Aluminum 2224
AA 2224 · UNS A92224
2224 is an Al-Cu-Mg (2000 series) plate alloy, UNS A92224, based on 2024 chemistry with controlled impurity levels to raise fracture toughness in thick sections.
Reference datasheet — 2224 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the T3511 condition
2224 tempers and conditions
2224 is supplied in 6 conditions, soft to hard. T3511 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Mill/interim annealed condition for maximum formability before solution treatment; not a service temper. | 78 | 185 | 20 | 47 HB | 50 % IACS |
T3, stress relieved by stretching | Standard damage-tolerant plate temper for machined wing and fuselage structure where low residual stress matters. | 330 | 470 | 12 | 122 HB | 30 % IACS |
T3511Default Solution treated, stretched, naturally aged, minor straightening… | The workhorse condition for 2224 extruded stringers and spar caps — best combination of strength, toughness and crack-growth resistance. | 425 | 480 | 9 | 132 HB | 30 % IACS |
Solution treated, cold worked, naturally aged | Cold-worked plate temper giving the highest naturally aged yield strength while keeping good toughness for lower wing skins. | 440 | 490 | 8 | 137 HB | 30 % IACS |
T8, stress relieved by stretching | Artificially aged plate temper chosen for higher yield strength, better thermal stability and much improved exfoliation/SCC resistance. | 450 | 480 | 6 | 135 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution treated, stretched, artificially aged, minor straightening… | Artificially aged extrusion temper for stiffeners needing peak yield strength and elevated-temperature stability rather than maximum toughness. | 455 | 490 | 6 | 137 HB | 38 % IACS |
What is 2224?
2224 is an Al-Cu-Mg (2000 series) plate alloy, UNS A92224, based on 2024 chemistry with controlled impurity levels to raise fracture toughness in thick sections. It is bought as stress-relieved plate (T351, T3511) and machined into aerospace structure, with the default condition at 425 MPa yield, 480 MPa tensile, 9 % elongation and 132 HB. It is not suitable for fusion welding, needs anodize or cladding plus primer against copper-driven pitting, and service is limited to about 120 °C. 2024 plate is the cheaper, lower-toughness alternative. 2224 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). 2224 has a yield strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 90% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 73 GPa (10.6 Msi).
What is 2224 used for?
- Aircraft structural plate
- Machined fuselage bulkheads
- Wing ribs and spar webs
- Floor beams and seat tracks
- Machined aerospace fittings from thick plate
- Damage-tolerance-critical airframe structure
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 40 MPa·√m (36.4 ksi·√in), better than 98% of aluminum grades
- High strength — 425 MPa (61.6 ksi), better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Easy to machine — 72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 20/100, worse than 89% of aluminum grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 35/100, worse than 85% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 120 W/m·K (69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
2224 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2224-T3511; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
2224 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).
Mechanical12
2224 has a yield strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 90% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 73 GPa (10.6 Msi).
Thermal6
2224 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 120 W/m·K (69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 80% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.9 µm/m·K (12.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2224 conducts electricity at 30 % IACS, worse than 73% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (35/100), worse than 85% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2224 takes about 205 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability7
2224'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. 2224 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 2224
Is 2224 easy to machine?
Machines very well in T3/T8 tempers with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; residual-stress-relieved (T351/T3511) stock is essential for thin machined web parts.
Can 2224 be welded?
Not suitable for fusion arc welding (hot cracking, loss of properties) — join by riveting, bolting, adhesive bonding or friction stir welding.
Can 2224 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or freshly quenched W condition; cold forming in T3/T8 tempers is limited and demands generous bend radii.
2224 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu | 3.8 – 4.4 | 4.1 |
| Mg | 1.2 – 1.8 | 1.5 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.9 | 0.6 |
| Siheld low for toughness | ≤ 0.12 | |
| Feheld low for toughness | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Cr | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Others (each)0.15 total | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 2224?
Use chromic/sulfuric anodize plus chromate-free primer, or clad/paint systems; bare surfaces need protection because of Cu-driven pitting, and anodic films are non-decorative.
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).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 2224 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A92224
How much does 2224 cost?
2224 is a high-cost aluminum ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
2224 — frequently asked
What is 2224 used for?
2224 is typically used for aircraft structural plate, machined fuselage bulkheads, wing ribs and spar webs, floor beams and seat tracks, machined aerospace fittings from thick plate and damage-tolerance-critical airframe structure. In short: higher-toughness 2024 plate; stress-relieved machining stock; riveted, not welded.
What is the yield strength of 2224?
2224 has a typical yield strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 480 MPa (69.6 ksi) — stronger than 90% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 2224 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (72/100, better than 80% of aluminum grades). Machines very well in T3/T8 tempers with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; residual-stress-relieved (T351/T3511) stock is essential for thin machined web parts.
Can 2224 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated poor (20/100). Not suitable for fusion arc welding (hot cracking, loss of properties) — join by riveting, bolting, adhesive bonding or friction stir welding.
What surface finishes work on 2224?
Use chromic/sulfuric anodize plus chromate-free primer, or clad/paint systems; bare surfaces need protection because of Cu-driven pitting, and anodic films are non-decorative.
Can 2224 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in O or freshly quenched W condition; cold forming in T3/T8 tempers is limited and demands generous bend radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2224?
2224 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 2224-T3511 and 2224-O?
T3511 is the default condition — the workhorse condition for 2224 extruded stringers and spar caps — best combination of strength, toughness and crack-growth resistance. O: mill/interim annealed condition for maximum formability before solution treatment; not a service temper. Yield strength is 425 MPa in T3511 versus 78 MPa in O.
How much does 2224 cost?
2224 is a high-cost aluminum ($$$$), pricier than about 78% 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.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — Aluminum Association (2018)
- MMPDS-2023, Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization — Battelle/FAA (2023)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- AMS-QQ-A-250 / AMS 4000 series aluminum plate and extrusion specifications — SAE International (2020)
- High-toughness 2000-series aerospace plate and extrusion product data — Alcoa / Arconic (2015)
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.