2024 T3 Aluminum Plate Sheet
What is 2024 T3 Aluminum Grade?
2024 T3 aluminum is a specially processed aluminum alloy. To achieve the T3 temper, the 2024 aluminum alloy undergoes solution heat treatment, strain hardening, and a subsequent natural aging process.
2024 T3 aluminum alloy is known for its high strength, excellent fatigue resistance, light weight, and high strength-to-weight ratio, making it widely used in aerospace and other high-strength applications, particularly for aircraft structural components. However, it has poor weldability, so it is typically not suitable for applications that require welding.
2024 T3 aluminum belongs to the 2024 series of aluminum alloys, with copper (Cu) as the primary alloying element, along with manganese (Mn) and magnesium (Mg). This alloy offers extremely high strength, good fatigue resistance, and relatively good corrosion resistance.
2024 T3 Aluminum Material Specifications
This material meets the following specifications:
- ASTM -B209
- AMS -QQ-A-250/5
- AMS -4462
Common Specifications of 2024 T3
2024 T3 Aluminum Sheet
- Thickness: 0.2–6 mm (0.008–0.236 inches)
- Width: 1000–2000 mm (39.4–78.7 inches), commonly 1220 mm (48 inches)
- Length: 2000–6000 mm (78.7–236.2 inches), standard size such as 1220×2440 mm (48×96 inches)
- Typical Applications: Aircraft skin, lightweight automotive parts, precision instrument housings.
2024-T3 Aluminum Plate
- Thickness: 6–300 mm (0.236–11.8 inches)
- Width: 1500–2650 mm (59–104.3 inches)
- Length: 3000–12000 mm (118.1–472.4 inches)
- Typical Applications: Aerospace structural components (wing beams, frames), mold manufacturing, heavy machinery parts.
2024 T3 Alclad Alu Sheet
- Thickness: 0.2–6 mm (0.008–0.236 inches), Alclad layer thickness on one side is about 5.5% of the total thickness
- Width: 1000–3000 mm (39.4–118.1 inches)
- Length: 6000–12000 mm (236.2–472.4 inches)
- Alclad Layer: Pure aluminum cladding layer (such as 1230 alloy) to improve corrosion resistance.
2024 T3 Aluminum Properties
2024 T3 aluminum features high strength, good machinability, and poor weldability.
| Property | Description |
| Fatigue Resistance | 2024 T3 aluminum has outstanding fatigue resistance, able to perform under repeated loads for extended periods without cracking or failure. |
| Corrosion Resistance | While 2024-T3's corrosion resistance is not as good as other alloys, it is often used in a clad form (Alclad) to enhance its corrosion resistance. |
| Weldability | The weldability is poor, and it is prone to thermal cracking or strength reduction. It is generally not recommended for welding in this temper, and other materials with better weldability should be chosen. |
| High Strength | 2024-T3 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys, making it suitable for demanding structural applications. |
| Strength-to-weight | It offers an excellent balance between strength and weight, making it an ideal choice for weight-sensitive applications such as aircraft. |
| Surface Characteristics | The surface is semi-smooth, with a dull finish, and lacks special surface treatment. |
| Commercial and Industrial Uses | Suitable for mechanical structural components, transportation equipment, etc. |
| Machinability | Good machinability, suitable for milling, turning, and stamping processes. Ideal for engineering applications that require high strength and precision. |
| Heat Treatment | The T3 temper results from solution heat treatment followed by natural aging. The strength and mechanical properties are influenced by the heat treatment process, so proper heat treatment is critical. |
2024 t3 Machinability and Corrosion Resistance
2024-T3 aluminum sheet has good machinability but relatively poor corrosion resistance, especially being sensitive to intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. To improve corrosion resistance, Alclad treatment is usually applied.
