AL 2017 80 HRB??? What condition is this??

[heloman29]

I reverse engineer airplane parts.... I'm having an issue with a part that was certified by my local lab to be aluminum 2017. The problem is that hardness tests indicate an average of 80 HRBW. I can only find 2017 in T4 (65 HRB) or O, is there some other spec that 2017 translates to that could be in a condition with this hardness? How do I get 2017 extruded bar stock to 80 HRB? I've not found any mention of 2017 in any other condition but T4 or O.The original part may have been made in the UK.
Thank you for any help you may give!

 

[swall]

I hate to ask the obvious, but did the lab do a spectrographic analysis to determine chemical composition?
One additional item you could check would be electrical conductivity.If it is 2017-T4, the IACS should be around 34%. If 2017 follows the ageing trend that 2014 does, you probably would see a conductivity of around 40% if someone had artifically aged the T4 material.

 

[CoryPad]

If the material is cold worked you may get higher hardness than if it were only naturally aged.

You are not likely to find 2017 in extruded bar stock. This is an old alloy that is used mainly for rivets. If you provide more details about the part and its requirements, you may get more helpful recommendations.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[heloman29]

Thank you for your responses! I did get a chem analysis stating the material is 2017. Also, the piece is part of a door latch mechanism. I may be able to substitute a material but the certification process is easier when I don’t have to make the FAA think too hard, so I try to copy the parts exactly. Lastly, I have been able to source the extruded bar in T4 condition. Any other thoughts a greatly appreciated, have a great day.