Aluminum 2024-T3: High-Strength Aerospace Structural Alloy
AMS 4037 · Published: 2026-06-03 · Updated: July 2026
Aluminum 2024-T3 is a heat-treatable Al-Cu-Mg alloy with strength approaching mild steel at one-third the weight. It is the primary structural alloy for aircraft fuselage skins, wing tension members, and truck wheels. Its major limitation is poor...
Aluminum 2024-T3 is a heat-treatable Al-Cu-Mg alloy with strength approaching mild steel at one-third the weight. It is the primary structural alloy for aircraft fuselage skins, wing tension members, and truck wheels. Its major limitation is poor corrosion resistance — it is almost always used with alclad coating or chemical conversion protection.
Quick Facts
| Category | Aluminum Alloy |
| Standard | AMS 4037 |
| Density | 2.78 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 345 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 483 MPa |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 2024 always alclad-coated for aerospace?
2024's high copper content (~4.4%) makes it highly susceptible to galvanic corrosion and pitting. Alclad (a thin layer of pure aluminum bonded to the surface) provides cathodic protection. Without alclad, 2024 will develop severe pitting within months of outdoor exposure.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu