2024 O Aluminum
What is 2024-O Aluminum?
2024-O aluminum is a variant of the 2024 aluminum alloy in the annealed condition. The "O" here stands for "annealed," which refers to the process of heating the aluminum alloy to a certain temperature and then slowly cooling it. This process relieves internal stresses and results in a lower hardness and enhanced workability.
2024-O aluminum alloy is an Al-Cu-Mg series heat-treatable aluminum alloy with copper as the main alloying element.
- "2024" is the alloy designation.
- "O" indicates its heat treatment condition is annealed.
According to the international alloy designation system, 2024 belongs to the 2xxx series, in which copper is the primary alloying element.
2024 aluminum alloy is commonly referred to as 2A12, a typical hard aluminum alloy. This material meets the following standards:
- ASTM-B209
- AMS-4461
- AMS-QQ-A-250/5
2024-O aluminum alloy offers high strength, good machinability, and heat-treatable potential, making it widely used in aerospace, automotive, military, and other fields. The O condition serves as its base state, providing excellent cold workability and formability, forming the foundation for subsequent processing and heat treatment.
Although 2024-O aluminum alloy has certain limitations in corrosion resistance, weldability, and cost, these drawbacks can be effectively mitigated through proper design, manufacturing processes, and surface treatments, thereby expanding its application range.
Features of 2024 O Aluminum
"O" represents the annealed state, indicating that the material has undergone full annealing to achieve maximum softness and ductility. The annealing process involves heating the aluminum alloy to a specific temperature (usually 399-427°C) and holding it for approximately 2 hours, followed by slow cooling, typically in a furnace. This process relieves internal stresses, reduces hardness, and improves plasticity.
It exhibits a good balance of strength, machinability, and formability but is not weldable.
- Not subjected to any heat treatment
- Excellent plasticity and machinability
- Relatively low strength but high ductility
- Convenient for subsequent cold working or forming operations
Product Forms and Specifications of 2024-O Aluminum
Main Product Forms of 2024 O Aluminum
2024-O aluminum alloy can be processed into various forms to meet different application needs:
- 2024 O aluminum sheets and strips are the most common product forms, usually thin in thickness, mainly used in applications requiring bending, stamping, or deep drawing.
- 2024 O aluminum thick plates are flat materials with larger thickness, typically used for structural components or applications requiring high-strength support.
- 2024 O aluminum tubes include seamless and welded tubes, used for fluid transport, structural support, and other applications.
- 2024 O aluminum rods and wires are solid materials with round or special-shaped cross-sections, mainly used for machined parts, fasteners, and structural components.
- Forgings are high-strength parts produced through forging processes, used in aerospace and other high-performance fields.
- Coils are strip materials produced by continuous rolling, facilitating subsequent processing and transportation.
- Extruded profiles are materials with various cross-sectional shapes formed by extrusion, used in structural frames, decoration, and other applications.
Common Specifications of 2024 O Aluminum
The specifications of 2024-O aluminum alloy products vary depending on the manufacturer and product form. The following are some common specification ranges:
2024 O aluminum sheet/thick plate specifications
- Thickness: 0.3-600mm
- Width: 800-2650mm
- Length: 500-16000mm
2024 O aluminum tube specifications
- Outer diameter: 3-420mm
- Wall thickness: 5-20mm
- Length: standard length or customized according to customer requirements
2024 O aluminum rod specifications
- Diameter: typically 3-200mm, but larger sizes can be customized
- Length: standard length or customized according to customer requirements
2024 O aluminum coil specifications
- Thickness: 0.5-3.5mm
- Width: 800-2400mm
- Inner diameter: typically 76.2mm or larger
Special Product Forms
In addition to the conventional products mentioned above, 2024 aluminum alloy also comes in some special forms:
- Clad Sheet: The surface is covered with a layer of pure aluminum or aluminum-zinc alloy to enhance corrosion resistance, commonly referred to as "Alclad".
- Stretched Plate: Such as T351 or T851 conditions, stress is relieved through stretching to improve dimensional stability.
- Heat-Treatable Products: Although the O condition itself is not heat-treated, many 2024-O products can achieve higher strength through subsequent heat treatments (e.g., T3, T4, T6).
- Precision Machined Components: Complex-shaped parts manufactured using precision machining techniques, such as aerospace structural components.
