Comparing 2024 aluminium alloy with other alloys

Comparing 2024 aluminium alloy with other alloys

Often 2024 alloy is chosen for applications requiring high strength, but for your specific application you may be considering other options. Below are some other common alloys that are often considered as alternatives.

2024 and 6061

Aluminium 6061, also known as 'structural aluminium', is a 6000 series alloy with magnesium as the main alloying element. It provides medium to high strength, but does not provide the same tensile or yield strength as 2024. Although it is not as strong, it is more versatile. It is more resistant to corrosion, easier to weld and better suited to machining.

It has a wide range of applications, including construction products, piping and recreational products.

2024 and 7075

Like 2024 aluminium alloy, 7075 aluminium alloy is common in the aerospace industry. The main reason for this is that it is one of the strongest aluminium alloys. Through precipitation hardening, it can achieve a tensile strength of 83,000 psi and a yield strength of 73,000 psi compared to 2024 aluminium alloy. In terms of application, 7075 is suitable for applications requiring high stress/strain strength. However, 2024 is suitable for applications where high cyclic fatigue strength is required.

Summary

2024 aluminium alloy is often used in aircraft structural applications due to its high strength and fatigue resistance. It is stronger than 6061, but less versatile. While 7075 is suitable for applications requiring high stress and strain resistance, 2024 has high cyclic fatigue resistance.