{"id":2283,"date":"2026-01-31T11:38:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T03:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/?p=2283"},"modified":"2026-01-31T11:46:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T03:46:14","slug":"r14-aluminum-alloy-ingot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/r14-aluminum-alloy-ingot.html","title":{"rendered":"R14-T6 High Strength Cast Aluminum Alloy Comprehensive Guide: Harsh Composition, Precision Heat Treating and Aerospace Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"

As China's own research and development in a specific period of history, had been widely used in national defense and high-end equipment ZL201 Series High Strength Casting Aluminum Alloy<\/strong>The quintessential representative of theR14<\/strong> It's a kind ofVery high room temperature strength, excellent heat resistance and good weldability<\/strong>prominent Aluminum-Copper-Manganese (Al-Cu-Mn)<\/strong> Alloy. The alloy is passed through theMultiple composite reinforcement<\/strong>Its mechanical properties after casting and heat treatment, especially tensile strength, had long been in the top level of domestic casting aluminum alloy, specifically for the manufacture ofHigh-quality castings with high loads, high operating temperatures and complex structures<\/strong>And the design.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"R14<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Standards and grades for R14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Old national\/industry codes<\/strong>:R14<\/strong>\u00a0It is a grade code originated from the internal standard or early enterprise standard of China aviation industry system, with distinctive characteristics of the era and industry.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Corresponding national standard grade<\/strong>: its composition and properties are closest to national standards\u00a0ZL201A (ZAlCu5MnA)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Grade Meaning<\/strong>: \u201cR\u201d may stand for \u201cheat intensity\u201d or a specific number, and \u201c14\u201d is a serial number. It stands for\u00a0Al-Cu-Mn-Ti<\/strong>\u00a0A classic formula for system alloys.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Core features<\/strong>:Silicon (Si)-free or very low content<\/strong>The main strengthening element is copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) and titanium (Ti) are added to improve the organization and heat resistance.Must be subjected to rigorous heat treatment (T5\/T6) to achieve superior performance<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    R14 (ZL201A) Aluminum Alloy Composition Table (Typical Range)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    elemental<\/th>Content range (wt%)<\/th>functional role<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Copper (Cu)<\/strong><\/td>4.8-5.3<\/strong><\/td>Core Strengthening Elements<\/strong>. Formation of \u03b8' (Al\u2082Cu) reinforced phase provides very high room and high temperature strength.<\/td><\/tr>
    Manganese (Mn)<\/strong><\/td>0.6-1.0<\/strong><\/td>Key heat-resistant and toughening elements<\/strong>. Formation of heat-resistant phases such as T (Al\u2082\u2080Cu\u2082Mn\u2083) improves high-temperature properties and refines grains.<\/td><\/tr>
    Titanium (Ti)<\/strong><\/td>0.15-0.35<\/strong><\/td>Strong grain refiner<\/strong>.. Formation of Al\u2083Ti with aluminum, which acts as a heterogeneous nucleation core and significantly refines the as-cast organization.<\/td><\/tr>
    Cadmium (Cd)<\/strong> \u6216 Boron (B)<\/strong><\/td>Trace (e.g. Cd: 0.15-0.25)<\/strong><\/td>Crystal boundary modification elements<\/strong>. Promote the uniform precipitation of \u03b8' phase and improve the heat treatment strengthening effect and resistance to over-aging.<\/td><\/tr>
    Iron (Fe)<\/strong><\/td>\u2264 0.15<\/strong><\/td>Tightly controlled impurities<\/strong>. The content is extremely low to avoid the formation of harmful brittle iron-rich phases.<\/td><\/tr>
    Silicon (Si)<\/strong><\/td>\u2264 0.10<\/strong><\/td>Tightly controlled impurities<\/strong>The very low content is fundamental to its differentiation from Al-Si alloys. The very low content is fundamental to its differentiation from Al-Si alloys, ensuring good weldability at the expense of casting fluidity.<\/td><\/tr>
    Aluminum (Al)<\/strong><\/td>tolerance (i.e. allowed error)<\/td>Substrate material.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    R14 (ZL201A) Physical and Mechanical Properties Parameter Table (Sand Casting, Typical Values for T5\/T6 States)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Performance indicators<\/th>Range of values (T5\/T6 state)<\/th>Performance Positioning and Comparison<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    intensity<\/strong><\/td>Approx. 2.78 g\/cm\u00b3<\/td>Higher than Al-Si alloys.<\/td><\/tr>
    Room temperature tensile strength (Rm)<\/strong><\/td>400-480 MPa<\/strong><\/td>top level<\/strong>. Significantly higher than all conventional Al-Si system casting alloys (e.g. ZL101A about 310 MPa).<\/td><\/tr>
    Yield strength (Rp0.2)<\/strong><\/td>280-350 MPa<\/strong><\/td>Again, at the top level.<\/td><\/tr>
