CNC machining 2024 aluminum is common for aerospace fittings, fasteners and hydraulic components where fatigue strength matters more than corrosion resistance. 2024 is a copper-bearing, heat-treatable alloy, usually supplied as T351 plate and bar or T4 rod, and it has been used in structural hardware for decades. Wexmar turns and mills 2024 in Canastota, New York, from short prototype lots through production quantities.
2024 Aluminum Machinability
2024-T351 has an approximate machinability rating of about 170, measured against AISI 1212 steel at 100. It is one of the more pleasant aluminum alloys on a lathe. The copper content and temper give short, brittle chips that clear easily, and the material takes a bright finish off a sharp tool. It is harder on tools than 6061, and abrasive wear shows up sooner on long runs, so insert changes are scheduled rather than run to failure.
Tolerances and Surface Finish
Typical tolerances for precision 2024 screw machine parts and turned components are plus or minus 0.0005 in. to plus or minus 0.001 in. on diameters, depending on length and diameter ratio. Milled features typically hold plus or minus 0.001 in. to plus or minus 0.002 in. on location. Finishes of 32 Ra are typical on turned surfaces and 32 to 63 Ra on milled faces, with 16 Ra reachable on selected diameters. All figures are typical rather than guaranteed and depend on part geometry.
Machining Considerations Specific to 2024
- Corrosion during processing. The copper content makes 2024 sensitive to corrosion. Parts are kept dry, handled with clean gloves on finished surfaces, and moved to finishing promptly instead of sitting in coolant residue.
- Coolant choice. Well-maintained water-soluble coolant at the correct concentration prevents staining; weak or contaminated coolant can leave marks on 2024 that do not appear on 6061.
- Residual stress. T351 is stress relieved by stretching, but thick sections with asymmetric pockets can still move. We balance stock removal from both sides and finish after a release step.
- Threads and edges. 2024 holds crisp threads and sharp corners well, which is why it is used for fasteners. Thread rolling and cutting both work.
- Welding. 2024 is generally not fusion welded, so assemblies are designed around mechanical joints.
Heat Treat and Finishing Options
Because bare 2024 has limited corrosion resistance, most parts receive a protective finish. Wexmar coordinates these through qualified outside processors:
- Chemical film conversion coating, the most common finish for 2024
- Type II anodize, which is achievable but produces a thinner, less uniform coating than on 6061
- Type III hardcoat, possible with care due to the copper content
- Primer and paint for exposed hardware
- Solution heat treatment and aging to T4 or T6 conditions when specified
If a drawing calls for dyed anodize with tight color matching, we will raise that during quoting, since 2024 rarely matches 6061 in appearance.
Common 2024 Parts and Wexmar Processes
- Aerospace fittings, brackets and hinge components
- Fasteners, pins and rivet-style hardware
- Hydraulic valve components and actuator parts
- Shafts, spacers and bushings for light assemblies
- Instrument hardware and fixture parts
Round work runs on our CNC turning centers with live tooling, and diameters under 32 mm move to Maier Swiss-type machines where 2024 bar feeds well and chip control is easy. Prismatic fittings go to the Mazak horizontal mills. Examples of typical part families are on our parts page.
Cost Index: 2024 Against Common Alternatives
| Material | Approx. machinability (1212 = 100) | Cost index vs 6061 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-T351 aluminum | ~170 | 1.4 | Fatigue strength; needs protective finish |
| 6061-T6 aluminum | ~180 | 1.0 | Baseline; better corrosion resistance |
| 7075-T6 aluminum | ~170 | 1.3 | Higher static strength |
| 5052-H32 aluminum | ~120 | 1.1 | Marine grade, lower strength |
| 303 stainless | ~78 | 1.8 | Corrosion resistant, heavier |
| 17-4 PH stainless (Cond A) | ~40 | 2.8 | High strength steel option |
Figures are typical and illustrative for a comparable part; actual quotes depend on geometry, quantity, tolerances and mill pricing.
Applications
2024 aluminum machining at Wexmar mainly supports aerospace hardware, defense build-to-print programs, fluid power and hydraulic equipment, and fastener work. When fatigue is not the governing load, 7075 aluminum offers higher static strength and 6061 aluminum offers easier finishing at lower cost. Material certs and heat-lot traceability are available on request.
Getting a quote
For a 2024 part, upload a drawing for an instant estimate as a PDF or STEP file, or call (315) 400-2654. A human estimator confirms every quote and will confirm temper, stock form and finish before release.