• If You Are Having Trouble Logging In with Your Old Username and Password, Please use this Forgot Your Password link to get re-established.
  • Hey! Be sure to login or register!

Help with aluminum alloys

SkwentnaMan

Registered User
Wasilla,AK
Could some one explain in layman terms what the different applications are for Aluminum alloys?

My plans call for 4 different alloys 1100, 3003, 2024, and 5052.

For instance instrument panel calls for .032 3003 it needs 90 flanges bent on it. I was thinking about using 2024 but was told it will crack on the bends, would 5052 be better?

A lot of the cowl parts call for 1100 or 2024 in .025 is there a reason they call for these different alloys.

I think only 5052 and 2024 sheet are easily available in Alaska.

For floor boards is 5052 OK?

Any help or advice would be great.
 
Could some one explain in layman terms what the different applications are for Aluminum alloys?

My plans call for 4 different alloys 1100, 3003, 2024, and 5052.

For instance instrument panel calls for .032 3003 it needs 90 flanges bent on it. I was thinking about using 2024 but was told it will crack on the bends, would 5052 be better?

A lot of the cowl parts call for 1100 or 2024 in .025 is there a reason they call for these different alloys.

I think only 5052 and 2024 sheet are easily available in Alaska.

For floor boards is 5052 OK?

Any help or advice would be great.

5052 typically needs a radius that is 2x the thickness. Typically used for corrosion resitance in marine.

2024 would be a good choice for your cowl. You can form 2024 in tight corners if you anneal it first.

3003 is very common and forms easy. 3003 for your panel will work fine, and will be ideal if you are putting a flange on the top.

Tim
 
I use 2024T3 for everything....

unless it needs extreme forming...(which i have run into exactly ONCE in 20 years..), or welding...

for the dash I shrink a "L" channel to form top lip and rivet it on like atlee does for a -18...

remember if you can use the stiffer/stronger 2024t3 you can use a thinner lighter piece for the same job that you would use one of the soft thicker ones...

floor boards I use 2024t3
 
6061T6 is a good aircraft alloy. I have used it for cowlings, fuel tanks, wing ribs and your wing spars are that alloy. Forms better than 2024T3 and it can be welded...
 
Mike ,

Where is the best place to buy 2024 locally. So can .040 2024 bend at a 90 without any cracking issues?
 
The aircraft Spruce catalog has a page explaining the different alloys and what they are used for
 
Mike ,

Where is the best place to buy 2024 locally.

So can .040 2024 bend at a 90 without any cracking issues?

I get most everything from reeve airmotive & stoddards, and Glacier...

yes easy... just a mater of bend radius...

my shameless plug since you asked...

I wrote my App To Simplify That! iBendMetal
get it here! http://www.skuptech.com/page8/page8.html also see my other aviation apps from there..

 
Last edited:
What type can be used where a flat 180 degree fold is used on 0.020 such as for false boot cowls and inside cockpit panels?
 
3003 is what Piper used. I use 2024-T3 and don't fold it over itself. The tear resistance of T3 is far superior to the 3003.
 
What type can be used where a flat 180 degree fold is used on 0.020 such as for false boot cowls and inside cockpit panels?

I used 5052 H32 for my boot cowl. Clyde Smith Recommended this alloy but unfortunately, I can't remember which thickness I used. It worked very well. :smile:
 
Back
Top