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Ready to Ship2618 aluminum rod comprises an aluminum-copper super strength alloy. Often heat-treated, it is primarily used to make aerospace components.
This rod is available in various types—and these are:
2618-T6 Aluminum Rod
2618 T6 aluminum rod is a highly treated aluminum featuring a trumpet shape in austenite grain structure. The T6 designation involves solution heat treatment and aging. This process enhances strength by aligning grains that offer exceptional resistance to creep at elevated temperatures. With a tensile strength of about 570 MPa, often used in aircraft and engine parts, propeller blades, and critical defense applications. However, this rod is hard to weld and less corrosion resistant. Users should employ it in elevated temperature settings and heavy mechanical stress.
2618 Aluminum Rod
Normal 2618 aluminum rod lacks the full heat treatment of the T6 variant. Therefore, it is somewhat softer and easier to machine. It still possesses high strength due to its copper content. Usually, it is employed in applications where moderate strength and lower weight are required. However, it is not ideal for highly stressed aircraft components.
2618-T4 Aluminum Rod
2618 T4 aluminum rods are prime examples of heat treatment during aging without full peak aging. The T4 designation involves a solution heat treatment followed by a natural aging process. This rod provides good strength and slightly easier formability. The rods are ideal for manufacturing aircraft skins. In addition, they serve moderately well in vehicle parts exposed to standard operating temperatures.
2618 Aluminum Bar
Users can find 2618 aluminum bars commonly in rectangular or square form. Typically, they are sawn from larger sheets or forged into thicker rods. Often, like the rod counterpart, these bars provide great strength and durability, making them suitable for machining into parts. These parts include structural components for aerospace. These bars also work well in motorsport and the auto industry.
2618 Aluminum Tube
Usually, 2618 aluminum tubes are extruded into cylindrical shapes. They are then utilized for structural and fluid transport purposes. Often, they combine high strength and relatively low weight in one package. This makes them indispensable in the aerospace and automotive industries. Applications include frame components, exhaust parts, and fuel lines.
Mechanical Properties
2618 aluminum alloy rod features prime strength due to its copper content. Usually, its ultimate tensile strength ranges between 400 to 570 MPa. Its yield strength is approximately 295 MPa. This allows the rod to deform elastically under heavy loads. Therefore, it stands up to heavy stresses without yielding. Its elongation, which measures how much it can stretch before breaking, hovers around 11% to 16%. This allows it to absorb impacts without snapping. Often, at 100 °C, it maintains its shape and strength, a crucial factor in demanding environments.
Corrosion Resistance
For enhanced durability, 2618 aluminum alloy is commonly coated or anodized. Usually, anodizing forms a protective layer that shields the alloy from moisture and harsh chemicals. Nonetheless, this alloy does not naturally form as protective a layer as other aluminum alloys, like 6061. Ideally, it requires more frequent maintenance or protective coatings in marine or humid environments.
Thermal Properties
Often, 2618 aluminum alloy is prized for its exceptional heat resistance. Usually, it remains stable and retains strength at elevated temperatures, which makes it excellent for applications in jet engines. Also, it features a low thermal expansion coefficient. This minimizes warping and distortion when exposed to varying heat levels. Commonly, this property makes it ideal for parts that undergo thermal cycling.
Working and Machining
Commonly, 2618 aluminum alloy is challenging to weld due to its low melting point. It can easily form oxides and interplay with copper. Standard joining methods like rivets or bolts are often favored. In addition, the alloy machines relatively well despite its high strength. Usually, this is a necessity if carbide tools are utilized to grant a sharper edge and a longer-lasting one.
Uses
Typically, users find 2618 aluminum rods ideal in aerospace applications. They use it in parts experiencing extreme heat, such as pistons, engine casings, and cylinder heads. Often, the auto industry utilizes them for high-performance engines. Other applications include sporting goods like bicycle frames and golf clubs. Ideally, the alloy's excellent strength-to-weight ratio enhances the durability of structures without adding excess weight.
Customizations
Custom 2618 aluminum rods come in varying diameters, lengths, and shapes. Thus, mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength, and elongation can be tailored through heat treatments such as T6 and T4 aging.
Moreover, users can machine these rods into custom shapes or threads. This makes them ideal for bespoke engineering projects.
