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The 2024 aluminum alloy is composed primarily of aluminum, copper and magnesium. Its other metallic elements include iron, silicon, manganese and zinc, in descending quantity order. 2024 is one of the most popular high-strength alloys. Variant alloys with higher purity, such as 2124 and 2324, offer improved strength.

The properties of 2024 alloy include relatively good fatigue resistance, and a high strength to weight ratio. It offers average machinability to a high finish, but should only be spot, seam or flash welded. 2024 has a somewhat low resistance to corrosion due to its copper content. For this reason, it is often used with an anodized finish or clad with a thin surface of high purity aluminum (“Alclad”), although this may reduce its fatigue strength.

Aluminum alloy 2024 is well-suited to high strength applications. It is commonly used in fittings that demand stiffness, good strength and fatigue resistance. Alclad sheet products have widespread use in commercial applications, and any application where temperatures may thermal shock may occur.

2024 is also commonly used for couplings, fuse parts, worm gears, shafts, colts, hardware, truck parts, computer parts, clock parts and many other structural components. This is an age-hardening alloy which responds well to heat treatment. Alloy 2024-T3 is also useful for RV repair and restoration due to its shiny finish.

Depending upon its temper, the mechanical properties of 2024 aluminum can vary greatly. The most common tempers available are 2024-O, 2024-T3, 2024-T4, 2024-T6, 2024-T351 and 2024-T851. Some improvements are realized when 2024 alloy is produced in these tempers, primarily in increased tensile strength. Many tempers also have excellent deep drilling characteristics.

Hydro Extrusion's wide range of extruded aluminum products includes 6000 and 7000 series aluminum standard and custom solid and hollow shapes, rod and bar products and seamless and structural pipe and tube. We offer a selection of tempers to meet an extensive variety of applications. Producing both standard and customized chemistries, our facilities have the capability to create uniform grain and microstructure through our advanced processing and heat-treating equipment.

Our application engineering, manufacturing, design and marketing specialists can also assist you with aluminum solutions for unique applications, employing the latest technology for the design and manufacture of extrusion tooling, including CAD/CAM design. Hydro Extrusion's engineers and metallurgists can provide everything you need to take you from concept to finished product.