Haomei Aluminum’s Popular 2024 O Aluminum Products
| Characteristics/Products | 2024-O Aluminum Alclad Sheet | 2024-O Bare Aluminum Sheet |
| Alloy Type | 2024 Aluminum Alloy + Aluminum Clad Layer | 2024 Aluminum Alloy |
| Surface Treatment | Aluminum Clad Treatment (Aluminum Layer Coating) | No Surface Protection (Bare Aluminum) |
| Corrosion Resistance | High (Aluminum Clad Layer Provides Excellent Corrosion Resistance) | Low (Lacks Aluminum Clad Protection, Susceptible to Corrosion) |
| Strength | High (Same as 2024 Aluminum Alloy) | High (Same as 2024 Aluminum Alloy) |
| Formability | Good (Aluminum Clad Surface Provides Excellent Machining Performance) | Good (Suitable for Machining, but No Surface Protection) |
| Applications | Mainly used for aerospace structural components, such as wings, skins, external parts, etc. | Mainly used for internal components or parts not exposed to corrosive environments |
| Suitable Environment | Environments requiring high corrosion resistance, such as humid or seawater environments | Generally unsuitable for corrosive environments, requires additional protective measures |
| Processing Difficulty | Slightly higher (Requires consideration of the aluminum cladding during processing) | Lower (Bare aluminum surface is easy to process) |
2024-O Aluminum Alclad Sheet
2024-O Aluminum Alclad Sheet refers to 2024 aluminum alloy sheet that has been coated with a layer of pure aluminum (Alclad). The Alclad technology allows the 2024 aluminum alloy to maintain its strength and stiffness while providing enhanced corrosion resistance.
Characteristics of 2024-O Aluminum Alclad Sheet
- Alclad Surface Treatment: The aluminum alloy surface is treated with Alclad technology, where a layer of pure aluminum is applied. This pure aluminum layer enhances the corrosion resistance of the sheet, especially in corrosive environments like humidity and saltwater.
- Corrosion Resistance: Compared to bare aluminum alloy, Alclad aluminum sheets exhibit significantly improved corrosion resistance.
- Ductility: The Alclad surface provides excellent formability, making it suitable for the manufacturing of complex aerospace structural components.
Applications of 2024-O Aluminum Alclad Sheet
- Aerospace: Widely used in the external structures of aircraft and spacecraft, such as wings, skins, and external panels.
- Military: Used in military aerospace vehicles, warships, fighter jets, and other components that require high strength and excellent corrosion resistance.
2024-O Bare Aluminum Sheet
2024-O Bare Aluminum Sheet refers to a 2024 aluminum alloy sheet that has not undergone Alclad treatment. This version of the aluminum alloy sheet retains high strength and lightweight properties but lacks the enhanced corrosion resistance provided by the Alclad technology.
Characteristics of 2024-O Bare Aluminum Sheet
- No Surface Protection: Unlike Alclad aluminum sheets, bare aluminum sheets do not have a pure aluminum layer coating. As a result, they are exposed to the air and are more susceptible to corrosion, especially in humid or seawater environments.
- Strength: 2024-O bare aluminum sheets have high strength, but compared to Alclad aluminum sheets, they offer lower corrosion resistance.
- Heat Treatment: The "O" condition indicates that the aluminum alloy has been annealed, resulting in lower strength and better formability, making it suitable for further deep processing.
Applications of 2024-O Bare Aluminum Sheet
- Aerospace: Typically used for non-structural or internal components, or in cases where additional surface protection treatment is required.
- Transportation: Used in high-strength components, but generally requires additional corrosion protection before use.
2024 O Aluminum Standards and Designations
Aluminium 2024-O; UNS A92024; ISO AlCu4Mg1; NF A-U4G1 (France); DIN AlCuMg2; AA2024-O, ASME SB211; CSA CG42 (Canada); Al2024-O
Chemical Composition of 2024 Aluminum Alloy
| Element | Composition Range |
| Aluminium | 90.7–94.7% |
| Silicon | Max 0.5% |
| Iron | Max 0.5% |
| Copper | Min 3.8%, Max 4.9% |
| Manganese | Min 0.3%, Max 0.9% |
| Magnesium | Min 1.2%, Max 1.8% |
| Chromium | Max 0.1% |
| Zinc | Max 0.25% |
| Titanium | Max 0.15% |
| Other elements | Max 0.05% each, 0.15% total |
Physical Properties of 2024 O Aluminum
The main physical properties of 2024-O aluminum alloy include:
- Melting range: 935-1180°F (502-638°C)
- Coefficient of thermal expansion: 23.2×10⁻⁶/°C (room temperature to 100°C)
- Thermal conductivity: approximately 121 W/m·K (room temperature)
- Electrical conductivity: approximately 30% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard)
- Electrical resistivity: approximately 57.5 nΩ·m (room temperature)
These physical properties give 2024-O aluminum alloy good thermal and electrical conductivity while also defining its performance characteristics under different temperature environments.
Machinability of 2024 O Aluminum
The machining performance characteristics of 2024-O aluminum alloy include:
- Formability: The O condition offers excellent cold forming performance, suitable for bending, stamping, deep drawing, and other processes.
- Weldability: Moderate weldability, typically requiring specialized filler wires such as 4043.
- Machining: Excellent machinability, providing good surface finish, suitable for precision machining.
