2011
Aluminium is the most machinable of the commonly available aluminium alloys. Machining this alloy can produce excellent
surface finish on your product, and small, broken chips. Weldability, strength, and anodizing response are all rated as average at best, and this alloy does not have a high degree of
corrosion resistance. If the ability to make your part quickly is important to you, and strength is not the primary desire, 2011 represents a good choice if you're using Aluminium.
Principal Design Features
This is an age-hardenable alloy noted for its free-machining characteristics and good mechanical properties.
Applications
Commonly used in the manufacture of screw machine products, machine parts, atomizer and hose parts, pipe stems, cigarette holders, and tube fittings.
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.
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.
Welding
Welding of 2011 Aluminum alloy is NOT recommended. No common methods of producing satisfactory welds have been developed.
Heat Treatment
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.
Forging
Forging, or hot working, may be accomplished in the temperature range of 550 to 900°F.
Hot Working
Hot working may be done at temperatures of 550 to 900°F.
Cold Working
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.
Annealing
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.
Aging
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.
Tempering
Not applicable .
Hardening
Age harden by 950°F heat treatment for 3 hours and water quench. See also "Aging" and "Tempering".
Other Physical Props
Electrical conductivity is 38% of copper.
Other Mechanical Props
Shear strength (ultimate) 32 ksi to T3 and 35 ksi for T8