Usually, they are available in a range of surface finishes, including anodizing, plating, or polishing. These enhancements increase corrosion resistance and provide aesthetic value.
Manufacturers can also cut or fabricate the rods into specific components before shipping. This reduces the build time for businesses with upcoming projects.
Packaging
Manufacturers and suppliers package 2618 aluminum rods in various manners, depending on client demands and the nature of their businesses. Often, the rods are bundled in units of several pieces, which are then wrapped in tough plastic or sealed into boxes. These bundles are placed into larger cardboard boxes or onto wooden pallets for effortless transfer and storage.
For small quantities or individual customized orders, manufacturers use lightweight cardboard boxes or cushioned envelopes to hold single rods. In cases where bulk orders are the norm, they often load the rods into stretch-wrapped pallets and placed them in warehouses or transports.
2618 aluminum rods have wide-ranging applications. Here are some common uses:
Aerospace Components
Commonly, 2618 aluminum rods are used to manufacture critical aerospace components. These components include engine parts, casings, and structural components. Often, the alloy's ability to withstand extreme temperatures and maintain mechanical properties makes it ideal for aerospace applications. Usually, this is a feature not commonly found in other aluminum alloys.
High-Performance Engine Parts
Manufacturers use 2618 aluminum rods to make pistons, connecting rods, and cylinder heads. Often, the alloy's lightweight nature reduces overall engine weight without compromising strength. This significantly improves engine performance and efficiency.
Motorsport Components
Manufacturers make performance-enhancing parts from 2618 aluminum rods. Commonly, they include racing teams and aftermarket vendors. They also produce components like intake manifolds and valve covers. Normally, the ability to resist deformation under high-stress conditions is useful in competitive racing environments.
Military Applications
This alloy is ideal for fabrication into parts used in military aircraft and defense systems. Since 2618 aluminum maintains strength at high temperatures, it is suitable for aerospace applications that require military-grade standards.
Custom Fabrication
Normally, these rods are easily machined into highly customized components. These components range from intricate designs to specialized parts. This makes them popular in both industrial and prototyping contexts. Therefore, the adaptability to various customizations caters to specific project requirements.
Fuel Lines and Heat Exchangers
This rod makes it possible for manufacturers to produce efficient fuel lines and heat exchangers. Generally, its resistance to heat and corrosion permits reliable operation in fluid transport and thermal regulation systems. Therefore, the rod can handle the rigors of automotive and aerospace environments which include exposure to fuels and heat.
Heat Treatment
Select the appropriate heat treatment state based on the intended use. Buyers should opt for 2618 T6 for structural components under heavy loads. Those that require moderate strength, buyers should go for T4 or the uncured alloy.
Strength Requirements
Buyers should consider the mechanical properties of the rod. For critical applications like aerospace or high-performance engines, choose rods with high tensile strength. In addition, they should take corrosion. If welding is a requirement, it is important to note that 2618 rods are harder to weld. It is better to choose alternative alloys for customers, such as 6061.
Machinability
In the case where machining is required, customers should be provided with 2618 aluminum bars. They are easier to machine. For custom projects, customers might want specific diameters or lengths. Therefore, businesses should stock up on machines that can cut to the desired length and diameter.
Application
It is imperative that buyers know how their customers intend to use the rods. In automotive and aerospace industries, clients benefit from the alloy's strength and thermal resistance. Those in the custom fabrication industry will also benefit from the alloy's machinability.
Maintenance
Apart from offering anodized aluminum rods, buyers can also give advice on maintaining corrosion. They can also provide rods with various finishes. Coatings and finishes also enhance the durability of the rods.
Rod owners can opt to weld their rods. However, the 2618 rod is quite difficult because it has a specific oxide layer that interferes with the process.
These rods cannot be used for 3D printing. While there are 3D printing techniques for aluminum, they are not suitable for 2618.
Ideally, this alloy is suitable for temperatures ranging between -196 degrees Celsius and 350 degrees Celsius.
Common finishes for this rod include polishing, anodizing, and plating. Each offers unique benefits like improved aesthetics and enhanced resistance to corrosion.
Yes, Aluminum 2618 is resistant to erosion. Nonetheless, regular maintenance and protective coatings are vital for long-term performance in harsh environments.
