The 2000 series grades of are known as the copper grades of aluminium, as copper is the main alloying element. The addition of copper increases the alloys strength and hardness, which in turn improves its machinability. The two most common grades in this category are 2011 & 2014, with grade 2011 being known as the free machining grade of aluminium.
Grade 2011
Grade 2011 is a high performance, high strength aluminium alloy. Grade 2011 is usually supplied in round bars. Known as ‘free machining aluminium’ due to its excellent machinability, it is particularly suited for high speed CNC machining as it forms small chips which are easily removed. 
If you require medium or high strength aluminium supplied in plate form that is suitable for machining, then please see grades 6082 & 2014.
Grade 2011 is also known by the following designations:
- AICu6BiPb
- FC1
- A92011
- CB60
- 3.1655
Please contact us with you enquiries for grade 2011 aluminium.
Corrosion resistance
In comparison to other commercial grades of aluminium, grade 2011 has poor corrosion resistance. Parts that are manufactured from grade 2011 alloy are often anodised in order to help protect the surface of the metal. Should the extra strength of grade 2011 not be critical, then grade 6082 which has excellent corrosion resistance should be considered.
Welding
Grade 2011 aluminium is not suitable for welding. Should the extra strength of grade 2011 not be critical, then grade 6082 aluminium alloy which has excellent corrosion resistance should be considered.
Cold working / forming
Grade 2011 aluminium is not suitable for cold forming / bending.
Anodising / Polishing / Powder Coating
Grade 2011 aluminium is suitable for protective anodising & hard anodising. If colour anodising is required, only dark colours should be considered. 2011 aluminium alloy is unsuitable for bright anodising, however it is perfectly suited to powder coating.
Chemical composition of Grade 2011
| Chemical Element | % |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.0 – 0.70 |
| Copper (Cu) | 5.0 – 6.0 |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.20 – 0.40 |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 0.20 – 0.60 |
| Other (Each) | 0.00 – 0.05 |
| Others (Total) | 0.0 – 0.15 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.0 – 0.40 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.0 – 0.30 |
| Aluminium (Ai) | Balance |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.0 – 0.5 |
Grade 2014
Grade 2014 is a high strength aluminium alloy, supplied in bar and plate form. It has excellent machinability and is often interchanged with grade 2011.
Grade 2014 is also often referred to by the following designations:
- H15
- HE15
- BSH15
- 2014A
- A92014
- AMS 4121
- L168
Please contact us with your enquires for grade 2014 aluminium.
Corrosion resistance
In comparison to other commercial grades of aluminium, grade 2014 has poor corrosion resistance. Parts that are manufactured from grade 2014 alloy are often anodised in order to help protect the surface of the metal. Should the extra strength of grade 2014 not be critical, then grade 6082 which has excellent corrosion resistance should be considered.
Welding
Grade 2014 aluminium is not suitable for Inert gas or oxy gas welding, brazing or soldering. It is however, suitable for resistance, spot & seam welding.
Cold working / forming
Grade 2014 in T6 temper is not suited for cold forming or bending. The chances are success are increased if the work piece is heated. In T4 condition, grade 2014 is suitable for some cold forming, however tight bends are not recommended.
Anodising / Polishing / Powder Coating
Grade 2014 aluminium is suitable for protective anodising & hard anodising. If colour anodising is required, only dark colours should be considered. 2014 aluminium alloy is unsuitable for bright anodising, however it is perfectly suited to powder coating.
Chemical composition of Grade 2014
| Chemical Element | % |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.50 – 0.90 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.0 – 0.50 |
| Copper (Cu) | 3.90 – 5.00 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.00 – 0.25 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 1.20 |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.2 – 0.80 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.0 – 0.15 |
| Others (Total) | 0.0 – 0.15 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.0 – 0.10 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.0 – 0.10 |
| Titanium + Zirconium (Ti + Zr) | 0.0 – 0.20 |
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance |
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I needed some small rectangular aluminium sheets made up to use as Tiller Hoods to fix the tiller to the rudder for a Mirror Dinghy! The 1mm thick 200mm x 100mm sheets were just £1.07 each excluding vat and as the postage was 3x that amount I decided to order 10 for future projects! 1st Choice Metals provided a superb very cost effective service and cut the sheets with quick delivery.
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