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2011-T4511 Aluminum vs. 2030-T4511 Aluminum

2011 T4511 aluminum and 2030-T4511 aluminum are two different alloy series, and although both are in the T4511 temper, their compositions, properties, and applications differ.

  • 2011-T4511 aluminum: Characterized by good machinability and relatively high strength, it is suitable for precision machining and complex-shaped parts, but its corrosion resistance is relatively poor.
  • 2030-T4511 aluminum: Has higher strength and superior corrosion resistance, suitable for applications in high-strength requirements and corrosive environments, but its machinability is slightly inferior to that of 2011 aluminum.

T4511 Temper 2011 2030 Aluminum

The T4511 temper refers to aluminum alloys that have been heat-treated through solution heat treatment followed by stress relief and natural aging processes, bringing the metal to a stable state. Aluminum alloys in this temper typically have good dimensional stability and high strength. The treatment process for T4511 temper includes:

  • Solution Heat Treatment: Heating the aluminum alloy to an appropriate temperature to form a solid solution.
  • Stress Relief: Removing internal stresses by heating and cooling the metal.
  • Natural Aging: Allowing the material to naturally cure at room temperature for a period of time to further enhance strength.

2011 T4511 Aluminum vs. 2030-T4511 Aluminum Alloy Composition

2011 Aluminum Alloy

2011 aluminum alloy is a high-strength aluminum alloy primarily composed of lead (Pb) and tin (Sn), providing excellent machinability, especially for complex machining applications. Its main components include aluminum, copper, and small amounts of other elements such as zinc and magnesium.

2030 Aluminum Alloy

2030 aluminum alloy is a higher-strength alloy, mainly composed of copper, magnesium, and small amounts of manganese. The higher copper content in 2030 alloy leads to better strength and corrosion resistance compared to 2011 alloy, but its machinability may be slightly inferior to that of 2011.

Element 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Aluminum (Al), % 91.3 to 94.6 88.9 to 95.2
Bismuth (Bi), % 0.2 to 0.6 0 to 0.2
Chromium (Cr), % 0 0 to 0.1
Copper (Cu), % 5.0 to 6.0 3.3 to 4.5
Iron (Fe), % 0 to 0.7 0 to 0.7
Lead (Pb), % 0.2 to 0.6 0.8 to 1.5
Magnesium (Mg), % 0 0.5 to 1.3
Manganese (Mn), % 0 0.2 to 1.0
Silicon (Si), % 0 to 0.4 0 to 0.8
Titanium (Ti), % 0 0 to 0.2
Zinc (Zn), % 0 to 0.3 0 to 0.5
Residuals, % 0 0 to 0.3

2011 T4511 Aluminum and 2030-T4511 Aluminum Strength and Hardness

Property 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Tensile Strength The tensile strength of 2011-T4511 aluminum alloy is typically between 290-400 MPa, suitable for aluminum parts that require high strength and complex shape machining. The tensile strength of 2030-T4511 aluminum alloy is typically between 350-470 MPa, showing higher strength, suitable for structural components that need to bear larger loads or high-strength requirements.
Hardness 2011-T4511 aluminum alloy has relatively high hardness, making it suitable for precision machining and complex-shaped parts, but due to the presence of lead and tin, it has better formability. 2030-T4511 aluminum alloy has higher hardness than 2011 aluminum, making it suitable for applications requiring higher strength and structural stability, capable of withstanding higher mechanical stresses.
Applicability 2011-T4511 aluminum alloy is commonly used in applications requiring high strength and complex shape machining, such as precision machinery and aerospace components. 2030-T4511 aluminum alloy is suitable for engineering applications with higher structural requirements, such as aerospace, automotive industry, and load-bearing components.

2011 T4511 Aluminum and 2030-T4511 Aluminum Machinability

Property 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Machinability 2011-T4511 aluminum alloy has excellent machinability, making it suitable for precision machining, thread cutting, and the manufacture of complex-shaped aluminum parts. 2030-T4511 aluminum alloy has slightly inferior machinability compared to 2011 aluminum, but it can still be used for manufacturing large parts with appropriate machining techniques, suitable for high-strength applications.
Reason 2011-T4511 aluminum alloy contains lead and tin, which enhance its machinability, making it especially suitable for precision machining. 2030-T4511 aluminum alloy, due to its higher strength, has slightly worse machinability but is more suitable for large structural components that bear higher mechanical stresses.

2011 T4511 Aluminum and 2030-T4511 Aluminum Corrosion Resistance

Property 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Corrosion Resistance 2011-T4511 aluminum alloy has poor corrosion resistance, especially when exposed to moisture in the air or seawater, making it prone to corrosion, and thus typically requires surface treatment. 2030-T4511 aluminum alloy has better corrosion resistance than 2011 aluminum alloy, as its higher copper content enhances its corrosion resistance in harsh environments, making it suitable for more demanding working conditions.

2011-T4511 Aluminum vs. 2030-T4511 Aluminum Mechanical Properties

Property 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Elastic (Young's, Tensile) Modulus, GPa 71 70
Elongation at Break, % 18 8.0
Fatigue Strength, MPa 110 110
Poisson's Ratio 0.33 0.33
Shear Modulus, GPa 27 26
Shear Strength, MPa 210 220
Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS), MPa 340 380
Tensile Strength: Yield (Proof), MPa 190 240

2011-T4511 Aluminum vs. 2030-T4511 Aluminum Thermal Properties

Property 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Latent Heat of Fusion, J/g 390 390
Maximum Temperature: Mechanical, °C 190 190
Melting Completion (Liquidus), °C 640 640
Melting Onset (Solidus), °C 540 510
Specific Heat Capacity, J/kg-K 870 870
Thermal Conductivity, W/m-K 140 130
Thermal Expansion, µm/m-K 23 23

2011-T4511 Aluminum vs. 2030-T4511 Aluminum Electrical Properties

Property 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume, % IACS 35 34
Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (Specific), % IACS 100 99

2011 T4511 Aluminum and 2030-T4511 Aluminum Applications

Property 2011-T4511 Aluminum 2030-T4511 Aluminum
Application Fields 2011-T4511 aluminum alloy is widely used in aerospace, precision machinery, and electronic equipment, especially in aluminum parts that require complex shapes and high-precision machining, such as precision casting, thread manufacturing, and electronic component housings. 2030-T4511 aluminum alloy, due to its higher strength and corrosion resistance, is widely used in aerospace, automotive industry, and engineering applications with higher structural requirements, suitable for load-bearing components, transportation vehicle frames, and applications that require high strength and stability.