The original "aircraft aluminum" — 2024 is a copper-rich alloy developed for the DC-3 in the 1930s and still used wherever fatigue-critical structural performance is needed at aluminum weight. Stronger in fatigue than 6061 or 7075, but with poorer corrosion resistance (requires cladding or anodizing in marine/outdoor service) and harder to weld.
Aircraft skins, fuselage frames, wing ribs — 2024 retains strength under cyclic loading better than most aluminum alloys.
High yield strength allows small threaded cross-sections that would strip in 6061.
Dimensionally stable after age-hardening; used for precision fixtures.
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Balance |
| Copper | 3.8–4.9% |
| Magnesium | 1.2–1.8% |
| Manganese | 0.3–0.9% |
| Iron (max) | 0.5% |
| Silicon (max) | 0.5% |
Composition per ASTM B211. Specific mill test reports (MTR) available on request for production orders.
2024 is NOT corrosion-resistant. For outdoor or marine service, specify anodize (Type II or III) or Alclad sheet. Untreated 2024 pits rapidly in salt-fog.
Gas/arc welding cracks the heat-affected zone. Use mechanical fastening or friction-stir welding for joins.
The T3 temper is susceptible to SCC in short-transverse direction. For sustained-load structural parts consider T81 or T861 temper instead.
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