- Heat treatment response: The O condition serves as the base for subsequent heat treatment, with strength significantly improved through solution treatment and aging.
- Surface treatment: Can undergo anodizing, plating, painting, and other surface treatments to enhance corrosion resistance and aesthetics.
Corrosion Resistance of 2024 O Aluminum
The corrosion resistance characteristics of 2024-O aluminum alloy are as follows:
- General corrosion resistance: Moderate; exhibits some corrosion resistance in atmospheric environments, but less than pure aluminum or high-magnesium aluminum alloys.
- Intergranular corrosion sensitivity: May experience intergranular corrosion under certain conditions, especially in heat-treated states.
- Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) sensitivity: The O condition has lower sensitivity to stress corrosion, but after heat treatment (e.g., T3, T6), particularly in high-temperature environments, the risk of SCC may increase.
To enhance corrosion resistance, 2024-O aluminum alloy often employs the following protective measures:
- Cladding (Alclad): Surface covered with a layer of pure aluminum or aluminum-zinc alloy
- Anodizing: Forms a protective oxide layer
- Painting or Coating: Provides an additional protective layer
Aluminum 2024-O-ASM Material Data Sheet
| Physical Properties | Metric | English | Comments |
| Density | 2.78 g/cc | 0.1 lb/in³ | AA; Typical |
| Mechanical Properties | |||
| Hardness, Brinell | 47 | 47 | AA; Typical; 500 g load; 10 mm ball |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 186 MPa | 27000 psi | AA; Typical |
| Tensile Yield Strength | 75.8 MPa | 11000 psi | AA; Typical |
| Elongation at Break | 20 % | 20 % | AA; Typical; 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) Thickness |
| Elongation at Break | 22 % | 22 % | AA; Typical; 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) Diameter |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 73.1 GPa | 10600 ksi | AA; Typical; Average of tension and compression. Compression modulus is about 2% greater than tensile modulus. |
| Ultimate Bearing Strength | 345 MPa | 50000 psi | Edge distance/pin diameter = 2.0 |
| Bearing Yield Strength | 131 MPa | 19000 psi | Edge distance/pin diameter = 2.0 |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 | |
| Fatigue Strength | 89.6 MPa | 13000 psi | AA; 500,000,000 cycles completely reversed stress; RR Moore machine/specimen |
| Machinability | 30 % | 30 % | 0-100 Scale of Aluminum Alloys |
| Shear Modulus | 28 GPa | 4060 ksi | |
| Shear Strength | 124 MPa | 18000 psi | AA; Typical |
| Electrical Properties | |||
| Electrical Resistivity | 3.49e-006 ohm-cm | 3.49e-006 ohm-cm | AA; Typical at 68°F |
| Thermal Properties | |||
| CTE, linear 68°F | 23.2 µm/m-°C | 12.9 µin/in-°F | AA; Typical; Average over 68-212°F range. |
| CTE, linear 250°C | 24.7 µm/m-°C | 13.7 µin/in-°F | Average over the range 20-300ºC |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 0.875 J/g-°C | 0.209 BTU/lb-°F | |
| Thermal Conductivity | 193 W/m-K | 1340 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F | AA; Typical at 77°F |
| Melting Point | 502 - 638 °C | 935 - 1180 °F | AA; Typical range based on typical composition for wrought products 1/4 inch thickness or greater. Eutectic melting is not eliminated by homogenization. |
| Solidus | 502 °C | 935 °F | AA; Typical |
| Liquidus | 638 °C | 1180 °F | AA; Typical |
| Processing Properties | |||
| Annealing Temperature | 413 °C | 775 °F | |
| Solution Temperature | 256 °C | 493 °F | |
Applications of 2024 O Aluminum
2024-O aluminum is widely used in aircraft components, gears, shafts, bolts, and other structural parts. It is also used for manufacturing pistons, nuts, and even some veterinary and orthopedic equipment.
Aerospace Applications of 2024 O Aluminum
2024-O aluminum alloy has broad applications in the aerospace field, mainly including:
- Aircraft structural components: wings, fuselage skins, bulkheads, ribs, etc.
- Interior parts: aircraft interior panels, partitions, etc.
- Spacecraft components: also used in certain spacecraft structures
- Aircraft engine components: structural parts in non-high-temperature areas
Other Application Areas of 2024 O Aluminum
Automotive Applications
- Body structural parts: door frames, roof rails, bumpers, etc.
- Chassis components: suspension system parts, drive shafts, etc.
- Interior parts: dashboard frames, seat frames, etc.
- Special-purpose vehicles: racing cars, specialized vehicles, etc.
Military and Defense Applications
- Missile components: missile casings, tail fins, etc.
- Armored vehicles: lightweight armor plates, structural components, etc.
- Weapon systems: firearm parts, ammunition boxes, etc.
