Aluminum 2024
AA 2024 · UNS A92024 · EN AlCu4Mg1, AlCu4MgSi1 · JIS A2024, Super Duralumin · GB 2A12, LY12
2024 is the classic high-strength Al-Cu-Mg (duralumin-type) wrought alloy, strengthened by natural or artificial aging of Al₂CuMg/Al₂Cu precipitates.
Values for the T3 condition
2024 tempers and conditions
2024 is supplied in 18 conditions, soft to hard. T3 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 18 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Softest, most formable condition — pick it for severe forming/deep drawing, then solution treat and age to T4/T6. | 75 | 185 | 20 | 47 HB | 50 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged by the user | Applies to O or T-temper stock re-solution treated and naturally aged by the fabricator; slightly lower guaranteed strength than mill T3/T4. | 275 | 440 | 20 | 112 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Choose for bar, rod, extrusions and parts formed after solution treatment, where moderate forming and high strength are both needed. | 325 | 470 | 20 | 120 HB | 30 % IACS |
T3, stress relieved by stretching | The standard tooling/aerospace plate condition — low residual stress means far less distortion when machining pockets and ribs. | 325 | 470 | 19 | 120 HB | 30 % IACS |
Extruded T3 stress-relieved by stretching with minor straightening | Same as T3510 but with limited straightening allowed — the usual purchase condition for 2024 aerospace extrusions. | 330 | 460 | 12 | 118 HB | 30 % IACS |
Extruded T3 stress-relieved by stretching | Extruded rod, bar and shapes with residual stress removed by stretching; use where straightness tolerance is not critical. | 330 | 460 | 12 | 118 HB | 30 % IACS |
T3Default Solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged | The standard aerospace sheet condition: best combination of strength, fatigue life and damage tolerance; most widely stocked. | 345 | 483 | 18 | 120 HB | 30 % IACS |
T6, heat treated by the user | For parts heat treated after forming/machining from O or annealed stock; properties similar to mill T6. | 345 | 442 | 8 | 120 HB | 37 % IACS |
Overaged | Rarely supplied overaged condition used where exfoliation/SCC resistance matters more than peak strength. | 345 | 425 | 8 | 115 HB | 40 % IACS |
T6, stress relieved by stretching | Artificially aged (T6) 2024 plate stretched ~1.5–3 % after quench for low residual stress; higher yield and better dimensional stability than T351 but lower ductility and toughness. | 395 | 475 | 8 | 125 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution treated, cold worked ~6 %, naturally aged | Higher-strength cold-worked sheet variant for strength-critical skins; lower ductility and formability than T3. | 395 | 495 | 13 | 130 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Peak-aged condition mainly for bar, forgings and machined parts needing high yield strength; lower toughness and worse corrosion behaviour than T3/T4. | 400 | 470 | 10 | 125 HB | 37 % IACS |
Extruded T8 stress-relieved by stretching | Artificially aged, stress-relieved extrusions where high yield strength and stability during machining are required. | 430 | 470 | 6 | 126 HB | 38 % IACS |
Extruded T8 stress-relieved by stretching with minor straightening | As T8510 but with limited straightening; the common purchase condition for aged 2024 aerospace extrusions. | 430 | 470 | 6 | 126 HB | 38 % IACS |
T8, stress relieved by stretching | Stress-relieved, artificially aged plate/bar: highest yield strength with low machining distortion and improved SCC resistance versus T351. | 448 | 483 | 6 | 128 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, cold worked and artificially aged | Generic T8 condition of 2024: cold work before ageing maximises yield strength (~450 MPa) and gives the best SCC/exfoliation behaviour of the alloy, with low ductility. | 450 | 485 | 6 | 128 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution treated, cold worked, artificially aged | High-yield sheet temper with much better intergranular-corrosion and SCC behaviour than T3; used on skins and supersonic structure. | 450 | 485 | 6 | 128 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution treated, heavily cold worked, artificially aged | Maximum-strength 2024 sheet temper; very low ductility, so it is only used for flat or lightly formed strength-critical parts. | 490 | 517 | 6 | 135 HB | 38 % IACS |
What is 2024?
2024 is the classic high-strength Al-Cu-Mg (duralumin-type) wrought alloy, strengthened by natural or artificial aging of Al₂CuMg/Al₂Cu precipitates. It is chosen for aircraft skins, wing/fuselage structure, fittings, tooling plate and highly loaded fasteners because of its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good fatigue and damage tolerance in T3/T351, and good machinability. Its limits are poor corrosion resistance (usually needs cladding, anodize or primer), susceptibility to intergranular/exfoliation attack and SCC in some tempers, and essentially no fusion weldability. 2024 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 502°C (936 °F). 2024 has a yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a tensile strength of 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) — stronger than 83% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 73.1 GPa (10.6 Msi).
