EN 2387:2018

Overview

EN 2387:2018 is a European standard developed by CEN for aerospace structural components made from Aluminium alloy 2014A-T6. Specifically targeting tubes with wall thicknesses ranging from 0.6 mm to 12.5 mm, this standard establishes strict chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional requirements for aerospace applications. Approved in July 2018, EN 2387 provides a harmonized specification that facilitates safety, reliability, and interchangeability of aluminium alloy tubes within the aerospace industry.

Key Topics

• Material Specification: Defines Aluminium alloy 2014A in the T6 temper, emphasizing mechanical treatment including solution heat treatment and artificial aging.
• Dimensional Range: Applies to drawn aluminium tubes with wall thickness between 0.6 mm and 12.5 mm, suitable for structural use.
• Chemical Composition: Specifies upper and lower limits for alloying elements such as Silicon (Si), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Magnesium (Mg), and others to achieve optimal performance.
• Mechanical Properties:
  • Minimum proof stress of 370 MPa
  • Strength of at least 450 MPa
  • Elongation and hardness values stipulated to guarantee ductility and durability in aerospace environments.
• Heat Treatment Conditions: T6 temper achieved by solution treatment at 505°C with water quenching and subsequent artificial aging at controlled temperatures and durations.
• Test Methods and Quality Assurance:
  • Flattening test (EN 2002-10) to assess tube ductility and quality.
  • Residual stress testing (EN 2004-6) and dimensional inspection ensure conformance.
  • Product qualification programs are conducted collaboratively by manufacturers and purchasers.
• Compliance and Implementation: National standardization bodies across Europe are mandated to adopt EN 2387 by January 2019, ensuring consistent aerospace manufacturing standards.

Applications

EN 2387:2018 tubes are primarily utilized in aerospace structural components where strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and precise dimensional tolerances are critical. Key practical applications include:

• Aerospace airframe structures requiring lightweight and high-strength tubing.
• Structural reinforcements and framework in aircraft manufacturing.
• Critical tubing components subjected to mechanical loading in aerospace engines and systems.
• Replacement and repair where adherence to EN 2387 guarantees compatibility and safety compliance.

These high-performance aluminium alloy tubes enhance reliability and longevity in demanding aerospace environments, supporting both commercial and defense aerospace sectors.

Related Standards

EN 2387:2018 is part of a broader aerospace series for metallic materials, interlinked with several European and international standards, including:

• EN 2070-1 & EN 2070-4: Technical specifications for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy products, providing general and tube-specific requirements.
• EN 2257: Defines dimensions for circular aluminium alloy tubes with specific diameter and thickness ranges.
• EN 2002-10: Test methods focusing on tube flattening tests to assess durability.
• EN 2004-6: Residual stress testing for aluminium alloy tubes.
• EN 4258: General organization of aerospace metallic material standards, outlining the relationship between types of EN standards.
• EN 4500-2: Rules for drafting and presenting aluminium and magnesium alloy material standards, ensuring uniform documentation.

These interconnected standards guarantee comprehensive governance of aerospace aluminium alloy tubes, enhancing quality assurance and industry compliance.

Keywords: EN 2387:2018, aluminium alloy 2014A-T6, aerospace structural tubes, aluminium alloy tubes, aerospace aluminium standards, tube flattening test, aerospace materials, aluminium alloy chemical composition, aerospace tube specifications, European aerospace standards.