The 2xxx series, also known as the aluminum 2000 series, features a set of ‘hard alloys’. They are historically one of the most studied age-hardening alloys. These are primarily aluminum-copper alloys of the Al-Cu-(Mg) system with some other minor impurities.

Aluminum 2xxx Characteristics

Copper additions usually range from 0.7% to 0.68%, with 2% – 10% in some cases. Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Titanium (Ti) are the minor impurities. Lead (Pb), Bismuth (Bi), Zirconium (Zr), or Vanadium (V) may be present in less than 0.5%.

Some key characteristics of Aluminum Grade 2xxx alloys are –

• Heat-treatable using solution treatment
• Precipitation hardening; gaining strength with age
• High strength over a wide temperature range
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• Least weldable aluminum alloy
• Poor ductility; susceptible to solidification cracking
• Low corrosion resistance; potential intergranular corrosion
• Loss of elongation on heat treatment
• Ultimate tensile strength between 27ksi – 62ksi

Artificial/natural aging after heat treatment can cause a substantial increase in yield strength. But the already-low ductility and corrosion resistance further decreases with heat treatment. However, the tensile strength shows almost no change over 4-6 times gain on yield strength.

Common Aluminum 2xxx Series Alloys

Most used aluminum grade 2xxx alloys are –

• Grade 2011 (5.0% – 6.0% Cu)
• Grade 2014 (3.9% – 5.0% Cu)
• Grade 2017 (3.5% – 4.5% Cu)
• Grade 2024 (3.8% – 4.9% Cu)
• Grade 2124 (3.8% – 4.9% Cu)
• Grade 2219 (5.6% – 6.8% Cu)

The first digit ‘2’ refers to the series 2xxx or 2000. If the second digit is ‘0’, it means no aluminum modification. A non-zero second digit indicates modification of the specific alloy. The third and fourth digits represent arbitrary alloy identification in the series.

Applications for Aluminum 2xxx Series Alloys

These hard alloys can possess some similar mechanical characteristics to low-carbon steel. They often require proper heat treatment to obtain optimum properties. Alloys of the 2000 series are used in knobs, screws, fittings, electrodes, and filler wire. Other industrial forms include castings, extrusions, forging, rounds, strips, and tubes.

Aircraft

Some of the high-performance alloys with high mechanical strength have aerospace applications. High-precision parts can be made by CNC machining of alloys. Grade 2024, having superior machinability, is the most popular alloy for aircraft construction. Other grades of alloy are also involved in making aircraft fuselage and wings.

Plumbing

High-strength series 2xxx aluminum alloys are also used in plumbing. Their excellent resistance to heat and hardening with time can withstand everyday rigors. Some alloys have structural applications, being lightweight but strong.

Welding

Some of the 2000 series alloys show poor to no weldability, like Grade 2219. High-strength filler alloys from the 2xxx series can match the procedure. Also, 4xxx series alloys with silicon or silicon-copper composition can help, depending on the application and requirements. However, 2000 series alloy can be readily welded using Friction Stir Welding (FSW) technology.

Heavy Vehicles

Some high-performance 2000 series alloys are used in trucks. These alloys often make up the vehicle’s compression ring. The truck’s suspension system and wheels can also feature these alloys to support the heavy load.

Which Aluminum Alloys are the Best for Your Project?

Grade 2xxx series alloys have wide applications due to their beneficial mechanical properties. Still, you can consider some alternative die-casting alloys for a superior outcome. We’re a Chinese aluminum die-casting manufacturer with 10+ years of experience. If you need help in choosing the right alloy for upcoming projects, don’t bother to contact us anytime.