2618 aluminum sheet

2618 Aluminum Plate Overview

2618 aluminum plate is a high-strength, heat-resistant aluminum alloy belonging to the Al–Cu–Mg–Ni–Fe system. It is specifically designed for high-temperature structural applications where strength retention and fatigue resistance are critical. Compared with conventional duralumin alloys, 2618 maintains excellent mechanical properties under elevated temperatures and long-term thermal exposure.

The alloy is widely produced and applied in aerospace and high-performance engineering fields. Its key characteristics include high strength, outstanding thermal stability, excellent fatigue resistance, and good machinability. 2618 aluminum plate can be used for structural components operating at temperatures up to 200–250 °C, making it one of the most reliable aluminum alloys for high-temperature environments.

The alloy exhibits good formability in solution-treated and quenched conditions, with a strong and stable response to heat treatment. Although its corrosion resistance is moderate, surface protection methods such as anodizing or cladding can effectively enhance durability. Welding is generally difficult, but riveting, bolting, and precision machining are commonly used in structural assembly.

Applications of 2618 Aluminum Plate

2618 aluminum plate is widely used in high-temperature and high-stress structural components, including:

• Aircraft engine components

• Aerospace structural parts

• Pistons and forged engine parts

• Rocket and missile components

• High-performance automotive engine parts

• Heat-resistant mechanical structures

• Precision aerospace fasteners and fittings

Its excellent strength retention at elevated temperatures makes it especially suitable for aerospace engines and thermal-loaded structures.

Chemical Composition of 2618 Aluminum Plate

• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.25%

• Iron (Fe): 0.9 – 1.3%

• Copper (Cu): 1.9 – 2.7%

• Magnesium (Mg): 1.3 – 1.8%

• Nickel (Ni): 0.9 – 1.2%

• Titanium (Ti): ≤ 0.07%

• Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.10%

• Other: ≤ 0.15%

• Aluminum (Al): Balance

General Properties of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum is a silver-white lightweight metal with a density of 2.7 g/cm³, a melting point of 660.4 °C, and a boiling point of 2467 °C. Aluminum and its alloys offer a unique combination of low density, high strength, excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, and good corrosion resistance, making them indispensable in modern industry.

Aluminum exhibits excellent light reflectivity, particularly in ultraviolet wavelengths. High-purity aluminum is commonly used in vacuum aluminizing to manufacture high-quality reflective surfaces and solar energy materials. Aluminum also has excellent electrical conductivity, second only to silver and copper, and is widely used in power transmission cables and electrical systems.

Due to its outstanding ductility, aluminum can be rolled into ultra-thin foils, drawn into fine wires, or processed into plates, bars, and forged products. When alloyed with elements such as copper, magnesium, nickel, and iron, aluminum alloys like 2618 achieve mechanical properties comparable to steel while maintaining much lower weight.

At extremely low temperatures (-196 °C), many aluminum alloys increase in strength and toughness, making them ideal for cryogenic and aerospace fuel storage systems, including liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks.

PRODUCT

Aluminum Production Process