MetalsAlloy2219 Aluminum
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2219 Aluminum (AA 2219) is a wrought aluminum–copper alloy developed for high-strength structures that must retain useful properties across a wide temperature range. Its approximately 6% copper addition provides heat-treatable strength, while manganese, vanadium and zirconium contribute to microstructural control. The alloy is especially associated with welded aerospace hardware, including cryogenic propellant tanks and space-booster structures. Compared with many high-strength 2xxx alloys, 2219 is valued for good fracture toughness and ready weldability. Selection nevertheless requires attention to temper, product form, corrosion protection and the property reduction within a weld heat-affected zone.
| Chemical Composition wt.% | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Silicon | — | 0.20 |
| Iron | — | 0.30 |
| Copper | 5.80 | 6.80 |
| Manganese | 0.20 | 0.40 |
| Magnesium | — | 0.02 |
| Zinc | — | 0.10 |
| Titanium | 0.02 | 0.10 |
| Vanadium | 0.05 | 0.15 |
| Zirconium | 0.10 | 0.25 |
| Other elements, each | — | 0.05 |
| Other elements, total | — | 0.15 |
| Aluminum | Balance | |
Registered composition limits are expressed as weight percent, with aluminum as the remainder. The limits below are supported by the 2219 technical datasheet; individual-product specifications may apply additional limits or product-form requirements.
Values are source-reported reference values. Mechanical properties vary substantially with temper, orientation, thickness, product specification and cladding; use the governing procurement specification for design and acceptance.
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| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.84 g/cm³2.84 g/cm³ |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength (T8511, L direction) | 58 ksi |
| Yield Strength (T8511, L direction) | 42 ksi |
| Elongation in 2 in (T8511, L direction) | 6 % |
| Tensile Strength (T8511, LT direction) | 56 ksi |
| Yield Strength (T8511, LT direction) | 39 ksi |
| Elongation in 2 in (T8511, LT direction) | 4 % |
| Tensile Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.020–0.039 in) | 49 ksi |
| Yield Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.020–0.039 in) | 37 ksi |
| Elongation in 2 in (Clad T81/T851, 0.020–0.039 in) | 6 % |
| Tensile Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.099–0.249 in) | 58 ksi |
| Yield Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.099–0.249 in) | 43 ksi |
| Elongation in 2 in (Clad T81/T851, 0.099–0.249 in) | 7 % |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.72E+07 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 5.81E-08 Ω·m |
| Temperature Coefficient of Resistance | 0.0039 °C⁻¹ |
Test conditions & data notes
- Density: Calculated nominal density for active wrought alloy 2219.
- Electrical Conductivity: Condition not stated in source.
- Electrical Resistivity: At room temperature, 25 °C.
- Temperature Coefficient of Resistance: Condition not stated in source.
- Tensile Strength (T8511, L direction): Bar and extrusions; AMS 4162.
- Yield Strength (T8511, L direction): Bar and extrusions; AMS 4162.
- Elongation in 2 in (T8511, L direction): Bar and extrusions; AMS 4162.
- Tensile Strength (T8511, LT direction): Bar and extrusions; AMS 4162.
- Yield Strength (T8511, LT direction): Bar and extrusions; AMS 4162.
- Elongation in 2 in (T8511, LT direction): Bar and extrusions; AMS 4162.
- Tensile Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.020–0.039 in): Sheet and plate; AMS 4094.
- Yield Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.020–0.039 in): Sheet and plate; AMS 4094.
- Elongation in 2 in (Clad T81/T851, 0.020–0.039 in): Sheet and plate; AMS 4094.
- Tensile Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.099–0.249 in): Sheet and plate; AMS 4094.
- Yield Strength (Clad T81/T851, 0.099–0.249 in): Sheet and plate; AMS 4094.
- Elongation in 2 in (Clad T81/T851, 0.099–0.249 in): Sheet and plate; AMS 4094.
