Overview
Al2011 (AA2011) is a high-machinability aluminum alloy from the 2000 series. It is primarily alloyed with copper and is widely known as one of the best aluminum alloys for high-speed machining, automatic lathe work, and precision turned components.
Compared with commercially pure aluminum grades such as Al1050, Al1060, and Al1100, Al2011 offers much better machinability and higher mechanical strength. However, its corrosion resistance and weldability are lower due to its copper content.
Al2011 is commonly used for precision CNC parts, screw machine products, fittings, fasteners, shafts, connectors, and components that require excellent dimensional accuracy and high production efficiency.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Alloy Designation | AA2011 |
| Aluminum Content | Balance |
| Alloy Series | 2000 Series |
| Main Alloying Element | Copper |
| Material Type | Free-Machining Aluminum Alloy |
| Density | 2.82 g/cm³ |
| Standard Forms | Bar, Rod, Wire, Profile |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
| Copper (Cu) | 5.0–6.0 |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.20–0.60 |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 0.20–0.60 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.70 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.40 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤0.30 |
| Others | ≤0.15 Total |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 295–395 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 240–310 MPa |
| Elongation | 8–15% |
| Hardness | 95–120 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 71 GPa |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.82 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 535–645°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 150–170 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 35–45% IACS |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23.0 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 875 J/kg·K |
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Exposure | Fair |
| Marine Environment | Poor |
| Chemical Environment | Poor to Fair |
| Salt Spray Environment | Poor |
| Indoor Industrial Use | Good |
Due to its high copper content, Al2011 has lower corrosion resistance than 1000, 5000, and 6000 series aluminum alloys. For outdoor or corrosive environments, protective surface treatments such as anodizing, plating, conversion coating, or painting are recommended.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| AA (USA) | AA2011 |
| EN (Europe) | EN AW-2011 |
| DIN (Germany) | AlCu6BiPb |
| JIS (Japan) | A2011 |
| ISO | AlCu6BiPb |
| GB/T (China) | 2011 |
| UNS | A92011 |
Available Tempers
| Temper | Description |
|---|---|
| T3 | Solution Heat Treated, Cold Worked & Naturally Aged |
| T4 | Solution Heat Treated & Naturally Aged |
| T6 | Solution Heat Treated & Artificially Aged |
| T8 | Solution Heat Treated, Cold Worked & Artificially Aged |
Typical Applications
CNC Machining Industry
- Precision Turned Parts
- CNC Machined Components
- Automatic Lathe Parts
- Screw Machine Products
Fastener Industry
- Screws
- Bolts
- Nuts
- Threaded Inserts
- Bushings
Electronics Industry
- Connectors
- Fittings
- Sensor Housings
- Electronic Hardware
Automotive Industry
- Valve Components
- Shafts
- Spacers
- Small Mechanical Parts
General Manufacturing
- Pins
- Couplings
- Knobs
- Precision Fittings
- Instrument Components
Machining Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Excellent |
| CNC Turning | Excellent |
| Automatic Lathe Machining | Excellent |
| Drilling | Excellent |
| Tapping | Excellent |
| Threading | Excellent |
| Laser Cutting | Fair |
| Sheet Metal Fabrication | Poor |
| Stamping | Poor |
| Bending | Poor |
| Welding | Poor |
| Anodizing | Fair |
Advantages
Excellent Machinability
Al2011 is one of the best aluminum alloys for high-speed CNC machining and automatic lathe production.
High Dimensional Accuracy
Ideal for precision components requiring tight tolerances and repeatability.
Good Mechanical Strength
Stronger than 1000 series aluminum alloys.
Excellent Chip Formation
Produces small, broken chips, improving machining efficiency and tool life.
Suitable for Mass Production
Excellent for high-volume turned parts, fasteners, and screw machine components.
Good Surface Finish After Machining
Can produce clean and smooth machined surfaces.
Limitations
Poor Weldability
Al2011 is generally not recommended for welding due to its copper, lead, and bismuth content.
Lower Corrosion Resistance
Less corrosion-resistant than 5052, 6061, and pure aluminum grades.
Limited Formability
Not suitable for bending, stamping, or deep drawing.
Not Ideal for Outdoor Use Without Protection
Protective finishing is recommended for humid or corrosive environments.
Restricted Material Concerns
Because Al2011 may contain lead, some applications may require RoHS or environmental compliance review.
Comparison with Other Aluminum Alloys
| Property | Al2011 | Al2024 | Al6061 | Al6082 | Al7075 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Medium-High | High | High | High | Very High |
| Machinability | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Fair |
| Weldability | Poor | Poor | Good | Good | Poor |
| Formability | Poor | Fair | Medium | Medium | Poor |
| Anodizing Performance | Fair | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Cost | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Comparison with Common Engineering Metals
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Corrosion Resistance | Machinability | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al2011 | 2.82 | Fair | Excellent | Medium-High |
| Al6061 | 2.70 | Good | Excellent | High |
| Al7075 | 2.81 | Fair | Excellent | Very High |
| Brass C360 | 8.47 | Good | Excellent | Medium |
| Stainless Steel 303 | 8.00 | Good | Excellent | Medium |
| Carbon Steel 1215 | 7.87 | Poor | Excellent | Medium |
Recommended Surface Finishes
- Clear Anodizing
- Color Anodizing
- Hard Anodizing
- Chemical Conversion Coating
- Nickel Plating
- Zinc Plating
- Powder Coating
- Spray Painting
- Polishing
- Laser Marking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Al2011 aluminum?
Al2011 is a 2000 series free-machining aluminum alloy mainly alloyed with copper. It is designed for precision machining and automatic lathe production.
What is Al2011 used for?
Al2011 is commonly used for precision turned parts, fasteners, fittings, connectors, bushings, shafts, screw machine products, and small mechanical components.
Is Al2011 good for CNC machining?
Yes. Al2011 is one of the best aluminum alloys for CNC machining, especially for turning, drilling, tapping, and high-volume precision parts.
What is the difference between Al2011 and Al6061?
Al2011 offers better machinability, while Al6061 offers better corrosion resistance, weldability, and general-purpose performance.
| Property | Al2011 | Al6061 |
|---|---|---|
| Machinability | Excellent | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Fair | Good |
| Weldability | Poor | Good |
| Strength | Medium-High | High |
| Formability | Poor | Medium |
Can Al2011 be anodized?
Yes, Al2011 can be anodized, but the finish may not be as uniform or decorative as 6061 due to its copper content.
Is Al2011 weldable?
No. Al2011 is generally not recommended for welding.
Is Al2011 corrosion resistant?
Al2011 has fair corrosion resistance. Protective surface finishing is recommended for outdoor or humid environments.
Is Al2011 RoHS compliant?
Standard Al2011 may contain lead, so RoHS compliance must be checked based on the exact material certificate and application requirements.
What materials can replace Al2011?
Common alternatives include Al6061 for better corrosion resistance, Al6082 for stronger structural performance, and brass C360 or stainless steel 303 for high-machinability applications.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for Al2011?
Yes. GCNOV provides custom Al2011 manufacturing services including:
- CNC Turning
- CNC Milling
- Automatic Lathe Machining
- Drilling
- Tapping
- Threading
- Surface Finishing
- Precision Parts Manufacturing
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production