2xxx Series
Aluminum-Copper Alloys
Overview
High strength-to-weight ratio, good machinability, heat treatable
Requires surface protection in corrosive environments
Applications
Common Alloys
Properties
Manufacturing Process
Step 1
Material Preparation
Primary aluminum and copper/magnesium master alloys are weighed to hit precise target compositions (Cu 3.5–5.0%).
Step 2
Melting & Alloying
Elements dissolved in sequence at 720–760 °C. Ti-B grain refiner and flux treatments ensure a clean melt.
Step 3
DC Casting
Direct Chill casting into billets or rolling ingots; homogenisation soak at 480–500 °C for 12–24 h equalises composition.
Step 4
Hot Working
Billets are rolled or forged at 400–450 °C through multiple reduction passes to the required shape and gauge.
Step 5
Solution Heat Treatment
Rapid heating to 490–503 °C fully dissolves alloying elements, followed immediately by cold-water quench to lock the supersaturated state.
Step 6
Precipitation Hardening
Artificial aging at 120–130 °C (T6 temper) precipitates fine CuAl₂ particles for peak strength. Final tensile and hardness inspection.
Step 1
Material Preparation
Primary aluminum and copper/magnesium master alloys are weighed to hit precise target compositions (Cu 3.5–5.0%).
Step 2
Melting & Alloying
Elements dissolved in sequence at 720–760 °C. Ti-B grain refiner and flux treatments ensure a clean melt.
Step 3
DC Casting
Direct Chill casting into billets or rolling ingots; homogenisation soak at 480–500 °C for 12–24 h equalises composition.
Step 4
Hot Working
Billets are rolled or forged at 400–450 °C through multiple reduction passes to the required shape and gauge.
Step 5
Solution Heat Treatment
Rapid heating to 490–503 °C fully dissolves alloying elements, followed immediately by cold-water quench to lock the supersaturated state.
Step 6
Precipitation Hardening
Artificial aging at 120–130 °C (T6 temper) precipitates fine CuAl₂ particles for peak strength. Final tensile and hardness inspection.
Chemical Composition
EN 573-3 / AA
Max % unless range shown. Balance: Al.
| Alloy | Chem. Symbol | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | AlCu4SiMg | 0.50–1.2 | 0.70 | 3.9–5.0 | 0.40–1.2 | 0.20–0.80 | 0.10 | 0.25 | 0.15 |
| 2017 | AlCu4MgSi | 0.20–0.80 | 0.70 | 3.5–4.5 | 0.40–1.0 | 0.40–0.80 | 0.10 | 0.25 | 0.15 |
| 2024 | AlCu4Mg1 | 0.50 | 0.50 | 3.8–4.9 | 0.30–0.9 | 1.2–1.8 | 0.10 | 0.25 | 0.15 |