High Strength • Excellent Fatigue Resistance • Aviation Industry Standard
2024-T3 is a high-strength copper-based aluminum alloy widely used in aerospace and aviation applications. Known for superior fatigue resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio, this alloy is the material of choice for aircraft structures, fuselages, and components subjected to cyclic loading. The T3 temper provides optimal combination of strength and damage tolerance.
2024-T3 is a precipitation-hardened aluminum-copper alloy that has been solution heat treated, cold worked, and naturally aged. This processing produces exceptional fatigue resistance and good damage tolerance, making it the primary structural material for commercial and military aircraft. The T3 temper offers a unique balance of strength, ductility, and resistance to crack propagation.
| Element | Weight % | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 3.8 - 4.9 | Primary strengthening element |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1.2 - 1.8 | Enhances precipitation hardening response |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.3 - 0.9 | Grain refinement and strength improvement |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.50 | Impurity element |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.50 | Impurity element |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25 | Minor alloying element |
| Chromium (Cr) | ≤ 0.10 | Grain structure control |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.15 | Grain refinement |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (90.7-94.7) | Base metal |
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | 483 MPa | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 345 MPa | 50,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break | 18% (in 50mm) | |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 73.1 GPa | 10.6 × 10⁶ psi |
| Brinell Hardness | 120 HB | |
| Shear Strength | 283 MPa | 41,000 psi |
| Fatigue Strength (500M cycles) | 138 MPa | 20,000 psi |
| Shear Modulus | 27.6 GPa | 4.0 × 10⁶ psi |
Note: T3 temper (solution treated, cold worked, naturally aged) provides the best combination of strength and ductility. T4 and T351 tempers are also common for specific applications.
Aircraft fuselage skins, wing structures, empennage components, stringers, bulkheads, ribs, and primary structural members for commercial airliners where fatigue resistance is critical.
Military aircraft structures, helicopter components, missile bodies, armored vehicle parts, and defense equipment requiring high strength and damage tolerance.
Satellite structures, rocket components, space vehicle frames, and aerospace applications where high strength-to-weight ratio is essential.
Truck wheels, structural components for commercial vehicles, high-performance racing car parts, and transport equipment subjected to cyclic loading.
High-stress rivets, fasteners, precision machinery parts, tooling components, and applications requiring high strength with good machinability.
| Operation | Recommended Parameters |
|---|---|
| Turning | Speed: 800-1200 SFM (245-365 m/min), Feed: 0.008-0.015 ipr |
| Milling | Speed: 900-1400 SFM (275-425 m/min), Use carbide tooling |
| Drilling | Speed: 250-400 SFM (75-120 m/min), Peck drilling recommended for deep holes |
| Threading | Reduced speeds, sharp tools, generous coolant flow |
| Coolant | Soluble oil or synthetic coolants strongly recommended |
Pro Tip: 2024-T3 has a tendency to work harden, so maintain consistent feed rates and avoid dwelling. Use positive rake angles and keep tools sharp to minimize cutting forces and heat generation.
Get a quote for AS9100D certified 2024-T3 aluminum machining with full material traceability and aerospace certification.