2024 aluminum sheet & plate are considered the aircraft alloy because of its strength. It is readily formed in the annealed condition and may be subsequently heat treated. 2024 aluminum sheet possess good machinability and can be machined to a high finish. Since corrosion resistance is relatively low, aluminum alloy 2024 is commonly used with an anodized finish or in clad form (Alclad) with a thin surface layer of high purity aluminum. As an enhanced sheet for fuselage applications, Alclad offers improved fracture toughness and fatigue crack growth while maintaining the strength characteristics of the alloy. 2024 aluminum sheet is often used for applications in theaerospace industry.
