5A90 (1420) Aluminum Lithium Alloy: Properties and Applications
Aluminum lithium alloys were made to help aircraft get lighter and stronger. One of the most useful alloys in this group is 5A90, also called 1420. This alloy is strong, light, and easy to use. It is made for airplanes and other important structures.
In this article, we will talk about what makes 5A90 special. We will also compare it to 2195 aluminum lithium alloy, which is another popular choice. If you are looking for aluminum lithium alloy for sale, we also show you what sizes and shapes we offer.
What is 5A90 (1420) Aluminum Lithium Alloy?
5A90 is a type of aluminum lithium alloy. It was first made in Russia and is also known as 1420. It belongs to the 5xxx series of aluminum. This alloy does not need heat treatment. It is made from aluminum, lithium, magnesium, and a small amount of zirconium.
Typical Chemical Composition:
Aluminum (Al): Balance
Lithium (Li): 2.0–2.2%
Magnesium (Mg): 2.0–2.5%
Zirconium (Zr): 0.12–0.15%
These elements give the alloy its good strength, low weight, and other useful features.
Main Characteristics of 5A90 Aluminum Lithium Alloy
1. Low Density
Lithium is the lightest metal. When it is added to aluminum, the alloy becomes lighter. 5A90 is about 8–10% lighter than regular aluminum alloys.
2. High Stiffness
Even though it is light, 5A90 is still very stiff. This means it does not bend easily. This is very important in planes and rockets.
3. Good Fatigue and Crack Resistance
5A90 lasts a long time even when used again and again. It also does not crack easily, which is important for safety.
4. Corrosion Resistance
This alloy does not rust easily. It works well in wet or salty air without extra protection.
5. Easy to Weld
Some strong alloys are hard to weld, but 5A90 is easy to join with welding. This helps when making large fuel tanks or long structures.
Comparison: 5A90 vs 2195 Aluminum Lithium Alloy
Now let’s compare 5A90 to another lithium aluminum alloy, the 2195 alloy. Both are used in aerospace, but they are not the same.
| Feature | 5A90 (1420) | 2195 |
|---|---|---|
| Series | 5xxx | 2xxx |
| Heat Treatment | Not needed | Required |
| Weight | Lighter than standard aluminum | Also light |
| Strength | Medium | Very high |
| Weldability | Very good | Good, but more complex |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very good | Not as good |
| Main Use | Aircraft skin, tanks | Rocket tanks, space use |
2195 is very strong and is used by NASA. But it needs heat treatment and is harder to work with. 5A90 is not as strong but easier to weld and use. It is better for parts that need both light weight and long life.
What is 5A90 aluminum lithium alloys applications?
5A90 is used in many areas where low weight and good performance are needed.
Aircraft
It is used in airplane bodies, wings, and other parts. These parts need to be strong but also light.
Cryogenic Fuel Tanks
It works well in very cold temperatures. This makes it good for storing liquid hydrogen or oxygen in rockets.
High-Speed Trains
This alloy helps reduce the weight of trains. This allows them to run faster and use less fuel.
Marine Industry
Because it does not rust, it is used in ship parts, underwater structures, and pressure tanks.
Aluminum Lithium Alloy for Sale
At Shenzhen Chinalco Metal, we offer aluminum lithium alloy for sale, including 5A90 (1420). We supply it in different forms and sizes.
| Product Type | Size Specifications |
|---|---|
| Round/Square Ingots | 800×600×200 mm, 300×700×950 mm, and other customizable sizes |
| Rolled Plates | 60×5 mm, 80×7 mm, 105×4 mm, 220×26 mm, 250×40 mm, and other customizable sizes |
| Rolled Bars | Φ9.5 mm, Φ12 mm, Φ22 mm, Φ30 mm, Φ60 mm, Φ100 mm, and other customizable sizes |
| Forged Plates | 100×600×1500 mm, 120×600×1200 mm, 150×600×1000 mm, and other customizable sizes |
| Forged Bars | Φ30 mm – Φ400 mm |
| Sheet Material | Thickness: 1.0–50 mm; Max width × length: 1200 mm × 4000 mm |