Equal leg
Both legs the same length. Symmetrical stiffness for frames, stiffeners and general brackets.
Section guide
2024 Aluminium Angle: Sizes, Weights and Properties
2024 aluminium angle is an extruded L-section in the high-strength Al-Cu-Mg alloy, normally supplied in T3511 temper to ASTM B221 and AMS-QQ-A-200/3. It is typically about 50 % stronger than 6061-T6 angle and much better in fatigue, which makes it the choice for aircraft stiffeners, frames and highly loaded brackets that are riveted or bolted rather than welded. This guide gives sizes, weights, properties and selection advice.
- Temper
- T3511 (T3510, T8511 on request)
- Process
- Extruded, stretched
- Specs
- ASTM B221 · AMS-QQ-A-200/3
- Legs
- about 1/2 – 8 in
What is 2024 aluminium angle?
An angle is the simplest structural section: two legs at 90°. In aluminium it is almost always produced by extrusion, which allows sharp or radiused corners, equal or unequal legs and tight dimensional control. 2024 angle uses the same alloy as aircraft fuselage skins, so it is the natural partner for riveted 2024 sheet structures.
The standard temper is T3511: solution heat treated, stretched to relieve quench stresses (with minor straightening allowed after stretching) and naturally aged. Stretching keeps the section straight and stable when it is machined or drilled. T3510 is the same without the post-stretch straightening, and T8511 adds artificial ageing for higher yield strength and better stress-corrosion resistance.
Compared with 6061-T6 angle, 2024-T3511 carries more load per kilogram and lasts longer under cyclic loading, but it cannot be fusion welded and needs corrosion protection outdoors. Those trade-offs decide most selection questions.
Product overview
- Alloy designations
- 2024, AA2024, UNS A92024, EN AW-2024, AlCu4Mg1, Werkstoff 3.1355
- Tempers
- T3511 standard; T3510, T8511 and O on request
- Specifications
- ASTM B221, AMS-QQ-A-200/3, EN 755-2 / EN 755-9
- Leg sizes
- About 1/2 in to 8 in (12 – 200 mm), equal and unequal
- Thickness
- 1/16 in to 1 in (about 1.6 – 25 mm)
- Length
- Mill lengths of about 3 – 6 m (10 – 20 ft), or cut to length
2024 angle sizes and weights
The table lists common inch sizes of 2024-T3511 angle with calculated weight. Weight is estimated from the leg dimensions with sharp corners and a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.100 lb/in³); real sections with corner fillets weigh slightly more, so use the values for estimating freight and loads, not for acceptance.
| A × B × T (in) | A × B × T (mm) | Weight (lb/ft) | Weight (kg/m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 × 1/2 × 1/16 | 12.7 × 12.7 × 1.59 | 0.07 | 0.10 |
| 3/4 × 3/4 × 1/16 | 19.0 × 19.0 × 1.59 | 0.11 | 0.16 |
| 1 × 1 × 1/8 | 25.4 × 25.4 × 3.17 | 0.28 | 0.42 |
| 1 × 1 × 1/4 | 25.4 × 25.4 × 6.35 | 0.53 | 0.78 |
| 1-1/4 × 1-1/4 × 1/8 | 31.8 × 31.8 × 3.17 | 0.36 | 0.53 |
| 1-1/2 × 1 × 1/8 | 38.1 × 25.4 × 3.17 | 0.36 | 0.53 |
| 1-1/2 × 1-1/2 × 1/8 | 38.1 × 38.1 × 3.17 | 0.43 | 0.64 |
| 1-1/2 × 1-1/2 × 1/4 | 38.1 × 38.1 × 6.35 | 0.83 | 1.23 |
| 2 × 1-1/2 × 3/16 | 50.8 × 38.1 × 4.76 | 0.75 | 1.11 |
| 2 × 2 × 1/8 | 50.8 × 50.8 × 3.17 | 0.58 | 0.86 |
| 2 × 2 × 1/4 | 50.8 × 50.8 × 6.35 | 1.12 | 1.67 |
| 2 × 2 × 3/8 | 50.8 × 50.8 × 9.52 | 1.63 | 2.43 |
| 2.5 × 2.5 × 1/4 | 63.5 × 63.5 × 6.35 | 1.43 | 2.12 |
| 3 × 2 × 1/4 | 76.2 × 50.8 × 6.35 | 1.43 | 2.12 |
| 3 × 3 × 1/4 | 76.2 × 76.2 × 6.35 | 1.73 | 2.57 |
| 3 × 3 × 3/8 | 76.2 × 76.2 × 9.52 | 2.53 | 3.77 |
| 4 × 3 × 3/8 | 101.6 × 76.2 × 9.52 | 2.98 | 4.44 |
| 4 × 4 × 1/4 | 101.6 × 101.6 × 6.35 | 2.33 | 3.46 |
