T4
Solution heat-treated and naturally aged. Choose it for parts that will be bent, stretched or pressed and then painted.
Heat-treatable autobody alloy
2010 Aluminium for Automotive Profiles and Sheet
2010 is a low-copper, heat-treatable aluminium alloy (about 1 % copper and 0.7 % magnesium) registered for automotive body sheet and also produced as extruded profiles. It forms well in T4, hardens in the paint oven and reaches moderate strength in T6. Metline supplies 2010 sheet and extrusions to drawing, with full material certification, to customers worldwide.
- Alloy
- 2010 (Al-Cu-Mg)
- Tempers
- T4, T6
- Forms
- Profiles, tube, sheet
- Alternatives
- 6016, 6111, 6061, 6082
What is 2010 aluminium?
2010 was introduced as one of the first-generation aluminium autobody sheet alloys, in the same family as 2008 and 2036. Compared with 2008, it carries more copper and roughly double the magnesium, which gives a higher strength after ageing while keeping good formability in T4.
Although 2010-T4 was tested extensively for body panels, the industry eventually standardised on 6xxx alloys, and 2010 never became a mainstream production sheet. It remains a registered alloy and is still requested for extruded sections, tube and formed parts where its copper-magnesium chemistry gives a useful mix of strength, formability and machinability.
For buyers the practical questions are whether the drawing truly requires 2010, which properties the part must meet, and whether a 6xxx alloy would be easier to source and protect from corrosion. This page answers those questions.
2010 chemical composition (wt %)
Main alloying limits for 2010 as published for the registered alloy. Chromium, zinc and other elements are held to low maximums; the exact limits and actual results appear on the mill certificate.
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.50 | Impurity / minor strengthening |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.50 | Impurity |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.7 | 1.3 | Main strengthening element |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.10 | 0.40 | Grain and recrystallisation control |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.40 | 1.0 | Combines with Cu to raise aged strength |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 0.30 | Impurity |
| Others, each / total | — | 0.05 / 0.15 | |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
The silicon limit is the main chemical difference from 2008: 2008 deliberately adds 0.5 – 0.8 % Si to form Mg2Si, whereas 2010 relies on copper and magnesium.
2010 properties and how they compare
| Alloy-temper | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Typical role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-T4 | ≈ 250 MPa | ≈ 125 MPa | ≈ 28 % | Inner panels, formed parts |
| 2010-T4 | ≈ 255 MPa | ≈ 140 MPa | ≈ 25 % | Inner and outer panel trials |
| 2036-T4 | ≈ 340 MPa | ≈ 195 MPa | ≈ 24 % | Outer skins (hoods, decklids) |
| 6016-T4 | ≈ 230 – 250 MPa | ≈ 110 – 120 MPa | ≈ 25 % | Current European outer panels |
| 6111-T4 | ≈ 290 MPa | ≈ 160 MPa | ≈ 25 % | Current North American outer panels |
Approximate typical values for T4 sheet from published autobody-alloy data (ASM handbooks and producer literature), rounded. They are not specified minimums; actual values depend on gauge, ageing time and supplier practice and are reported on the certificate.
For extruded profiles, older data sheets quote T6 minimums of roughly 250 – 275 MPa tensile and 230 – 240 MPa yield. 2010 is not a standard alloy in the tables of ASTM B221 or EN 755-2, so these numbers should be treated as targets to agree, not standard guarantees. Put the minimum tensile, yield and elongation you need on the drawing and we will confirm them with the producing mill before order.
Physical properties (approximate)
- Density
- about 2.72 g/cm³
- Modulus of elasticity
- about 70 GPa
- Thermal conductivity
- roughly 150 – 180 W/m·K depending on temper
- Thermal expansion
- about 23 µm/m·°C
Which 2010 temper to order
T6
Artificially aged to peak strength. Choose it for extruded or machined components that are not formed afterwards.
T4 + paint bake
The usual in-service condition of formed body parts, between T4 and T6 in strength.
Natural ageing continues for several weeks after quenching, so T4 material formed long after production will be slightly stronger and less formable than fresh material. For critical forming, agree a maximum age from heat treatment.
2010 profiles, tube and sheet
Typical supply range
- Round tube and bar
- Diameters from about 10 mm to 250 mm; walls from about 0.5 mm, depending on section
- Rectangular and special profiles
- Angles, channels, T, U and Z sections and multi-hollow profiles to drawing
- Sheet
- Body-sheet gauges in coil or blanks, by enquiry
- Lengths
- Standard 6 m or cut to length
- Finishes
- Mill finish, anodised, e-coated or blasted
Section size limits depend on the circumscribing circle and wall thickness of the profile. Send the drawing for a feasibility check.
