2024-T351 aluminum is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent fatigue resistance.
This alloy is commonly used in aircraft structures, particularly in wing and fuselage components under tension.
The T351 type means a certain heating process that makes the material stronger.
The blog is about 2024-T351 Aluminum. It’s easy to machine but welding needs special care.
Because 2024-T351 aluminum can easily corrode, it is often coated or treated to make it last longer.
Introduction
2024-T351 aluminum is known for its strength and versatility in different industries. It has high tensile strength and good fatigue properties, making it ideal for tough applications that require lightweight and durable materials. Let’s delve into this popular alloy.
Understanding 2024-T351 Aluminum
The designation “2024-T351” reveals key information about the alloy’s composition and treatment. The “2024” denotes it belonging to the 2000 series aluminum alloys, primarily characterized by copper as the principal alloying element.
The “T351” represents the specific temper designation, indicating the alloy has undergone a precise thermal treatment process. This tailored heat treatment is instrumental in achieving the desired mechanical properties that distinguish 2024-T351.
Overview of 2024 Aluminum Alloy
The 2024 aluminium alloy stands out for its impressive combination of high strength and fatigue strength. It’s a popular choice for applications where components must withstand repeated stress cycles without failure. This makes it very suitable for industries such as aerospace and automotive.
The addition of copper as the primary alloying element significantly contributes to 2024 aluminium’s strength characteristics. Besides copper, the alloy also incorporates other elements like magnesium and manganese, each playing a vital role in enhancing specific properties, such as density (0.1 lb/in3). These elements work synergistically to deliver the desired balance of strength, fatigue resistance, and workability.
When selecting materials for demanding applications, understanding the unique attributes of 2024 aluminium is essential. By considering these factors, engineers and designers can make informed choices that optimize performance and reliability.
Overview of the T351 Temper
The T351 aluminum manufacturing process includes heating, stretching, and aging to reduce internal stresses from manufacturing.
T351 temper has moderate strength and toughness, with an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 470 MPa (68 KSI) and a yield strength of around 280 MPa (41 KSI). The elongation at break is about 13–20%, indicating good ductility.
Applications of the 2024-T351
2024-T351 aluminum finds extensive usage in the aerospace industry, particularly for making aircraft structures like fuselage components, wing skins, and other critical structural parts. Its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent fatigue strength, and corrosion resistance make it ideal for applications where durability and reliability are paramount. Additionally, 2024-T351 is commonly employed in manufacturing worm gears, fittings, and other components requiring a combination of strength and lightweight properties. Its versatility extends to various industries due to its impressive mechanical properties.
Key Properties and Advantages
2024-T351 aluminum is valuable for tough engineering tasks. It performs well without being heavy, appealing to many industries.
The metal 2024-T351 Aluminum has special benefits due to its specific physical and mechanical traits. Besides being light, it’s known for its strength, endurance against tiredness, and easy machine work.
Physical and Mechanical Characteristics
The remarkable characteristics of 2024-T351 aluminum underscore its suitability for demanding applications seeking a balance of strength, workability, and resilience under stress. Understanding these properties is crucial for informed material selection.
A key mechanical property is its ultimate tensile strength, a measure of its resistance to breaking under tension. 2024-T351 boasts an ultimate tensile strength reaching up to 470 MPa (68,000 psi). Additionally, its yield strength, the point at which permanent deformation occurs, is around 280 MPa (41,000 psi), highlighting its ability to withstand substantial loads before permanent deformation.
Property
Value
Density
2.78 g/cm³
Ultimate Tensile Strength
470 MPa (68 ksi)
Yield Strength
280 MPa (41 ksi)
Elongation at Break
13–20%
Fatigue Strength
~140 MPa
Thermal Conductivity
120 W/m·K
Modulus of Elasticity
73.1 GPa
Benefits of Using 2024-T351 Aluminum
The wide adoption of 2024-T351 aluminum across various industries is a testament to its impressive benefits. Let’s explore what makes this alloy a top choice for engineers and manufacturers globally:
Balanced Mechanical Properties: The T351 temper balances strength and ductility well. With an ultimate tensile strength of around 470 MPa (68 ksi) and yield strength of approximately 280 MPa (41 ksi), it is suitable for structural applications where both properties are critical.
Stress Relief: Stretching the material during the T351 tempering helps relieve internal stresses during manufacturing. This stress relief enhances the material’s performance in high-stress environments, reducing the likelihood of warping or distortion over time.
Good Fatigue Resistance:2024-T351 aluminum exhibits excellent fatigue resistance, making it ideal for components that experience cyclic loading, such as aircraft wings and fuselage structures. This property is crucial for maintaining structural integrity under repeated stress cycles.