2024 t3 Machinability
- Good formability in hot, annealed, and freshly quenched states, suitable for stamping, bending, and other processes
- Excellent cutting performance, but care should be taken to avoid “built-up edge” during machining
- Hardness can reach 120-130HB, machining accuracy up to 0.05mm, and machining depth up to 400-500mm
2024 t3 Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy is moderate, with certain resistance to atmospheric environments, but its corrosion resistance is relatively poor in marine climates or certain chemical media. This is mainly due to the high copper content in the alloy, which can easily cause galvanic corrosion under specific conditions.
Methods to improve the corrosion resistance of 2024 t3
- Alclad treatment: covering the alloy surface with a layer of pure aluminum or aluminum alloy with better corrosion resistance
- Anodizing: forming an oxide film on the surface through the anodizing process
- Painting or coating: applying an organic coating on the surface to provide additional protection
2024-T3 Aluminum Available Forms from Haomei Aluminum
| Product Name | Description |
| 2024 T3 Alclad Aluminum Sheet | 2024 T3 Alclad aluminum sheet refers to 2024 T3 aluminum alloy with a surface cladding layer, usually made of 1050, 1100, or 3003 aluminum alloys, offering additional corrosion protection. The base material is 2024 T3 aluminum alloy, which has very high strength and excellent fatigue resistance, and the cladding enhances its corrosion resistance in harsh environments. Commonly used in aircraft skins, wings, fuselage structures, and other high-strength aerospace applications. |
| 2024 T3 Aluminum Sheet | 2024 T3 aluminum sheet is the 2024 aluminum alloy in T3 heat-treated condition, which has undergone solution heat treatment, strain hardening, and natural aging. It has high tensile strength, yield strength, and excellent fatigue resistance, but relatively poor corrosion resistance. It is typically used in aerospace structural components requiring high strength and fatigue resistance, such as aircraft fuselage and wing components. Widely used in aerospace applications. |
| 2024T3 ALUM BARE SHEET | 2024T3 ALUM BARE SHEET is a bare 2024 T3 aluminum sheet with no surface coating. It retains all the mechanical properties of 2024 aluminum alloy (high strength, fatigue resistance, and good strength-to-weight ratio), but its corrosion resistance is relatively weak. It is commonly used in environments with high strength requirements, but usually requires additional surface treatments (such as anodizing) to enhance corrosion resistance. |
| 2024T3 BARE PHOS ANODIZED | 2024T3 BARE PHOS ANODIZED refers to 2024 T3 aluminum sheet that has been phosphoric acid anodized. Anodizing increases the hardness of the surface layer and provides some corrosion resistance, making it especially suitable for use in humid and corrosive environments. This treatment effectively improves the wear resistance and weather resistance of the aluminum, and is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and other high-strength applications. |
| 2024 T3 Aluminum Bar | 2024 T3 aluminum bar is aluminum alloy bar material in T3 heat-treated condition, with high strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and good formability. It is typically used for manufacturing aircraft structures, aerospace components, and other high-strength parts, especially in applications requiring high stress resistance and long-term fatigue use. Widely used in aerospace, racing, and high-performance mechanical parts production. |
2024-T3 Clad vs Bare Aluminum
2024 T3 Clad is more suitable for environments that require corrosion resistance. Although it has poor weldability, its enhanced corrosion resistance makes it ideal for external structures and applications exposed to harsh environments.
2024 T3 Bare is suitable for applications where high strength is required but corrosion resistance is not a primary concern. It has better weldability and is more cost-effective.
| Property | 2024 T3 Clad | 2024 T3 Bare |
| Surface Treatment | Has an aluminum alloy protective layer that enhances corrosion resistance | No protective layer, surface is exposed |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good, suitable for humid and salt spray environments | Poor, prone to oxidation and corrosion |
| Strength and Weight | Cladding layer is thin and does not affect the strength-to-weight ratio | Has the original strength and weight ratio |
| Application Fields | Aerospace, marine, and other applications requiring high corrosion resistance | High-strength requirements but mild environmental conditions |
| Weldability | Poor weldability, cladding layer may affect welding quality | Better weldability |
| Cost | Higher cost | Lower cost |
2024 T3 Clad Aluminum
2024 T3 Clad aluminum alloy refers to a thin protective layer of aluminum alloy applied to the surface of 2024 aluminum alloy. This layer is typically made of 1050, 1100, or 3003 aluminum alloys. The surface coating, known as "cladding," is designed to improve corrosion resistance without significantly affecting the strength of the alloy. Through the heat treatment process, the cladding layer bonds tightly with the base material, forming a cohesive unit.