    Elongation (A)<\/strong><\/td>4.0-8.0%<\/strong><\/td>Highlighting Advantages<\/strong>. Maintains good plasticity at ultra-high strengths, far superior to high-strength Al-Si alloys (typically <2%).<\/td><\/tr>
    Brinell hardness (HB)<\/strong><\/td>100-120<\/td>High hardness.<\/td><\/tr>
    High Temperature Endurance (200\u00b0C)<\/strong><\/td>talented<\/strong><\/td>Core Advantages<\/strong>. The strength retention in the range of 150-250\u00b0C is much higher than that of the Al-Si-Cu system alloys.<\/td><\/tr>
    Weldability<\/strong><\/td>favorable<\/strong><\/td>Core Advantages<\/strong>. The low silicon content makes it less prone to weld cracking and allows for filler weld repairs.<\/td><\/tr>
    Casting mobility<\/strong><\/td>mediocre<\/strong><\/td>Main drawbacks<\/strong>. Wide solidification range, high tendency to thermal cracking, need to use complex casting process and riser design.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Performance Enhancement Paths and Technology Keys<\/strong>
    The performance of R14 is the result of the combination of its \u201charsh composition\u201d and \u201cprecise heat treatment\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Ingredient purity and precision<\/strong>: For impurity elements\u00a0Iron (Fe) and silicon (Si)<\/strong>\u00a0tolerance is extremely low, and high purity primary aluminum and intermediate alloys must be used. Trace elements\u00a0Cadmium (Cd) or boron (B)<\/strong>\u00a0The addition of the \u201csecret sauce\u201d is one of the \"secret recipes\" for its peak strength.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Harsh heat treatment regimes (T5\/T6)<\/strong>: Heat treatment is its lifeblood and usually includes:\n
        \n
      • Graded solid solution treatment<\/strong>: e.g., holding at a lower temperature (e.g., 540\u00b0C) and then increasing to a higher temperature (e.g., 550\u00b0C) to fully dissolve the Al\u2082Cu phase and prevent overcooking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cold water quenching<\/strong>: Sensitive to cooling rate and requires rapid cooling to obtain a supersaturated solid solution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • artificial time limit<\/strong>: Prolonged aging at 175-185\u00b0C (e.g., 6-10 hours) to obtain the desired precipitation strengthening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Advanced Casting Process<\/strong>: it is almost mandatory to use\u00a0Investment casting<\/strong>\u00a0or high quality\u00a0sand casting<\/strong>In order to cope with its poor casting performance, the solidification sequence is controlled in conjunction with measures such as cold iron and aggressive cooling.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Corresponding international grades<\/strong>
        As a classical high-strength casting alloy of the Al-Cu-Mn system, similarly positioned materials are available internationally:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Chinese national standard<\/strong>:ZL201A<\/strong>\u00a0(GB\/T 1173)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • American Standard<\/strong>:A201.0<\/strong>\u00a0(ASTM) are highly similar in performance orientation and composition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Russian Standard<\/strong>:AA\u041b9<\/strong>\u00a0(Similar to ZL205A, higher strength, same system)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • EU standard<\/strong>: There is no direct counterpart, but it is part of the200 Series Casting Aluminum-Copper Alloys<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          R14 (ZL201A) in the foundry industry<\/strong>
          Its application is mainly focused on the use ofExtreme performance requirements, relatively insensitive to cost<\/strong>The high end of the field:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Aerospace and Defense (traditional core applications)<\/strong>\n
              \n
            • Aircraft structural parts<\/strong>: Aircraft hangers, missile wings, UAV fuselage frames, helicopter complex joints.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Engine Accessories<\/strong>: Compressor magazines, engine mounts, high strength brackets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Military vehicles<\/strong>: Housings for transmission parts of tanks, armored vehicles, and viewer mounts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • High-end civilian equipment<\/strong>\n
                \n
              • High Performance Racing<\/strong>: Suspension mounts, steering knuckles, transmission housing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Precision instruments and robots<\/strong>: Highly rigid and lightweight robotic arm joints, high load sensor housing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Mould Industry<\/strong>: Blow molds, glass molds (to take advantage of their high thermal strength).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Special requirement parts<\/strong>\n
                  \n
