Aluminum 2011

Aging Procedure

Age hardening (typical for T4 temper) is done by a 950 F soak for 3 hours followed by water quench. Other temper variations are possible with additional treatment such as heating to 320 F for 14 hours, after solution heating, to produce T 8 temper.

Annealing Procedure

Annealing is done at 775 F by holding at that temperature for 2 to 3 hours, followed by controlled cooling at a rate of 50 F per hour down to 500 F and then air cooling.

Applications

Commonly used in the manufacture of screw machine products, machine parts, atomizer and hose parts, pipe stems, cigarette holders, and tube fittings.

Cold Workability

This alloy is noted for its free-machining capability. It may be cold worked by all conventional means. An aging heat treatment to develop optimum strength may follow cold working.

Forgeability

Forging, or hot working, may be accomplished in the temperature range of 550 to 900 F.

Formability

Bending, shaping and forming in general may be don with conventional tooling. Following cold working the part is usually age hardened to develop better strength properties.

Hardening Procedure

Age harden by 950 F heat treatment for 3 hours and water quench. See also "Aging" and "Tempering".

Heat Treatability

Optimum strength (T8 temper) is obtained by solution heat treatment at 950 F for adequate time to insure complete heating followed by a water quench and then cold working to desired part shape and followed by a 320 F heating for 15 hours and air cool.

Hot Workability

Hot working may be done at temperatures of 550 to 900 F.

Machinability

This is a free-machining alloy and both carbide or high-speed tool steel tooling may be used. Carbide tooling is preferred. Rake angles should be 50 degrees for top rake, 32 degree cutting edge, 15 degree side rake and 10 degree clearance. Oils should be used for heavy cutting, Light cutting may be done dry.

Other Mechanical Properties

Shear strength (ultimate) 32 ksi to T3 and 35 ksi for T8

Other Physical Properties

Electrical conductivity is 38% of copper.

Principle Design Features

This is an age-hardenable alloy noted for its free-machining characteristics and good mechanical properties.

Tempering Procedure

Not applicable .

Weldability

Welding of this alloy is NOT recommended. No common methods of producing satisfactory welds have been developed.