Material Conditions & Tempers
2219 is supplied in annealed and heat-treated tempers. The appropriate designation depends on form, section size, required residual-stress control and welding sequence. T8-type tempers combine solution heat treatment, controlled cold work and artificial aging; T8511 is commonly used for bar and extrusions. Always specify the full alloy, product form, temper and applicable material specification.
| Condition | Tensile Strength | Yield / Proof Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| O | 32 ksi maximum | 16 ksi maximum | Annealed condition for bare sheet and plate. Source lists 12% elongation in 2 in for 0.020–2.00 in thickness. |
| T351 | 46 ksi | 28 ksi | Solution heat-treated, stress-relieved and naturally aged condition listed for bare sheet and plate. Source value applies to 0.250–2.00 in thickness and lists 10% elongation in 2 in. |
| T81 / T851 | 49–58 ksi | 37–43 ksi | Artificially aged clad sheet and plate conditions. Reported values vary with thickness from 0.020 to 0.499 in. |
| T8511 | 56–58 ksi | 39–42 ksi | Stress-relieved, artificially aged bar and extrusion temper. Reported values depend on longitudinal or long-transverse test direction. |
Advantages & Limitations
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Processing & Fabrication
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Welding | 2219 is described by the supplier as readily weldable. For critical aerospace weldments, qualify the filler metal, joint configuration, shielding and post-weld inspection to the applicable program or specification; account for the softened heat-affected zone in design. |
| Machining | The alloy is reported to have good machinability. Rigid workholding and sharp tooling help control distortion and burrs, particularly in thin-walled or residual-stress-sensitive components. |
| Forming | Use the annealed or an appropriate less-highly-aged condition where substantial forming is required. High-strength aged tempers have lower forming latitude and may require generous radii and a qualified forming route. |
| Heat treatment | 2219 develops strength through solution heat treatment, quenching, cold work where applicable and aging. Use only the time-temperature cycle and quench practice specified for the required product specification; do not substitute generic 2xxx schedules. |
| Corrosion protection | For exposed copper-bearing alloy surfaces, consider clad product where available, conversion treatment, primer/paint systems and galvanic-isolation details appropriate to the service environment. |
Applications
2219 is selected where a weldable, heat-treatable aluminum alloy is needed for high-strength structures, especially where cryogenic or moderately elevated-temperature service is part of the design envelope.
- Cryogenic propellant and fuel tanks: Its weldability, toughness and cited low-temperature service capability make 2219 a long-established choice for fabricated tank structures.
- Space boosters and launch-vehicle structures: The alloy is specifically identified for space boosters, where high strength-to-weight ratio and reliable welded fabrication are valuable.
- High-temperature aerospace structures: The supplier identifies 2219 for high-temperature structural aerospace applications and cites utility through 600 °F.
- Welded aerospace plate and extrusion assemblies: Sheet, plate, bar and extrusion availability, together with T8-series strength, supports machined and welded structural details.
Standards & Designations
| Designation | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Association | 2219 / AA 2219 | Active wrought aluminum alloy designation; the Aluminum Association cross-reference identifies 2219 as AlCu6Mn. |
| ASTM | ASTM B211 | Listed by the supplier as a related material specification. |
| ASTM | ASTM B221 | Listed by the supplier as a related material specification. |
| SAE AMS | AMS 4162 | Listed for 2219 bar and extrusions in the supplied datasheet. |
| SAE AMS | AMS 4163 | Listed by the supplier as a related material specification. |
| SAE AMS | AMS 4094 | Listed for clad 2219 sheet and plate in the supplied datasheet. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 2219 aluminum widely used for propellant tanks?
2219 combines heat-treatable strength, good fracture toughness and ready weldability. Those characteristics are particularly useful for large welded aerospace tank structures, including cryogenic fuel and propellant tanks.
Is 2219 aluminum corrosion resistant?
Like other copper-bearing 2xxx alloys, 2219 generally needs more deliberate corrosion protection than 5xxx marine alloys or many 6xxx alloys. Clad sheet or plate, conversion coatings, primers and galvanic isolation may be used when the exposure demands them.
What is the difference between 2219-T8511 and 2219-T81/T851?
They are different temper/product-form designations. The supplied data list T8511 for bar and extrusions, while T81/T851 is listed for clad sheet and plate. Their strength values and permitted dimensions therefore should not be interchanged.
References & Data Notes
- (n.d.). The Aluminum Association, International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys (Teal Sheets), December 2025. https://www.aluminum.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/Teal%20Sheets%20December%202025.pdf
- (n.d.). Smiths Metal Centres, 2219 Aluminium Technical Datasheet. https://www.smithmetal.com/pdf/aluminium/2xxx/2219.pdf
- (n.d.). EngineerCalculator, Properties and Overview of Aluminium Alloy 2219. https://www.engineercalculator.com/metal-alloy-properties-and-overview/aluminium-alloy-2219-various-properties-and-overview
Composition is shown as weight-percent limits from the supplied 2219 datasheet. Density is the Aluminum Association calculated nominal density. Mechanical and electrical values are reference data only and must be verified against the applicable product, temper and procurement specification.