2023 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 2023 alloy,E FORU

### **2023 Aluminum Alloy Product Introduction** **Overview** 2023 Aluminum Alloy is a high-strength, heat-treatable aluminum-copper alloy developed primarily for **superior machinability**. It is engineered to deliver exceptional chip formation and surface finish during high-speed machining operations, positioning it as a premium material for complex, precision-machined components. While it shares the high-strength foundation of the 2xxx series, its chemical composition is optimized specifically for manufacturing efficiency, making it an ideal choice for screw machine products and other heavily machined parts. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition (Typical Weight %)** The composition of 2023 is defined by high copper and the deliberate addition of free-machining elements. | Element | Minimum (%) | Maximum (%) | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Aluminum (Al)** | Balance | Balance | - | | **Copper (Cu)** | 3.8 | 4.5 | Primary strengthening element through precipitation hardening. | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.15 | 0.35 | Contributes to strength and castability. | | **Iron (Fe)** | 0.20 | 0.4 | Impurity, but contributes to chip breaking. | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.20 | 0.6 | Improves strength and grain structure. | | **Lead (Pb)** | 1.2 | 1.8 | **Key free-machining element.** Forms soft inclusions that act as chip breakers, resulting in short, brittle chips and superior surface finish. | | **Bismuth (Bi)** | 0.20 | 0.6 | **Secondary free-machining element.** Works synergistically with Lead to improve machinability without forming low-melting-point phases. | | **Titanium (Ti)** | 0.05 | 0.20 | Grain refiner. | | **Zinc (Zn)** | - | 0.10 | Impurity. | | **Others (Each)** | - | 0.05 | - | | **Others (Total)** | - | 0.15 | - | **Key Point:** The high content of **Lead (Pb)** and **Bismuth (Bi)** is the defining characteristic of 2023. These insoluble, soft particles act as internal lubricants and chip breakers during machining, allowing for higher cutting speeds, extended tool life, and an excellent surface finish. --- #### **2. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | ~2.85 g/cm³ (0.103 lb/in³) | (Slightly elevated due to Pb/Bi content) | | **Melting Range** | ~ 525°C - 640°C (~975°F - 1185°F) | | **Electrical Conductivity** | ~ 35-40% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | ~ 130-140 W/m·K | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | ~ 23.5 x 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C) | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties (Typical for T3/T4 Temper)** 2023 is commonly used in solution heat-treated and naturally aged tempers (T3/T4), which provide a good balance of strength and machinability. | Temper | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | Elongation (% in 50mm) | Hardness | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **2023-T3/T4** | min. 380 MPa (55 ksi) | min. 240 MPa (35 ksi) | min. 10% | ~ 100-110 HB | *Note: The machinability rating of 2023 is exceptional, often rated above 90% on the AISI B1112 steel scale, making it one of the most machinable aluminum alloys available.* --- #### **4. International Standards** 2023 Aluminum Alloy is recognized in several international standards for wire, bar, and rod forms. | Standard System | Alloy Designation | Common Tempers | Form | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **ASTM (USA)** | **2023** | T3, T4, T351 | Wire, Bar, Rod | | **UNS (USA)** | **A92023** | - | - | | **SAE (USA)** | **SAE 2003** | - | (Often used in automotive specs) | --- #### **5. Product Applications** 2023 is exclusively targeted towards high-volume, precision-machined components where manufacturing efficiency is critical. * **Automotive Industry:** * Fuel injection components * High-precision sensors and connectors * Transmission and engine management parts * Fittings and couplings * **Aerospace Industry:** * Non-structural screw machine parts (fittings, connectors, bushings) * Avionics components and housings * **General Manufacturing & Hardware:** * High-strength fasteners (screws, bolts) * Camera components * Hydraulic and pneumatic system parts * Any component requiring extensive, complex machining to tight tolerances. --- #### **6. Key Advantages & Considerations** * **Advantages:** * **Exceptional Machinability:** One of the highest machinability ratings among all aluminum alloys, enabling high production rates, excellent surface finishes, and long tool life. * **High Strength:** Provides good mechanical properties, superior to many other free-machining alloys. * **Good Chip Formation:** Produces small, broken chips that are easily cleared, reducing the risk of machine jamming and improving safety. * **Considerations:** * **Contains Lead (RoHS Compliance):** The high lead content makes it **non-compliant** with the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and other environmental regulations for certain electronic applications. Lead-free alternatives like 6023 or 6262 must be used in regulated applications. * **Poor Corrosion Resistance:** Like other high-copper alloys, it has low resistance to corrosion and typically requires protective coatings if used in harsh environments. * **Not Weldable:** The presence of lead and bismuth causes hot cracking, making it unsuitable for fusion welding. * **Limited Elevated Temperature Use:** The strengthening precipitates and the lead/bismuth phases can coarsen or melt at elevated temperatures, limiting its service temperature. **Conclusion** 2023 Aluminum Alloy is a specialized, high-performance machining alloy. Its raison d'être is to enable the fast, efficient, and precise manufacturing of complex components. For industries where production speed, tool life, and part quality are paramount, and where environmental regulations permit the use of leaded alloys, 2023 offers an unmatched combination of strength and machinability. It is the material of choice when the primary manufacturing process is metal removal on a massive scale.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 1530 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.