| Item | Description |
| Corrosion Resistance | The Clad version has better corrosion resistance. The protective layer is typically made from more corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys (e.g., 1050 or 3003), making it suitable for aerospace and marine applications. |
| Weight and Strength | The surface cladding is relatively thin, adding limited weight and not significantly affecting strength, while still providing effective protection. |
| Application Fields | Commonly used in the aerospace industry, marine industry, and other applications with strict corrosion requirements, such as external aircraft structures (skin, wings, etc.). |
| Weldability | Weldability is poor, as the cladding layer may burn off, affecting welding quality. Special attention is required to welding techniques. |
| Price and Cost | The cost is generally higher than the Bare version. Using cladding is seen as an investment to extend service life and reduce the need for corrosion protection. |
2024 T3 Bare Aluminum
2024 T3 Bare aluminum alloy refers to pure 2024 T3 aluminum alloy with no surface coating, meaning the surface is directly exposed to the environment. Due to the lack of a protective layer, the exposed 2024 T3 aluminum alloy is relatively weak against corrosion or oxidation.
| Item | Description |
| Corrosion Resistance | Relatively poor corrosion resistance, prone to oxidation and corrosion, requiring additional surface protection (such as anodizing or coating). |
| Weight and Strength | Has the original strength and weight characteristics, suitable for structures with high strength requirements, but maintenance needs are higher. |
| Application Fields | Commonly used in applications with high strength requirements but mild environmental conditions, such as non-external aircraft components, racing components, etc. |
| Weldability | Good weldability, can achieve high-quality welds, but post-welding performance may be inferior to other aluminum alloys. |
| Price and Cost | Relatively inexpensive, with no added cladding layer, and can be directly processed for use. |
2024 T3 Aluminum Technical Informations
2024 T3 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
| Mechanical Properties | |
| Property | Value |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength KSI | 70 |
| Density g/cm^3 | 3 |
| Yield Tensile Strength KSI | 50 |
| Brinell Hardness 500 kg load | 120 |
| Rockwell Hardness B Scale | 75 |
| Shear Strength KSI | 41 |
| Elongation % in 2 in. | 18 |
| Electrical Conductivity % IACS | 30 |
| Machinability % | 70 |
| Melting Point °F | 935 - 1180 |
Chemistry Information 2024 T3 Aluminum
| Element | Percentage |
| Al | 93.5 |
| Cr | 0.1 max |
| Cu | 3.8 - 4.9 |
| Mg | 1.2 - 1.8 |
| Fe | 0.5 max |
| Mn | 0.3 - 0.9 |
| Si | 0.5 max |
| Zn | 0.25 max |
| Ti | 0.15 max |
2024 t3 Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
| Density | 2.78-2.85 | g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 502-638 | °C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20-100°C) | 22.9 | μm/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity (20°C) | 30-40 | %IACS |
| Elastic Modulus | 68-72.4 | GPa |
Applications of 2024-T3 Aluminum Sheet
2024 t3 Applications in the Aerospace Field
2024-T3 aluminum sheet is widely used in the aerospace field, mainly due to its high strength, good fatigue performance, and moderate weight:
Aircraft Structural Components
- Fuselage skin: provides necessary strength and aerodynamic profile
- Wing structure: used for wing skins, spars, ribs, and other components
- Bulkheads and frames: provide structural support and stability
- Engine nacelle: withstands working temperatures of 121-150°C
2024 t3 Applications in the Transportation Field
Automobile Manufacturing
- High-strength structural parts: used for car body frames, chassis components, etc.
