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2024 CF Aluminum Bar

2024 cold rolled aluminum bar is an aluminum alloy product based on 2024 aluminum alloy, processed into shape through cold rolling. Due to its outstanding strength, fatigue resistance, and good machinability, the 2024 cold rolled aluminum bar has a wide range of applications in aerospace, military, and other high-strength demanding fields.

2024 CF bar can be processed into high gloss finish. The corrosion resistance is generally average. 2024 aluminum alloy is considered the "aircraft" alloy due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. In terms of machining bar stock, this alloy performs better than 2017 and 2014.

2024 CF Aluminum Bar

2024 Aluminum Bar Cold Rolling Process

Cold rolling is a process in which pressure is applied to deform the metal material at room temperature. The cold rolling process of the 2024 aluminum bar can significantly improve its surface quality, increase dimensional accuracy, and enhance the strength of the aluminum alloy. Cold rolled aluminum bars are typically processed after hot rolling, with the following characteristics:

  • High dimensional accuracy: The cold rolling process can control the diameter, thickness, and other geometric dimensions of the 2024 aluminum bar, ensuring high dimensional tolerances.
  • High surface finish: The surface after cold rolling is relatively smooth, reducing friction in subsequent processing, making it suitable for applications requiring high surface quality.
  • Increased strength and hardness: Through cold rolling, the strength and hardness of the 2024 aluminum bar are enhanced, providing better structural support while maintaining a lightweight.

Common Heat Treatment Conditions for 2024 Cold Rolled Aluminum Bar

  • T3 condition: Solution treated, cold worked (cold rolled), and naturally aged, providing high strength and good mechanical properties. The T3 condition is the standard heat treatment for the aerospace industry.
  • T4 condition: Solution treated and naturally aged, offering better formability and some strength, suitable for parts that require further processing.
  • T6 condition: Solution treated and artificially aged, which significantly increases strength, suitable for applications that require higher strength.
Aluminum Bar Condition Description
2024 T351 CF Aluminum Bar The 2024 T351 CF aluminum bar is solution treated, cold worked (cold rolled), and naturally aged. This aluminum bar offers high strength and good mechanical properties, especially suitable for structural parts in aerospace that must bear high loads. The T351 condition aluminum bar has a certain balance of toughness and strength, making it suitable for applications requiring additional machining or welding. Its surface quality is usually good, meeting the requirements of complex structural designs.
2024 T4 CF Aluminum Bar The 2024 T4 CF aluminum bar is solution treated and naturally aged, offering good formability and some strength. It is commonly used for parts that require further processing. This condition aluminum bar has good machinability, suitable for various subsequent processing techniques, such as forming, cutting, and extrusion, making it ideal for manufacturing aerospace or other industrial components that need further processing. The T4 condition aluminum bar is widely used in light load applications that require additional processing.
2024 T6 CF Aluminum Bar The 2024 T6 CF aluminum bar is solution treated and artificially aged, significantly enhancing its strength. The T6 condition aluminum bar offers excellent tensile strength and good fatigue resistance, making it suitable for applications that require high strength, particularly in aerospace where components are subjected to extreme working conditions. Its enhanced strength makes the T6 condition aluminum bar an ideal choice for critical components requiring high strength, low weight, and reliable performance, widely used in aircraft fuselage, wing spars, and other key load-bearing areas.

2024 CF Aluminum Bar Properties

  • High strength: One of the main characteristics of 2024 aluminum bar is its high strength-to-weight ratio.
  • Good fatigue resistance: This alloy is known for its excellent fatigue resistance, making it ideal for applications subjected to cyclic loads.
  • Good machinability: The 2024 aluminum bar is easy to machine, especially in the T3 condition.
  • Moderate corrosion resistance: The corrosion resistance of 2024 aluminum is lower than that of some other aluminum alloys, such as 6061. It is typically used with protective coatings or anodizing to enhance its corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments.
  • Heat treatable: 2024 aluminum can be heat treated to further enhance its mechanical properties. Typical heat treatment conditions for 2024 include T3 (solution heat-treated and cold worked) and T4 (solution heat-treated and naturally aged).
  • Ductility: The 2024 CF Aluminum Bar has moderate ductility but is not as easily formable as other aluminum alloys like 6061.

