges from 8% to 10%, allowing the material to stretch moderately before breaking.
The Brinell hardness is approximately 95, reflecting good wear resistance. The shear strength is around 30 ksi (207 MPa), highlighting its ability to resist sliding forces. The modulus of elasticity, about 68 to 70 GPa, ensures stiffness and minimal deformation under stress. These properties, combined with good corrosion resistance and heat treatability, make AMS 4173 (6061-T651) suitable for aerospace, structural engineering, and other demanding applications.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy, specifically the 6061-T651 variant, is widely used across various industries due to its excellent combination of strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and machinability. In aerospace and defense, it is utilized for structural components, aircraft fittings, and missile parts because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to fatigue. The automotive industry employs AMS 4173 for chassis components, engine parts, and heat exchangers, benefiting from its lightweight properties and efficient heat dissipation. In marine applications, the alloy’s corrosion resistance makes it suitable for boat fittings and hull structures. Electronics and high-tech sectors use AMS 4173 for housings and heat sinks due to its thermal and electrical conductivity. Additionally, it is popular in construction for bridges, buildings, and pipelines, and in recreational equipment like bicycle frames and camping gear, where lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials are essential.
Heat treatments applied to AMS 4173 aluminum alloy, which is based on the 6061 alloy composition, are essential for optimizing its mechanical properties. The primary heat treatments include:
These treatments ensure that AMS 4173 exhibits the necessary mechanical properties, such as improved tensile strength and hardness, making it suitable for demanding aerospace and automotive applications.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy complies with aerospace and defense standards by adhering to stringent specifications set forth for mechanical properties, chemical composition, and manufacturing processes. The alloy’s certification under the AMS (Aerospace Material Specifications) ensures that it meets the rigorous criteria for strength, durability, and corrosion resistance essential for aerospace applications. Compliance with standards such as AMS-QQ-A-200/8 and ASTM B221 further guarantees that the material is suitable for critical applications in both military and civilian sectors. Regulatory bodies like the FAA, EASA, and NASA mandate these standards to ensure the safety and reliability of aerospace components. This compliance ensures that AMS 4173 is reliable for high-stress environments, making it a preferred choice in the aerospace and defense industries.
AMS 4173 aluminum alloy, specifically the 6061-T651 or T6511 tempers, can be sourced and purchased from specialized metal distributors that cater to aerospace and industrial applications. Notable suppliers include:
To purchase AMS 4173 aluminum alloy, contact these suppliers directly to confirm current stock, pricing, and lead times, as product availability may fluctuate. Ensure the material meets your project specifications and compliance requirements.
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