- Wheels: manufacturing high-strength car wheels to improve safety and performance
- Special parts: such as high-precision gears, shafts, bolts, etc.
Rail Transit
- High-speed train structural parts: used for train body structures
- Brake system components: utilizing its good heat resistance and strength
Shipbuilding
- Ship propeller components: utilizing its high strength and fatigue resistance
- Ship structural parts: used in high-end ships for structural parts requiring high strength
2024 t3 Applications in Industry and Consumer Products
Industrial Machinery
- High-precision parts: such as computer hard drives, medical device components, etc.
- Hydraulic components: used for manufacturing hydraulic valve bodies, pistons, and other parts
- Mold making: for molds requiring high strength and wear resistance
Consumer Products
- High-end electronic products: such as mobile phone and handheld device casings
- Sports equipment: climbing gear, bicycle parts, etc.
- Photography equipment: camera bodies and lens components
Other Applications
- Watch parts: utilizing its good cutting performance and dimensional stability
- Computer components: such as heat sinks, structural parts, etc.
- Medical devices: such as orthopedic implants and veterinary equipment
Advantages and Limitations of 2024-T3 Aluminum
2024 t3 Advantages
- High strength: one of the strongest among conventional aluminum alloys
- Good fatigue performance: strong resistance to fatigue crack growth
- High-temperature performance: good strength retention below 150°C
- Good machinability: suitable for various machining operations
- Good overall performance: strong performance retention in medium-temperature environments
2024 t3 Limitations
- Poor corrosion resistance: especially sensitive to intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking
- Poor weldability: prone to cracking during welding, requiring special processes
- Relatively high cost: more expensive compared to common aluminum alloys
Comparative Analysis of 2024-T3 Aluminum Sheet Tempers
2024-T3 vs 2024-T4
2024-T3 and 2024-T4 are two common heat treatment tempers of 2024 aluminum alloy. The choice between the two typically depends on the specific application requirements, including the required strength level, processing steps, and cost considerations.
In aerospace applications, both tempers are widely used, but the T3 temper may be more common due to its broader adaptability to machining.
2024-T3 Characteristics
- Solution heat treated followed by cold working
- Then naturally aged
- Higher yield strength and hardness
- Suitable for applications requiring subsequent cold working
- Tensile strength: 400-430 MPa
- Yield strength: 270-280 MPa
2024-T4 Characteristics
- Solution heat treated only
- Then directly naturally aged
- No intermediate cold working step
- Slightly higher tensile strength
- Tensile strength: 420-470 MPa
- Yield strength: 275-325 MPa
2024-T3 vs 2024-T42
2024-T42 is another heat treatment temper of 2024 aluminum alloy, which is significantly different from the T3 and T4 tempers. The main advantage of the T42 temper is that it allows users to customize material properties according to their specific needs, providing greater flexibility in some cases. However, due to the difficulty of controlling the process by the user, the performance consistency of the T42 temper is generally not as high as that of supplier-treated T3 or T4 tempers.
2024-T3 Characteristics
- Complete heat treatment performed by the supplier
- Strictly controlled manufacturing process
- High performance consistency
- Tensile strength: 400-430 MPa
- Yield strength: 270-280 MPa
2024-T42 Characteristics
- Final heat treatment performed by the user
- Allows customization of properties according to specific requirements
- Slightly lower performance consistency
- Tensile strength: approx. 395 MPa
- Yield strength: approx. 260 MPa
2024-T351 vs 2024-T3511
2024-T351 Characteristics
- Stress relieved by stretching based on T3 temper
- Mainly used for plate and flat bar
- No further straightening after stress relieving
- Excellent strength and dimensional stability
- Used for aircraft fuselage skins, wing panels, etc.
2024-T3511 Characteristics
- Special treatment for extruded products
- May undergo additional straightening after stress relieving
- Mainly used for extruded profiles
- Good straightness tolerance
- Used for aircraft frames, beam components, etc.
