T4
Solution heat-treated and naturally aged: the delivery temper for pressed panels.
Classic outer-panel autobody alloy
2036 Aluminium for Automotive Panels and Profiles
2036 is an aluminium-copper-magnesium alloy with about 2.6 % copper, developed as the first commercially successful aluminium autobody sheet for outer panels such as hoods and decklids. It forms well in T4, is free of the stretcher-strain marks that affect 5xxx sheet, and gains strength in the paint oven. Metline supplies 2036 sheet and profiles to drawing worldwide.
- Alloy
- 2036 (Al-Cu-Mg)
- Tempers
- T4, T6
- Forms
- Sheet, coil, profiles
- Known for
- Outer panels, dent resistance
What is 2036 aluminium?
2036 was introduced in the 1970s and became the reference aluminium sheet for exterior car panels. With 2.2 – 3.0 % copper it is noticeably stronger in T4 than the low-copper alloys 2008 and 2010, which gives better dent resistance on large flat panels such as hoods, decklids and fenders.
An important practical advantage is surface quality. Al-Mg (5xxx) sheet tends to show Lüders bands or stretcher-strain lines when pressed, which spoil a painted outer surface. 2036-T4 does not, so it produces Class A surfaces after forming and painting.
Over time, 6xxx alloys such as 6016, 6111 and 6022 replaced 2036 because they offer a stronger paint-bake response, better filiform-corrosion resistance and easier recycling with other body scrap. 2036 is still requested for service parts, legacy programmes, specialist vehicles and some extruded or formed components.
2036 chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.50 | Impurity |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.50 | Impurity |
| Copper (Cu) | 2.2 | 3.0 | Main strengthening element |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.10 | 0.40 | Grain control, strength |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.30 | 0.6 | Strengthening with copper |
| Chromium (Cr) | — | 0.10 | |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 0.25 | Impurity |
| Titanium (Ti) | — | 0.15 | Grain refiner |
| Others, each / total | — | 0.05 / 0.15 | |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder |
Registered Aluminum Association limits. Your mill certificate reports the actual analysis of each lot.
2036 properties compared with other body alloys
| 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.
Some product literature quotes T6 minimums for 2036 profiles of about 310 – 320 MPa tensile and 275 – 290 MPa yield, attributed to ASTM B221 or EN 755. 2036 is not one of the alloys tabulated in those standards, so treat such figures as targets to be agreed per order. We confirm achievable minimums with the producing mill before you commit.
Physical properties (approximate)
- Density
- about 2.75 g/cm³
- Modulus of elasticity
- about 70 GPa
- Thermal conductivity
- roughly 150 – 160 W/m·K (T4)
- Melting range
- about 555 – 650 °C
Tempers and the paint-bake effect
T4 + paint bake
The in-service condition of a painted panel. 2036 gains some strength in the bake, though less than modern 6xxx alloys at low cure temperatures.
T6
Artificially aged for maximum strength. Used for extruded or machined parts that are not formed afterwards.
Natural ageing continues after delivery. For outer-panel pressing, agree a maximum time between solution treatment and forming, and store coils in a cool area.
2036 sheet and profile supply
Typical supply range
- Sheet and coil
- Outer-panel gauges, typically about 0.9 – 1.5 mm; thicker for structural parts
- Profiles
- Square, rectangular, round and open sections to drawing, typically 2 – 10 mm walls
- Lengths
- 6 m standard or cut to length
- Surface
- Mill finish, pretreated, e-coated or anodised on request
- Tolerances
- EN 485-4 / ASTM B209 for sheet, EN 755-9 / ASTM B221 for profiles, or tighter to drawing
2036 is a specialised alloy; feasibility and minimum quantities are confirmed per enquiry.
Forming, joining and corrosion protection
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.
Automotive uses of 2036
- Outer closure panels: hoods, decklids and fenders where dent resistance and Class A surface matter
- Inner panel and reinforcement pairs: combined with 2008 or 5xxx inner panels in older designs
- Door intrusion and roof components: formed or extruded sections that are painted
- Trailer and truck bodies: painted panels where stretcher-strain marks are unacceptable
- Service parts: replacement panels for vehicles originally engineered in 2036
Cylinder heads, intake manifolds and brake parts, which some descriptions attribute to 2036, are cast components made from Al-Si casting alloys or other materials.
2036 compared with 6016, 6111 and 5182
| Property | 2036-T4 | 6016-T4 | 6111-T4 | 5182-O |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T4 / O yield | ~195 MPa | ~110 – 120 MPa | ~160 MPa | ~130 MPa |
| Paint-bake gain | Small – moderate | Good | Good | None (may soften) |
| Stretcher-strain marks | No | No | No | Yes |
| Filiform corrosion resistance | Fair | Good | Fair – good | Good |
| Typical role today | Legacy outer panels | European outer panels | North American outer panels | Inner panels |
For new outer panels, compare 6016 and 6111 body sheet; for inner panels, 5182.
How to order 2036 aluminium
- SpecifyAlloy and temper (e.g. 2036-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 B209 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
- EN 485-2 – Sheet, strip and plate: mechanical properties
- EN 573-3 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys: chemical composition and form of wrought products
- ASM International – Alloy Digest Al-267: Alcoa 2036 autobody sheet alloy
2036 automotive aluminium (aluminum): frequently asked questions
What is 2036 aluminium used for?
It was developed for exterior automotive body panels such as hoods and decklids, where good T4 strength gives dent resistance and the absence of stretcher-strain marks gives a clean painted surface.
Why was 2036 replaced by 6xxx alloys?
6xxx alloys strengthen more in the paint-bake cycle, resist filiform corrosion better and recycle more easily with other body scrap.
Is 2036 weldable?
It is resistance spot welded in body shops and can be joined with rivets and adhesives. Fusion welding needs a qualified procedure with 4xxx filler.
Is 2036 listed in ASTM B221?
No. 2036 extrusions are produced to the registered composition with properties agreed per order; ASTM B221 or EN 755 can be used for dimensional tolerances.
What temper is 2036 sheet supplied in?
Normally T4, formed and then paint-baked. T6 is used for profiles and parts not formed after heat treatment.
Can Metline supply 2036 worldwide?
Yes. Metline supplies 2036 to order worldwide with EN 10204 3.1 certificates and export packing.
Need 2036 sheet or profiles?
Send your drawing, temper and quantity, and our team will confirm feasibility and quote delivered terms.