| 4 × 4 × 1/2 | 101.6 × 101.6 × 12.70 | 4.50 | 6.70 |
| 5 × 5 × 1/2 | 127.0 × 127.0 × 12.70 | 5.70 | 8.48 |
| 6 × 4 × 1/2 | 152.4 × 101.6 × 12.70 | 5.70 | 8.48 |
| 6 × 6 × 1/2 | 152.4 × 152.4 × 12.70 | 6.90 | 10.27 |
| 8 × 8 × 3/4 | 203.2 × 203.2 × 19.05 | 13.73 | 20.42 |
Metric sections (for example 40 × 40 × 4 mm or 50 × 30 × 5 mm) and custom sections can be supplied to EN 755-9 tolerances; a new section requires an extrusion die. For other sizes, use the formula weight (kg/m) ≈ T × (A + B − T) × 0.00278 with dimensions in mm.
Types of 2024 angle
Unequal leg
One longer leg puts material where bending is highest: edge stiffeners, seat rails and mounting brackets.
Sharp corner
Small inside radius for close fits against flat panels and in jigs.
Radiused corner
Generous inside fillet reduces stress concentration and improves fatigue life, common in airframe sections.
Bulb and lipped angles
Aircraft-style sections with a bulb or lip on one leg for extra stiffness at low weight.
Machined or slotted
Cut, drilled, slotted or milled to drawing for assemblies and fixtures.
Mechanical properties of 2024-T3511 angle
Extruded 2024 in T3510/T3511 typically reaches about 460 – 480 MPa tensile strength and 320 – 360 MPa yield strength, with 10 – 15 % elongation. Specified minimum values in ASTM B221 and AMS-QQ-A-200/3 depend on leg thickness and are lowest in thin sections, so design from the minimum values for your thickness band.
| Property | 2024-T3511 (typical) | 2024-T8511 (typical) | 6061-T6 (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | about 460 – 480 MPa | about 480 MPa | about 310 MPa |
| Yield strength | about 320 – 360 MPa | about 440 MPa | about 276 MPa |
| Elongation | 10 – 15 % | about 6 % | 12 % |
| Shear strength | about 283 MPa | about 296 MPa | about 207 MPa |
| Fatigue strength (5×10⁸) | about 138 MPa | about 117 MPa | about 97 MPa |
| Modulus | 73 GPa | 73 GPa | 69 GPa |
| Density | 2.78 g/cm³ | 2.78 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
Typical values from ASM data for wrought 2024 and 6061; extrusions may differ slightly from sheet and plate values.
Machining, joining and finishing
Cutting and machining
Saws, drills and mills cleanly in T3511 with short chips. Use sharp carbide tools; deburr holes to protect fatigue life.
Joining
Rivet or bolt. Do not fusion weld: 2024 hot cracks and loses strength in the heat-affected zone. Fasteners should be aluminium, or isolated if steel or titanium.
Bending
Limited in T3511. For formed angles, bend in O or freshly quenched condition and re-heat-treat, or choose a formable alloy.
Anodising
Takes sulphuric and chromic or boric-sulphuric anodising for corrosion protection; colour is less uniform than on 6xxx alloys.
Painting
Conversion coat and prime for outdoor or marine service. Bare 2024 pits in humid, salty air.
Inspection
Dimensional check to ASTM B221 / ANSI H35.2 tolerances; ultrasonic or penetrant inspection on request for critical parts.
Design considerations for 2024 angle structures
Most problems with 2024 angle in service come from details rather than from the alloy itself. Because the material is chosen for fatigue performance, the way holes, edges and joints are made decides whether that performance is achieved.
Fastener holes are the usual origin of fatigue cracks. Drill and ream to size, deburr both sides, keep edge distances at least twice the fastener diameter, and avoid placing holes at the root of the fillet, where stress is highest. Where the leg carries load in bending, orient the section so the free edge of the outstanding leg is not in tension if the design allows it.