What is 2024 used for?
- Aircraft skins and fuselage panels
- Wing and fuselage structural members
- Aerospace fittings and brackets
- High-strength rivets and fasteners
- Tooling and jig plate
- Machined structural components
- Clock and instrument parts
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 37 MPa·√m (33.7 ksi·√in), better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 18%, better than 86% of aluminum grades
- High strength — 345 MPa (50 ksi), better than 83% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 32/100, worse than 94% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 89% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of aluminum grades
2024 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2024-T3; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
2024 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 502°C (936 °F).
Mechanical14
2024 has a yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a tensile strength of 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) — stronger than 83% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 73.1 GPa (10.6 Msi).
Thermal6
2024 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 121 W/m·K (69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 76% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.9 µm/m·K (12.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2024 conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, worse than 73% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (32/100), worse than 94% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2024 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability8
2024's machinability is very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades); weldability poor (20/100); formability fair (40/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 2024 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 2024
Is 2024 easy to machine?
Excellent chip formation in T3/T351/T851 — high speeds, sharp positive-rake carbide tools and flood coolant give good finishes; annealed material is gummy.
Can 2024 be welded?
Not suitable for fusion (arc) welding due to hot cracking; join by riveting, bolting, adhesive bonding, resistance spot welding or friction stir welding.
Can 2024 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or freshly solution-treated (T4-fresh, often refrigerated) condition; T3/T851 tolerate only large-radius bends and will crack in tight bends.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 2024. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Excellent72 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.2 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 260 / 310 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 6× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / 0.4 µm |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Fair40 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Poor20 / 100 |
2024 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.5 | 0.15 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.5 | 0.2 |
| Cuprincipal strengthening addition | 3.8 – 4.9 | 4.4 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Mg | 1.2 – 1.8 | 1.5 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 | 0.03 |
| Other (each)each | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Other (total)total | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 2024?
Chromic-acid or hard anodize plus primer is normal practice; expect darker, less uniform anodize colour than 6000 series, and use Alclad or conversion coating (Alodine) where corrosion exposure is expected.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 2024 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A92024
- Aluminum Association
- AA2024
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AlCu4Mg1AlCu4MgSi1AW-20243.1355
- BS
- 2L97
- GB (China)
- 2A12LY12
- JIS
- A2024Super DuraluminA2024P
How much does 2024 cost?
2024 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 60% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
2024 — frequently asked
What is 2024 used for?
2024 is typically used for aircraft skins and fuselage panels, wing and fuselage structural members, aerospace fittings and brackets, high-strength rivets and fasteners, tooling and jig plate and machined structural components. In short: high fatigue resistance; aerospace.
What is the yield strength of 2024?
2024 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) and a tensile strength of 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) — stronger than 83% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 18 listed tempers.
Is 2024 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades). Excellent chip formation in T3/T351/T851 — high speeds, sharp positive-rake carbide tools and flood coolant give good finishes; annealed material is gummy.
Can 2024 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not suitable for fusion (arc) welding due to hot cracking; join by riveting, bolting, adhesive bonding, resistance spot welding or friction stir welding.
What surface finishes work on 2024?
Chromic-acid or hard anodize plus primer is normal practice; expect darker, less uniform anodize colour than 6000 series, and use Alclad or conversion coating (Alodine) where corrosion exposure is expected.
Can 2024 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or freshly solution-treated (T4-fresh, often refrigerated) condition; T3/T851 tolerate only large-radius bends and will crack in tight bends.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2024?
2024 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 2024-T3 and 2024-O?
T3 is the default condition — the standard aerospace sheet condition: best combination of strength, fatigue life and damage tolerance; most widely stocked. O: softest, most formable condition — pick it for severe forming/deep drawing, then solution treat and age to T4/T6. Yield strength is 345 MPa in T3 versus 75 MPa in O.
How much does 2024 cost?
2024 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 60% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 2024?
Yes — 2024 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B209 / B211 / B221 (Al sheet, plate, bar, extrusions) — ASTM International (2021)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- MMPDS-17 Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization — Battelle/FAA (2022)
- GB/T 3190 / GB/T 3880 (2A12, LY12 ) — SAC (2020)
- EN 573-3 / EN 485-2 (EN AW-2024) — CEN (2019)
- Constellium / Kaiser 2024 aerospace plate & sheet data — Constellium; Kaiser Aluminum (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.