- Military aircraft: similar to civilian aviation but may have stricter requirements
Other Industrial Applications
- Mold manufacturing: injection molds, stamping molds, etc.
- Precision machinery components: gears, shaft parts, etc.
- Sports equipment: bicycle frames, golf clubs, tennis rackets, etc.
- Architectural decoration: door and window frames, decorative panels, etc.
- Electronic devices: heat sinks, electronic device housings, etc.
Advantages and Limitations of 2024-O Aluminum
Advantages of 2024 O Aluminum
- High strength-to-weight ratio: offers high strength with low density
- Good machinability: O condition provides excellent cold working performance
- Heat-treatable potential: strength can be significantly increased through subsequent heat treatment
- Excellent cutting performance: suitable for precision machining
- Good fatigue resistance: exhibits strong fatigue performance
- Recyclable: aluminum alloys are 100% recyclable
Limitations of 2024 O Aluminum
- Limited corrosion resistance: may perform poorly in certain environments
- SCC sensitivity: becomes more sensitive to stress corrosion cracking after heat treatment
- Welding difficulty: moderate weldability, may require heat treatment
- Higher cost: more expensive compared to general-purpose aluminum alloys
- High-temperature performance limitation: long-term performance declines in high-temperature environments
- Tendency for work hardening: cold working may induce work hardening
Comparison of 2024 O Aluminum with Other Aluminum Alloys
| Property | 2024-O | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6 | 2017-O |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Weldability | Moderate | Good | Poor | Moderate |
| Cost | High | Medium | Highest | Medium |
| Main Applications | Aerospace, high-strength structural components | General structures, construction, automotive | High-strength requirement applications, aerospace | General structural components, welded structures |
From the comparison, 2024-O aluminum alloy performs excellently in strength and machinability but has certain disadvantages in corrosion resistance and cost. In contrast, 6061 aluminum alloy offers better corrosion resistance and weldability, while 7075 aluminum alloy provides higher strength but at a higher cost.
2024 O Aluminum Stock
| SKU | Description | Thickness | Width | Length |
| HM020X4X12-20240 | .020 2024-0 Al Sheet | 0.20" | 4" | 12" |
| HM020X4X8-2024-0 | .020x4x8 2024-0 Clad Sheet | 0.20" | 4" | 8" |
| HM020X4X6-2024-0 | .020x4x6 2024-0 Clad Sheet | 0.20" | 4" | 6" |
| HM020X4X4-2024-0 | .020x4x4 2024-0 Clad Sheet | 0.20" | 4" | 4" |
| HM020X2X4-2024-0 | .020x2x4 2024-0 Clad Sheet | 0.20" | 2" | 4" |
| HM020X2X2-2024-0 | .020x2x2 2024-0 Clad Sheet | 0.20" | 2" | 2" |
| HM025X4X12-2024-0 | .025x4x12 2024-0 Clad Sheet | 0.25" | 4" | 12" |
| HM025X4X8-2024-0 | .025 2024-0 Sheet | 0.25" | 4" | 8" |
| HM025X4X6-2024-0 | .025 2024-0 Sheet | 0.25" | 4" | 6" |
| HM025X4X4-2024-0 | .025 2024-0 Sheet | 0.25" | 4" | 4" |
| HM025X2X4-2024-0 | .025 2024-0 Sheet | 0.25" | 2" | 4" |
| HM025X2X2-2024-0 | .025 2024-0 Sheet | 0.25" | 2" | 2" |
| HM032X4X12-20240 | .032 2024-0 Sheet Clad Pvc/1S | 0.32" | 4" | 12" |
| HM032X4X8-2024-0 | .032 2024-0 Aluminum Sheet | 0.32" | 4" | 8" |
| HM032X4X6-2024-0 | .032 2024-0 Aluminum Sheet | 0.32" | 4" | 6" |
| HM032X4X4-2024-0 | .032 2024-0 Aluminum Sheet | 0.32" | 4" | 4" |
| HM032X2X4-2024-0 | .032 2024-0 Aluminum Sheet | 0.32" | 2" | 4" |
| HM032X2X2-2024-0 | .032 2024-0 Aluminum Sheet | 0.32" | 2" | 2" |
| HM125X4X12-20240 | 2024-0 Al Sheet | 1.25" | 4" | 12" |
| HM125X4X8-2024-0 | 2024-0 Al Sheet | 1.25" | 4" | 8" |
| HM125X4X6-2024-0 | 2024-0 Bare Sheet | 1.25" | 4" | 6" |
| HM125X4X4-2024-0 | 2024-0 Bare Sheet | 1.25" | 4" | 4" |
| HM125X2X4-2024-0 | 2024-0 Bare Sheet | 1.25" | 2" | 4" |
| HM125X2X2-2024-0 | 2024-0 Bare Sheet | 1.25" | 2" | 2" |