- Check local buckling of thin outstanding legs; a lipped or bulb angle may save weight over a thicker plain angle
- Allow for the lower stiffness of aluminium (about one third of steel) in deflection checks
- Isolate steel, stainless and titanium fasteners with primer, sealant or washers to limit galvanic corrosion
- Specify T8511 for parts in sustained tension across the thickness or in warm environments, to reduce stress-corrosion risk
- Seal faying surfaces in riveted joints exposed to moisture
- Avoid heat from welding nearby structures; temperatures above about 120 °C start to over-age the alloy
Straightness, twist and leg angle are controlled by the tolerance tables of ASTM B221 (ANSI H35.2) or EN 755-9. For long, slender parts or precision assemblies, tighter limits can be agreed and checked on receipt; mention this at enquiry stage, because it affects which mill sections can be offered.
2024 angle compared with 6061 and 7075 angle
| Property | 2024-T3511 | 6061-T6 | 7075-T6511 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy family | Al-Cu-Mg | Al-Mg-Si | Al-Zn-Mg-Cu |
| Relative strength | High | Medium | Highest |
| Fatigue resistance | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Fair; protect it | Good | Fair; protect it |
| Weldability | Poor | Good | Poor |
| Machinability | Very good | Good | Very good |
| Relative cost | Higher | Lowest | Highest |
| Typical use | Aircraft stiffeners, frames, fittings | Construction, general frames | Highest-load aerospace parts |
Our advice: choose 2024 angle for riveted or bolted structures where fatigue life and strength-to-weight matter, such as airframes, trailers built to aerospace practice and test rigs. Choose 6061 or 6063 angle when the structure is welded, used outdoors without coatings, or cost-sensitive. Choose 7075 when static strength is the governing factor.
Applications of 2024 aluminium angle
- Aerospace: fuselage frames and stiffeners, floor-beam attachments, wing ribs and brackets riveted to 2024 skins
- Defence: airframe repair sections, missile structures and vehicle brackets
- Motorsport and performance vehicles: chassis brackets and suspension mounts where weight matters
- Machinery and tooling: jigs, fixtures and frames that need stiffness and good machinability
- Rail and transport: lightweight interior structures and equipment frames
- Aircraft maintenance: replacement stiffeners and doublers matching original 2024 structure
How to order 2024 angle
- SectionLeg A × leg B × thickness, corner type and drawing if non-standard.
- Temper and specT3511, T3510 or T8511; ASTM B221, AMS-QQ-A-200/3 or EN 755.
- Length and quantityMill lengths or cut lengths with tolerance, and number of pieces.
- Finish and processingMill finish, anodised or primed; cutting, drilling or machining to drawing.
- Documents and deliveryEN 10204 3.1 certificate, packing in wooden cases, EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP terms.
References and standards
- ASTM B221 – Extruded aluminium-alloy bars, rods, wire, profiles and tubes
- SAE AMS-QQ-A-200/3 – Aluminum Alloy 2024, Bar, Rod, Shapes, Tube and Wire, Extruded
- EN 755-2 – Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties
- EN 755-9 – Extruded profiles: tolerances on dimensions and form
- ASM International – Properties of Wrought Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
2024 aluminium (aluminum) angle: FAQ
What temper is 2024 aluminium angle supplied in?
Usually T3511: solution treated, stretched with minor straightening, and naturally aged. T3510 and T8511 are available for specific requirements.
How much does 2024 angle weigh?
About T × (A + B − T) × 0.00278 kg per metre with dimensions in mm. A 2 × 2 × 1/4 in angle weighs about 1.13 lb/ft (1.67 kg/m).
Is 2024 angle stronger than 6061 angle?
Yes. Typical tensile strength is about 460 – 480 MPa versus about 310 MPa for 6061-T6, with better fatigue resistance. 6061 is easier to weld and more corrosion resistant.
Can 2024 angle be welded?
No, fusion welding is not recommended because it cracks and weakens the alloy. Use rivets or bolts.
Can you supply metric 2024 angle?
Yes. Metric sections can be supplied to EN 755-9 tolerances, and custom sections can be extruded to drawing.
Which specification covers 2024 angle?
ASTM B221 and AMS-QQ-A-200/3 in the US system, and EN 755-2 and EN 755-9 in Europe.
Need 2024 angle?
Send section size, temper, length and quantity. Metline will confirm availability, certification and delivery to your destination.
