2024 Aluminum Alloy

2024 aluminum alloy is a high-strength Al-Cu-Mg alloy widely used in aerospace and structural applications. With copper as the primary alloying element, it delivers excellent fatigue resistance and one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among 2xxx series alloys. Linsy Aluminum supplies 2024 in sheet, plate, bar, tube, and wire forms with full mill test certificates.

Available forms: sheet / plate / bar / tube / wire / profile
Common tempers: O / T3 / T4 / T351 / T851
Processing support: CNC machining / laser cutting / milling / anodizing
Quality documents: MTC report with every order

What Is 2024 Aluminum Alloy?

2024 aluminum alloy is a heat-treatable Al-Cu-Mg alloy belonging to the 2xxx series. Copper (3.8-4.9%) and magnesium (1.2-1.8%) are the primary alloying elements, giving 2024 one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of all aluminum alloys. It is extensively used in aerospace structures, wing tension areas, fuselage components, and high-stress applications where fatigue resistance is critical.

In the T3 and T4 tempers, 2024 achieves its highest strength levels. However, its corrosion resistance is lower than that of 7xxx series alloys, which is why it is frequently supplied with clad (Alclad) coatings for aerospace use. Welding 2024 by conventional arc methods is generally not recommended due to cracking susceptibility; riveted or bolted joints are the standard joining method in aerospace structures.

Available 2024 Aluminum Products

2024 Aluminum Sheet & Coil

Alloy Temper Thickness (mm) Width (mm) Length (mm)
2024 Sheet/Coil O, T3, T4, T6, T72, T81, T361 0.3-6.0 500-2600 500-6000
Custom dimensions available on request

2024 Aluminum Plate

Alloy Temper Thickness (mm) Width (mm) Length (mm)
2024 Plate T351, T851 6.0-200 500-2600 500-6000
Custom dimensions available on request

2024 Aluminum Tube

Alloy Temper Outer Diameter (mm) Wall Thickness (mm) Length (mm)
2024 Tube O, T3, T4, T6 6-300 1-30 1000-6000
Custom dimensions available on request

2024 Aluminum Bar

Alloy Temper Diameter (mm) Length (mm)
2024 Round Bar O, T3, T4, T351, T851 6-500 1000-6000
Custom dimensions available on request

2024 Aluminum Wire

Property Value
Diameter 0.8-30 mm
Temper O, T3, T4
Weight per coil Min 50 kg
Diameter tolerance ± 0.02 mm

Specifications & Equivalent Designations

Standard Designation
AA (US) 2024
EN (Europe) EN AW-2024
DIN (Germany) 3.1355 / AlCu4Mg1
ISO AlCu4Mg1
UNS A92024
GB (China) 2A12
JIS (Japan) A2024

Chemical Composition

Element Content (%)
Si 0.50 max
Fe 0.50 max
Cu 3.8-4.9
Mn 0.30-0.90
Mg 1.2-1.8
Cr 0.10 max
Zn 0.25 max
Ti 0.15 max
Others (each) 0.05 max
Others (total) 0.15 max
Al Balance

Mechanical Properties by Temper

Property 2024-O 2024-T3 2024-T351 2024-T851
Tensile Strength, Ultimate (MPa) 186 483 462 517
Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) 76 345 324 455
Shear Strength (MPa) 124 283 262 276
Elongation at Break (%) 20 18 17 7
Fatigue Strength (MPa) 90 138 138 159
Hardness (Brinell) 47 120 120 137

Temper Selection Guide

Temper Characteristics Typical Use
O Annealed, lowest strength, maximum formability Forming operations, blanking, deep drawing
T3 Solution heat-treated, cold worked, naturally aged. Highest strength for sheet Aerospace skin, wing panels, fuselage
T4 Solution heat-treated, naturally aged (no cold work) Structural components requiring moderate forming after heat treatment
T351 Solution heat-treated, stress-relieved by stretching, naturally aged Plate for machined aerospace parts
T851 Solution heat-treated, stress-relieved by stretching, artificially aged High-temperature aerospace structures, wing tension areas
T6 Solution heat-treated, artificially aged. Lower ductility than T3 Applications requiring elevated temperature stability
T8 Solution heat-treated, cold worked, artificially aged. Best stress corrosion cracking resistance High-stress components exposed to corrosive environments

Key Characteristics

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio

2024 offers one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios among all aluminum alloys, particularly in T3 and T351 tempers. This makes it the preferred choice for aerospace structures where weight savings directly translate to fuel efficiency and payload capacity.

Fatigue Resistance

The alloy exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, especially in T3 temper, which is critical for aircraft structures subject to cyclic loading during pressurization cycles and flight maneuvers.

Machinability

2024 machines very well in the T3 and T351 conditions, producing clean chips and good surface finish. It is suitable for CNC milling, turning, and drilling operations for precision aerospace components.