Machinability: The T351 temper provides excellent machinability, allowing for precision manufacturing of complex parts with high surface finish quality. This makes it advantageous for producing intricate components in the aerospace and automotive industries.
In essence, the combination of high strength, impressive fatigue resistance, and commendable machinability makes 2024-T351 aluminum a preferred material in diverse fields, impacting sectors from aerospace to automotive and beyond.
Limitations of 2024-T351 Aluminum
Even with its multiple benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge the limitations of 2024-T351 aluminum to make fully informed decisions during the material selection process. Recognizing these limitations allows for appropriate measures to mitigate potential drawbacks.
One notable limitation is its susceptibility to corrosion, particularly in harsh environments. While the copper content enhances strength, it can also make the alloy more prone to corrosion than other aluminum alloys. This susceptibility often necessitates protective measures like cladding or surface treatments to ensure long-term durability.
Another consideration is its relatively lower ductility compared to other aluminum alloys. This means it has a reduced ability to deform under tensile stress before fracturing, which can be a limiting factor in applications demanding high formability.
How to Choose Between Different Tempers (T351 vs T3 vs T4 vs T6) ?
To choose between tempers like t351, t3, t4, and t6 for 2024-T351 aluminum, consider factors such as strength, formability, and machinability. T351 offers high strength and stress corrosion resistance, while t3 provides improved formability. T4 and T6 offer varying combinations of strength and formability.
Temper
2024-T351
2024-T3
2024-T6
2024-T4
Heat Treatment Process
Solution heat-treated, stress-relieved by stretching, naturally aged
The T351 temper within the 2024 aluminium alloy series stands out for its unique blend of properties, making it the optimal choice when specific application demands a balance of strength, formability, and stress resistance. It undergoes a specialized thermal treatment.
What sets T351 apart is its elevated tensile strength without compromising significantly on ductility. Compared to the T3 temper, T351 boasts a higher tensile strength, making it better suited for applications where the material needs to withstand higher loads before permanent deformation. This increased tensile strength results from specific steps taken during its thermal treatment.
The thermal treatment for T351 involves solution heat treatment followed by a controlled cooling and artificial aging process. This carefully calibrated process results in a refined microstructure with fine precipitates that hinder dislocation movement, contributing to its enhanced tensile strength without excessive loss in ductility. If your application demands both strength and a degree of formability, T351 proves a suitable choice.
When to consider other tempers (T3,T4,T6)?
Consider other tempers (t3, t4, t6) when specific properties like formability or strength are required for your application. T3 offers improved formability, T4 combines strength and formability, while T6 provides the highest strength but with reduced formability.
How to Improve the Corrosion Resistance of 2024-T3 Aluminum?
Enhancing corrosion resistance in 2024-T3 aluminum is key to making it last longer, especially in areas where corrosion is common. This type of aluminum can corrode easily due to its structure. There are several ways to tackle this issue. A popular method is using alclad. In this process, a thin layer of a more corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, like pure aluminum or an aluminum-zinc alloy, is bonded to the surface of the 2024-T3. This protective layer helps protect the core material from harmful elements.
Using Alclad is great. However, adding protective coatings can be helpful too. Coatings such as paint, powder coating, or anodizing can improve surface protection. These coatings form a barrier that guards against corrosion and enhance the aluminum’s natural resistance. It is also important to clean and maintain regularly. This practice helps keep the surface finish looking nice and reduces the risk of corrosion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the properties and applications of 2024-T351 aluminum is crucial for making informed decisions in various industries. While this alloy offers excellent physical and mechanical characteristics, it’s essential to consider its limitations and compare it with other tempers like T3, T4, and T6 for specific applications. Improving the corrosion resistance of 2024-T351 can further enhance its durability and longevity. By choosing this aluminum alloy strategically based on your project requirements, you can benefit from its unique advantages. For commercial quotes and expert advice on utilizing 2024-T351 aluminum effectively, reach out to us today.
Linsy Aluminum- Reliable 2024 Aluminum Supplier
Sourcing good-quality 2024 aluminum from a reliable supplier is important for keeping your products strong and performing well. Linsy Aluminum, with its strong knowledge of the industry and a solid supply chain, has become a trusted supplier of premium 2024 aluminum products.
We have many product forms. These include sheets, plates, and aluminum extrusions. This variety meets different needs in several industries. We focus on quality control and follow industry standards closely. This way, we deliver strong materials that meet the high needs of our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose 2024-T351 Over Other Alloys?
The Aluminum Association recognizes 2024-T351 for its exceptionally high strength, fatigue strength, and tensile strength, making it ideal for aircraft fittings and applications demanding lightweight, reliable performance.
Can 2024-T351 Aluminum Be Welded?
While weldable, 2024-T351’s weldability requires special attention. Welding can affect its thermal treatment condition and, consequently, its tensile strength and corrosion resistance.
