How long does it take for aluminum alloys to age at ambient temperature?

There are many wrought and cast aluminum alloys that can be strengthened by solution treatment and aging in a variety of different tempers. The mechanical properties of heat-treated alloy parts can be optimized by selecting the appropriate solution and aging process sequence.

For some alloys, for example, corrosion resistance can be increased by sacrificing strength and vice versa. Depending on the alloy and the cross-section during solution treatment, various cooling methods can be used to reduce distortion. 2XXX (Al-Cu), 6XXX (Al-Mg-Si), 7XXX (Al-Zn-mg-cr) and 8XXX (Al-Li) series wrought alloys and 2XX (Al-Cu), 3XX (Al-Mg- Si-cu) and 7XX (Al-Zn) series casting alloys can be solution treated and aged.

Tempers of the T4X, T5X, T6X and T7X types can only be achieved by heat treatment as a function of the alloy. T3X and T8X tempers can be achieved by combining thermal and thermomechanical treatments, such as stretching or compressing simple shapes between solution processing and aging.

2XXX, 6XXX, 2XX and 3XX alloys are naturally aged at ambient temperature to a T4 temper, and most alloys reach a stable temper after 96 hours. Artificial aging in the range of 93 to 245°C (199 to 473°F) to meet T6 and T7X temperatures.