2024 Aluminum alloy performance application range and processing technology
2024 Aluminum alloy is a high strength aluminum, belonging to Al-Cu-Mg. Mainly used for the production of various high load parts and components, can be heat treatment reinforcement. Moderate quenching and rigid quenching conditions, good spot welding. The tendency to form intercrystalline cracks in gas welding, its good cutting properties after quenching and cold hardening. Low cutting after annealing, low corrosion resistance. Anodizing treatment and painting or aluminum layer to improve its corrosion resistance which mainly used to make a variety of high load parts and components (but not including stamp forging parts) such as aircraft skeleton parts, skin, frame, wing ribs, wing beams, rivets and other working parts.
2024 Mechanical properties of aluminum alloy:
Conductivity of 20℃ (68 ℉) – - – 30-40 (%IACS)
Density (20℃) (g/cm3) – - – 2.78
Tensile strength (MPa) – - – 472
Yield strength (MPa) – - – 325
Hardness (500kg force 10mm ball) – - – 120
Elongation rate (1.6mm (1/16in) thickness) – - – 10
Large shear stress (MPa) – - – 285
2024 Typical use of aluminum alloy
Aircraft structural parts: Due to its high strength and good fatigue properties, 2024 aluminum alloy is widely used in the manufacture of aircraft wing beam, wing ribs, fuselage skin and other structural components.
Missile structural parts: The same applies to the missile shell and other structural components.
Auto parts: For manufacturing auto parts with high strength requirements, such as frame, bracket, etc.
Rail transit vehicles: Such as subway carriages, high-speed rail carriages, etc. to reduce weight and improve energy efficiency.
Shipbuilding: To manufacturing components such as hull structures, decks, especially where high corrosion resistance and lightweight are required.
Military equipment: Manufacturing of structural parts of military aircraft, helicopters, armored vehicles and other military equipment.
High-end bicycle frame: 2024 aluminum alloy is used to make the frame of high performance bicycles because of its lightweight and high strength characteristics.
Commercial installation: It is used to manufacture structural parts and supporting parts in various industrial equipment, especially in applications that need to withstand large loads.
Construction industry: Used as building structural materials, in some cases can replace steel or other materials, especially in weight-sensitive applications.
Other sporting goods: Such as golf clubs, ski poles, and so on.
2024 Aluminum alloy processing process:
Heat treatment
Solid treatment (annealing): Heat the material to a certain temperature (typically 480 C to 500 C), keep quickly for some time (water cooled or oil cooled), this process can improve the plasticity of the material and facilitate the subsequent processing.
Age hardening: Long-time heating at lower temperatures (usually 120 C to 150 C),To further increase the intensity,According to different aging conditions, different levels of hardness and strength can be obtained.
Forming
Extrusion forming: The aluminum alloy is squeezed through the mold at high temperature and high pressure to form the desired shape. 2024 aluminum alloy is suitable for making pipes, bars, etc.
Punch forming: Using a press to flush the plate or pipe into the desired shape, Suitable for making parts of complex shapes.
forge: Forging the aluminum alloy into the desired shape by hammer or press, Suitable for the manufacture of large structural parts.
Machine work
Turnery: Using a lathe for machining cylindrical parts.
Milling: Cutting the material with a milling machine, suitable for machining planes or parts with complex shapes.
Drill: For drilling holes in the material.
Tapping: Process threads in pre-drill holes.
Surface treatment
Anodic oxidation: A dense oxide film is formed on the surface of the material through electrochemical reaction to improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the material.
Paint-coat: Apply the protective layer on the material surface by spraying to enhance its corrosion resistance.
Polishing: Remove the roughness of the material surface and improve the surface gloss and smoothness.