Alclad 2024-O Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 2024-O alloy,E FORU

### **Alclad 2024-O Aluminum Alloy Product Introduction** **Overview** Alclad 2024-O is a composite aluminum product that combines the high-strength base core of **2024 aluminum alloy** in its fully soft, annealed condition ("-O" temper) with a protective cladding layer of high-purity aluminum or a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy (typically 1xxx series). The "Alclad" process metallurgically bonds this cladding to the core, creating a material that offers the **exceptional formability of the 2024-O core** with the **superior corrosion resistance of the pure aluminum surface**. This product is specifically designed as a starting material for severe forming operations, after which the entire component can be heat-treated to achieve high strength. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** The composition is defined by two distinct layers: **1. Core Material: 2024-O Alloy** | Element | Content (%) | | :--- | :--- | | **Aluminum (Al)** | Balance | | **Copper (Cu)** | 3.8 - 4.9 | | **Magnesium (Mg)** | 1.2 - 1.8 | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 0.30 - 0.9 | *Note: In the "-O" temper, this core is in its softest state, achieved by annealing.* **2. Cladding Material (Typical)** * **Alloy:** 1230 or similar high-purity aluminum (≥99.30% Al). * **Purpose:** The cladding is anodic to the 2024 core. In a corrosive environment, it sacrificially corrodes, protecting the strong but susceptible core material from attack. The cladding typically constitutes 2.5% to 5% of the total thickness on each side. --- #### **2. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density (Core)** | ~2.78 g/cm³ (0.100 lb/in³) | | **Melting Range** | ~ 500°C - 638°C (930°F - 1180°F) | | **Electrical Conductivity** | Cladding: ~62% IACS; Core: ~30% IACS (Overall value is a composite) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | ~ 121 W/m·K (Core) | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | ~ 23.2 x 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C) | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties (Typical for O Temper)** The mechanical properties are dominated by the soft, annealed 2024 core. | Temper | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | Elongation (% in 50mm) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Alclad 2024-O** | ~ 180 - 220 MPa (26 - 32 ksi) | ~ 70 - 100 MPa (10 - 15 ksi) | ~ 15 - 20% | **Key Point:** These low-strength, high-ductility properties are ideal for complex forming. After the part is formed, it undergoes a full heat treatment cycle (Solution Heat Treat -> Quench -> Natural or Artificial Aging) to transform the 2024 core to a T3 or T8 temper, achieving strengths exceeding 440 MPa (64 ksi). --- #### **4. International Standards** Alclad 2024 is specified in major aerospace and general standards. | Standard System | Alloy Designation | Form | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **ASTM (USA)** | **ASTM B209** (Alclad 2024-O) | Sheet & Plate | | **AMS (Aerospace)** | **AMS 4037** (Alclad 2024-O) | Sheet | | **EN (Europe)** | **EN AW-2024A** (with Alclad specification) | Sheet | --- #### **5. Product Applications** Alclad 2024-O is exclusively used in applications that require **severe forming** of a high-strength aluminum component that will later be heat-treated and used in **corrosive environments**. * **Aerospace & Aviation (Primary Application):** * **Complex Aircraft Skin Panels:** Fuselage and wing skins that require deep drawing or stretch forming. * **Intricately Shaped Structural Parts:** Bulkheads, ribs, and brackets with complex curves. * **Cowlings and Fairings:** Streamlined covers that are heavily formed. * **General Manufacturing:** * Prototype components that require easy forming before committing to final heat treatment. **Manufacturing Workflow:** 1. **Blank:** Start with Alclad 2024-O sheet. 2. **Form:** Perform deep drawing, stretch forming, or other severe shaping operations. The material is soft and ductile, allowing for significant deformation without cracking. 3. **Heat Treat:** Solution heat treat the formed component, quench it, and then age it (to T3, T4, or T8 temper). This transforms the soft 2024 core into a high-strength state. 4. **Final Product:** The part now has the high strength of 2024-T3/T8 and the sacrificial corrosion protection of the Alclad layer. --- #### **6. Key Advantages & Considerations** * **Advantages:** * **Maximum Formability:** The -O temper allows for the most severe and complex cold-forming operations, which would be impossible with the high-strength T3/T8 temper. * **Built-in Corrosion Protection:** The Alclad cladding provides excellent resistance to atmospheric and chemical corrosion, sacrificially protecting the vulnerable 2024 core. * **High Final Strength:** After heat treatment, the component achieves the full high-strength properties of 2024-T3/T8. * **Considerations:** * **Low Strength in Delivered State:** The component has no structural integrity in the "-O" condition and **must be heat-treated** before being put into service. * **Complex Manufacturing Process:** Requires additional steps (forming, heat treatment) compared to using pre-hardened material. * **Cladding Thickness:** The cladding reduces the overall strength slightly compared to a bare 2024 product of the same total thickness. Design must account for the core thickness. * **Not Weldable:** The base 2024 core is not considered weldable, and the heat from welding can degrade the Alclad protection. **Conclusion** Alclad 2024-O Aluminum Alloy is a process-enabling material. It is not a final-state product but a strategic starting point for manufacturing complex, high-strength, and corrosion-resistant components. Its value lies in solving the fundamental challenge of forming intricate shapes from a very strong but otherwise unworkable alloy. For the aerospace industry, it is an indispensable material for producing the curved and compound skins that define modern aircraft, ensuring both structural performance and long-term durability.

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 1532 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.