2024-T3 is a high-strength copper-alloyed aircraft aluminum offering superior fatigue resistance and fracture toughness, widely specified for structural aerospace wing and fuselage skins.
Engineering Specifications & Parameters
Density
2.78 g/cm³
Hardness
120 Brinell (HB)
Yield Strength
345 MPa (50,000 psi)
Tensile Strength
483 MPa (70,000 psi)
Machinability Rating
75% (High)
Thermal Conductivity
121 W/m·K
Metallurgy & Material Characteristics
2024-T3 contains 3.8–4.9% copper and 1.2–1.8% magnesium. It provides ultimate tensile strength up to 483 MPa (70,000 psi) with outstanding resistance to cyclical fatigue.
Speeds, Feeds & Cutting Strategy
Cutting Speed (Vc): 250 – 500 m/min for solid carbide; 180 – 300 m/min for HSS.
Chip Load (fz): 0.08 – 0.25 mm/tooth.
Tooling: 2-flute or 3-flute end mills with 40°–45° high helix and polished flutes (or DLC coating) to prevent chip welding.
Surface Quality & Anodizing
2024 contains high copper, making direct color anodizing more difficult than 6061. Chromic acid or hardcoat anodizing is standard for airframe protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 2024 aluminum preferred for aircraft skins over 6061?
2024 delivers significantly higher yield strength and cyclical fatigue resistance under tension loads.
How does copper content in 2024 affect corrosion resistance?
High copper improves hardness and shear mechanics, but reduces natural corrosion resistance, requiring chem-film passivation or alclad coating.