                • Large and complex castings requiring welding repair<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Operating temperature at150-250\u00b0C<\/strong>between and require high strength components.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  R14 (ZL201A) Aluminum Alloy Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Q1: What are the biggest pros and cons of the R14?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • greatest strength<\/strong>:Peak of comprehensive mechanical properties<\/strong>-At the same time in cast aluminum alloysHighest strength, good plasticity and excellent high temperature properties<\/strong>andweldability<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • biggest drawback<\/strong>:Extremely poor casting workmanship<\/strong>(Poor fluidity, high tendency to thermal cracking),Very high production costs<\/strong>(Demanding raw materials and processes),General corrosion resistance<\/strong>(Contains high copper).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Q2: Can R14 be die-cast?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Almost impossible and unsuitable<\/strong>The high pressure die casting is not suitable for the high pressure die casting process. Its extremely poor fluidity, wide solidification temperature range and high sensitivity to thermal cracking, completely unsuitable for high-pressure die casting fast filling, rapid cooling process characteristics. It is specially designed for\u00a0Sand casting, investment casting<\/strong>\u00a0Designed for processes that allow fine control of the solidification process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Q3: How is the corrosion resistance of R14? Does it need surface treatment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Poor corrosion resistance<\/strong>. The high copper content makes them much less resistant to corrosion than Al-Si and Al-Mg alloys for general atmospheric and marine environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Must be surface treated<\/strong>. This is usually done byHard anodized<\/strong>\u6216livery (on airline or company vehicle)<\/strong>Protecting. Its good substrate strength also provides support for thick film layer treatments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Q4: What is the fundamental difference between R14 and common Al-Si alloys such as ZL101A and ZL104?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • These are two completely different alloy systems<\/strong>:\n
                            \n
                          • R14 (Al-Cu-Mn system)<\/strong>: The QuestExtreme mechanical properties<\/strong>(math.) genusPoor castability and high cost<\/strong>, like casting alloys in \u201cspecial steel<\/strong>\u201d\u3002<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • ZL101A\/104 (Al-Si-Mg system)<\/strong>: The QuestGood overall performance and processability balance<\/strong>(math.) genusGood castability and low cost<\/strong>It is.\u201cGeneral Engineering Plastics<\/strong>\u201d\u3002<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • The choice was made only when the Al-Si alloyStrength is absolutely impossible to meet the requirements<\/strong>R14 is an Al-Cu alloy that is only considered when the structure must be molded in one piece.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Q5: Is R14 obsolete in modern manufacturing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • Not obsolete, but highly specialized in application scenarios<\/strong>. With the development of high-performance Al-Si system alloys (e.g., ZL114A), aluminum matrix composites, and CNC machining (cutting from forged billets), there are more choices for many applications where R14 was necessary in the past. However, inRequirements for ultimate specific strength (strength\/density), complex structures requiring one-piece molding, high operating temperatures<\/strong>(used form a nominal expression)Aerospace & Defense Key Components<\/strong>On the other hand, R14 and its upgraded grades (e.g. ZL205A) still have irreplaceable value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              As a typical representative of the ZL201 series of high-strength cast aluminum alloys independently developed by China at a specific period in history and widely used in national defense and high-end equipments, R14 is an Aluminum-Copper-Manganese (Al-Cu-Mn) alloy known for its extremely high room-temperature strength, excellent heat resistance and good weldability. Strengthened by multiple composite reinforcement, the mechanical properties of this alloy in cast state and after heat treatment, especially the tensile strength, have long been at the top level of domestic casting aluminum alloys, and it is specially designed for the manufacture of high-quality castings that are subject to high loads, high working temperatures, and complex structures. R14 Corresponding Standards and Grades R14 (ZL201A) Aluminum Alloy Composition Table (Typical Range) Element Content Range (wt%) Functional Role Copper (Cu) 4.8-5.3 Core Strengthening Element. Formation \u03b8' (A ...<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2284,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[21],"tags":[121,89],"class_list":["post-2283","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-about-news","tag-common-cast-aluminum-alloys","tag-aluminium-alloy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2283","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2283"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2283\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2283"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2283"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hexinmusu.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2283"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}