2xxx Series Aluminium

The major alloying element of 2xxx Series Aluminium Alloys is copper, contributing up to 6.8% of their composition. Copper has a significant effect in increasing aluminium's strength, whilst magnesium, manganese and silicon additions allow the alloys to be further solution and precipitation heat treated. This leads to 2xxx series alloys having some of the highest aluminium strengths, after the 7xxx Series - higher than that of some steels - whilst 2xx.x castings offer the highest strength of all cast aluminium alloys. Furthermore, these grades maintain their strength across a broad temperature range, making them ideal for the aeronautical and automotive industries.

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Where 2xxx alloys do not excel is in corrosion resistance, with intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking, both being a curiously specific problem - unusual for an aluminium alloy. To address this, where good corrosion resistance is a necessity, Alclad grades are created as a composite sandwich, with the strong 2xxx core being plated with corrosion-resistant alloys.

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These alloys machine well, 2011 especially, but require specific treatment for welding, with many grades considered "unweldable." Grade 2219 is used for applications where high-strength weldments are needed.

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We supply all grades popular of 2xxx series alloys, so please feel free to contact us with your direct requirements.