Forming, joining and finishing 2010
Forming
Form in the T4 (naturally aged) condition, when yield strength is low and elongation high. Low yield also reduces springback, which is why these alloys were first used for inner panels.
Paint-bake hardening
A paint-bake cycle (around 170 – 180 °C for 20 – 30 minutes) partially ages the metal and raises yield strength in the finished part. Full T6 needs a longer artificial ageing treatment.
Joining
Resistance spot welding, self-piercing riveting, clinching and adhesive bonding are the normal body-shop methods. Fusion welding with 4043 / 4047 filler is possible but more crack-sensitive than 6xxx alloys, so qualify the procedure.
Corrosion protection
Copper lowers corrosion resistance compared with 5xxx and 6xxx grades. Parts need conversion coating, e-coat and paint; avoid unprotected exposure to road salt and contact with bare steel.
Machining
Machines well in T4 and better in T6, with short chips. Use sharp carbide tools and coolant.
Anodising and finishing
Anodises with a slightly yellowish tint because of the copper; powder coating and e-coat are the more common finishes on vehicle parts.
Typical automotive uses of 2010
- Formed body components: inner panels and reinforcements pressed in T4 and paint-baked
- Extruded brackets and rails: parts machined or drilled after T6 ageing
- Trim carriers and frames: door and seat frames where moderate strength and good machinability help
- Tube parts: bent tubes for frames and racks that are painted after forming
Some sources list 2010 for brake discs, brake calipers or wheels. Brake discs are cast iron or carbon-ceramic, and calipers and wheels are cast or forged in proven alloys such as A356 and 6061 / 6082. We do not recommend 2010 for those safety parts.
2010 compared with 2008, 6061 and 6082
| Property | 2010-T6 | 2008-T6 | 6061-T6 | 6082-T6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main alloying | Cu + Mg | Cu + Mg + Si | Mg + Si (+Cu) | Mg + Si + Mn |
| Relative strength | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate-high | Moderate-high |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Corrosion resistance | Fair | Fair | Good | Good |
| Listed in ASTM B221 / EN 755-2 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
When the drawing does not insist on 2010, 6061 or 6082 automotive profiles give similar or higher strength with standardised minimums and easier sourcing.
How to order 2010 aluminium
- SpecifyAlloy and temper (e.g. 2010-T4 or T6), product form (sheet, coil or profile drawing), dimensions, quantity and the forming or joining route.
- Confirm the standardYour drawing or material specification; ASTM B209 / EN 485 tolerances for sheet or ASTM B221 / EN 755 for extrusions where agreed, since vehicle programmes often use their own material standards.
- QuoteWe confirm availability, tolerances, certification and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP) for your plant or port.
- Process and inspectMaterial is checked for dimensions, surface and temper; for T4 sheet we record the production date because natural ageing continues after delivery.
- Document and shipEach lot ships with an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate, heat or lot traceability and a packing list, in seaworthy export packing. Third-party inspection can be arranged on request.
References and standards
- The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (Teal Sheets)
- ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
- EN 755-2 – Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties
- EN 573-3 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys: chemical composition and form of wrought products
- ASM Handbook, Vol. 2 – Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials (aluminium autobody alloys)
2010 automotive aluminium (aluminum): frequently asked questions
What type of alloy is 2010?
A heat-treatable aluminium-copper-magnesium alloy with about 0.7 – 1.3 % copper and 0.4 – 1.0 % magnesium, originally registered for automotive body sheet.
Is 2010 covered by ASTM B221?
It is not one of the alloys tabulated with standard minimum properties in ASTM B221 or EN 755-2. Profiles are made to the registered composition with properties agreed on the drawing, using those standards for tolerances where useful.
What is the difference between 2010 and 2008?
2008 contains 0.5 – 0.8 % silicon and less magnesium, giving the lowest T4 yield and best formability. 2010 has more copper and magnesium and little silicon, giving a higher aged strength.
Does 2010 need corrosion protection?
Yes. Like all copper-bearing aluminium alloys, it should be conversion coated and painted, e-coated or anodised for exposed automotive service.
Can I replace 2010 with 6061?
Often yes, for extruded and machined parts, after checking the strength, forming and joining requirements. 6061 has standardised minimums and better corrosion resistance.
Do you ship 2010 profiles worldwide?
Yes. Metline supplies 2010 to order worldwide with EN 10204 3.1 certificates and export packing.
Need 2010 profiles or sheet?
Send your drawing, temper and volume. Our team will confirm feasibility and send a delivered quotation.