Corrosion Resistance

2024 has lower corrosion resistance compared to 7xxx series alloys. For aerospace applications, Alclad 2024 (with a pure aluminum surface layer) is commonly specified to provide sacrificial corrosion protection. Anodizing and other protective coatings are recommended for unclad material.

Weldability

Conventional arc welding of 2024 is generally not recommended due to solidification cracking and reduced strength in the heat-affected zone. Riveting, bolting, and adhesive bonding are the standard joining methods. Friction stir welding (FSW) can be used in specialized applications with proper process control.

Applications

  • Aerospace: wing tension areas, fuselage skin, structural ribs, wing panels
  • Aircraft fittings and hardware
  • Fuel tanks and hydraulic systems
  • High-temperature aerospace structures (T851 temper)
  • Military equipment and ordnance components
  • Automotive performance parts where high strength is required
  • Molds and tooling plates
  • Orthopedic bracing and medical equipment

Processing & Surface Finish Notes

2024 aluminum responds well to CNC machining, milling, and drilling in hardened tempers. For forming operations, the O temper provides maximum workability. Common surface finishes include:

  • Mill finish — standard as-supplied condition
  • Anodizing — improves corrosion resistance (type II and III)
  • Alclad coating — pure aluminum cladding for corrosion protection
  • Polishing — mechanical or chemical polishing for cosmetic surfaces
  • Powder coating — available for non-aerospace applications

Heat treatment: 2024 is solution heat-treated at 495-505°C, followed by cold water quenching. Natural aging (T3/T4) occurs over several days at room temperature. Artificial aging (T6/T8) is performed at approximately 190°C.

Quality Documents & Inspection

Every 2024 aluminum order from Linsy Aluminum is accompanied by a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) documenting chemical composition, mechanical properties, and temper verification. SGS test reports are available on request for independent third-party verification.

Linsy Aluminum operates under ISO 9001 (quality management), ISO 14001 (environmental management), and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) certifications. Ultrasonic testing, dimensional inspection, and surface defect examination are performed on aerospace-grade material.

Why Choose Linsy for 2024 Aluminum

Linsy Aluminum is a Shenzhen-based aluminum supplier with over 20 years of experience serving aerospace, automotive, and general engineering industries. We supply 2024 aluminum in sheet, plate, bar, tube, and wire forms, with full traceability from ingot to finished product.

Our capabilities include CNC machining, laser cutting, milling, and surface finishing. Typical custom lead time is 10-60 days depending on product form, quantity, and processing requirements. We export to Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Singapore, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and other markets.

Contact our technical team for alloy-specific recommendations, temper selection guidance, and quotation.

Related Resources

2024 Aluminum FAQ

What is the difference between 2024-T3 and 2024-T4?
T3 is cold worked after solution heat treatment before natural aging, giving it slightly higher strength. T4 is naturally aged without cold working, providing better ductility and formability.

Is 2024 aluminum weldable?
Conventional arc welding is not recommended for 2024 due to solidification cracking. Riveting, bolting, and friction stir welding (FSW) are preferred joining methods.

What is Alclad 2024?
Alclad 2024 is 2024 aluminum sheet with a thin layer of pure aluminum metallurgically bonded to both surfaces. The cladding provides sacrificial corrosion protection while retaining the core alloy’s strength.

How does 2024 compare to 7075?
7075 offers higher ultimate strength, but 2024 has better fatigue resistance and fracture toughness. 2024 is preferred for tension-dominated aerospace structures, while 7075 is used for compressive and high-stress components.

What is the service temperature range of 2024?
2024 performs well up to approximately 150°C for sustained service. For higher temperature applications, T851 or T6 tempers provide better stability.

General Ordering FAQ

What forms and sizes are available?
Sheet (0.3-6.0 mm), plate (6.0-200 mm), bar (Φ6-500 mm), tube (Φ6-300 mm), and wire (0.8-30 mm). Custom dimensions are available on request.

What is the minimum order quantity?
MOQ varies by product form and size. Contact our sales team for specific requirements.

What is the typical lead time?
Custom orders typically ship in 10-60 days depending on form, quantity, and processing requirements.

What certifications are provided?
Linsy Aluminum holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications. MTC reports accompany every order. SGS test reports are available on request.

What surface finishes are available?
Mill finish, anodizing, polishing, powder coating, and Alclad coating for aerospace applications.

Do you export internationally?
Yes, we export to Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Singapore, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and other markets.

Production Equipments

Certifications

Warehouse and Stock

Order Process

Linsy Advantages

Linsy Aluminum is a leading supplier of aluminum processing products, serving diverse industries including aerospace, general engineering, automotive, marine, shipbuilding and other specialized industrial applications.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and environmental responsibility, as demonstrated by our certifications: ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and SGS.

SIGN UP the Form Today! Discover Your Premium Aluminum Solutions With Linsy Alu.

WhatsApp Phone