2024 CF Aluminum Bar Form and Sizes

2024 aluminum bars are available in a variety of forms, including:

  • 2024 CF Aluminum Round bars
  • 2024 CF Aluminum Square bars
  • 2024 CF Aluminum Flat bars
  • 2024 CF Aluminum Hexagonal bars
  • Custom extrusions: 2024 aluminum can be extruded into complex shapes for specific applications.
Aluminum Bar Form Description
2024 CF Aluminum Round Bars 2024 CF aluminum round bars are provided in a circular cross-section, suitable for applications that require high strength and excellent mechanical properties, especially in aerospace and other high-demand fields. Due to their symmetrical round structure, round bars are ideal for rotating parts, machining, and components that bear uniform loads. They provide uniform strength and fatigue resistance, and are commonly used for manufacturing shafts, rods, connectors, etc.
2024 CF Aluminum Square Bars 2024 CF aluminum square bars have four equal sides, suitable for applications that require precise dimensions and diagonal strength. The square bar form provides greater stability and precision, and is commonly used for mechanical structural components, frames, brackets, and applications that require precise cutting. They are commonly found in aerospace and industrial fields, especially when parts need to mate precisely with other components, making square bars an ideal choice.
2024 CF Aluminum Flat Bars 2024 CF aluminum flat bars have a wide, flat cross-section, suitable for applications that require large surface contact or structural support. Their excellent machinability makes them commonly used in the manufacture of large structural components, support beams, foundation frames, and other parts requiring a flat surface. Due to their uniform cross-section, flat bars are ideal as templates, rails, supports, or base structures for installation.
2024 CF Aluminum Hexagonal Bars 2024 CF aluminum hexagonal bars have six symmetrical edges, suitable for applications that require unique geometries or efficient space utilization. The hexagonal structure provides greater stability when bearing forces in different directions, and is widely used in mechanical manufacturing, aerospace components, and parts that require additional torsional resistance. Hexagonal bars are also commonly used to manufacture parts with special shape requirements, such as nuts, connectors, etc.

2024 CF Aluminum Bar Chemical Composition

Element Percentage
Aluminum 90.7% - 94.7%
Chromium 0.1% (Max)
Copper 3.8% - 4.9%
Iron 0.5% (Max)
Magnesium 1.2% - 1.8%
Manganese 0.3% - 0.9%
Silicon 0.5% (Max)
Zinc 0.25% (Max)

2024 CF Aluminum Bar Applications

Aerospace: Due to its high strength, low weight, and excellent fatigue resistance, 2024 cold-rolled aluminum bars are widely used in aircraft fuselages, wings, skins, and other structural components. Common applications include:

  • Aircraft fuselage frames
  • Aircraft wing beams and support structures
  • Aircraft surface skins and stiffeners
  • Aircraft landing gear brackets

Military: 2024 cold-rolled aluminum bars are also widely used in military aircraft and military vehicles. They can be used to manufacture high-strength structural components, armor, and other high-load parts.

High-strength structural components: In addition to aerospace, 2024 cold-rolled aluminum bars are also widely used in other structural components that require high strength and lightweight materials, such as components for racing cars and sports cars.

2024 CF Aluminum Bar is also used in cross-slot screws, wood screws, hydraulic fittings, and small parts for clocks and instruments. 2024 CF is also the base alloy for cold-processed rectangular bars, where strength and machinability are critical for precision fittings and parts.

Processing and Surface Treatment

  • Machinability: 2024 cold-rolled aluminum bars have good machinability and can be subjected to common machining operations such as turning, milling, drilling, etc., making them suitable for manufacturing complex parts.
  • Weldability: Although the weldability of 2024 aluminum alloy is not as good as some other aluminum alloys (such as 6061), it can still be welded using specialized welding techniques (such as friction stir welding).
  • Surface Treatment: To improve its corrosion resistance, 2024 cold-rolled aluminum bars are often subjected to surface treatments, such as anodizing, coating, etc.

2024 CF Aluminum Bar Advantages and Limitations

Advantages of 2024 CF Aluminum Bar

  • Provides excellent strength and fatigue resistance, ideal for high-strength and long-term load applications.
  • Good machinability, making it suitable for manufacturing precision parts.
  • Achieves higher dimensional precision and surface quality through cold rolling.
  • Lightweight: Reduces transportation and installation costs, making it an ideal choice for large structures.
  • High corrosion resistance: Suitable for outdoor applications.
  • Balanced strength: Offers medium strength without the need for more expensive materials.

Limitations of 2024 CF Aluminum Bar

  • Lower performance in corrosive environments compared to some other aluminum alloys (such as 6061), requiring additional corrosion protection.
  • Poor weldability, especially with traditional welding methods.
  • Cost: Higher than some lower-grade aluminum alloys.
  • Durability: Not as extreme as high-strength grades like 6061 or 7075.
  • Temperature use: Limited in applications requiring extreme durability or high temperatures.

2024 cold-rolled aluminum bars have a prominent position in aerospace, military, and high-performance engineering fields due to their excellent strength, good fatigue resistance, and high machinability. While they have some limitations in corrosion resistance, this can be addressed through surface treatments. The cold rolling process provides high dimensional precision and surface finish, making it highly suitable for precision manufacturing.

2024 CF aluminum bars are a versatile material, offering strength, durability, and lightness, making them an ideal choice for applications in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. Their processing methods further enhance their performance, making them a reliable choice for structural needs where cost-effectiveness and corrosion resistance are critical.

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