EN 4211:2005

Overview

EN 4211:2005 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the technical requirements for aerospace-grade aluminium alloy AL-P2024-T42 clad plates with thicknesses ranging from greater than 6 mm up to 25 mm. This aerospace series standard defines the composition, production methods, mechanical properties, and testing procedures for this specific aluminium alloy, which is widely used in aerospace structural applications. Adhering to EN 4211:2005 ensures manufacturers produce high-quality aluminium clad plates suitable for critical aerospace components where strength, durability, and corrosion resistance are paramount.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Defines chemical limits for elements such as Cu (3.8–4.9%), Mg (1.2–1.8%), Mn (0.3–0.9%), and other alloying elements within the AL-P2024-T42 specification to achieve required mechanical properties.
• Clad Plate Specifications: Covers clad aluminium plates rolled to thicknesses between >6 mm and ≤25 mm, with a minimum cladding thickness of 2% on each face to provide corrosion protection.
• Manufacturing Method: Specifies rolled production techniques, ensuring consistency in structure and performance.
• Mechanical Properties: Includes proof stress, tensile strength, and elongation parameters in the delivery condition (F) and use condition (T42 heat treated) to guarantee optimal strength-to-weight ratio suitable for aerospace environments.
  • Proof stress R_p0.2: ≥110 MPa (delivery), ≥250 MPa (use)
  • Tensile strength R_m: ≥220 MPa (delivery), ≥415 MPa (use)
  • Elongation at break: ≥10-12% depending on thickness class
• Testing and Inspection: Outlines requirements for sample preparation, dimensional inspection, external defect assessment, cladding chemical composition, and qualification tests as per EN 4400-1 and related aerospace material standards.
• Heat Treatment: Details aging treatment process parameters (490–500 °C quenching and natural aging) to achieve the T42 temper condition.
• Cladding Materials: Accepts aluminium cladding typically made from alloys such as AL-P1050A or AL-P1145, providing enhanced corrosion resistance while maintaining compatibility with core alloy.

Applications

EN 4211:2005 aluminium alloy clad plates are primarily used in aerospace manufacturing where lightweight, high-strength materials are essential. Typical applications include:

• Aircraft structural components such as fuselage frames, wing skins, and bulkheads
• Aerospace panels where superior fatigue resistance and corrosion protection are required
• High-performance aerospace assemblies subject to rigorous mechanical stresses and thermal conditions
• Components requiring clad aluminium surfaces for enhanced durability against environmental exposure

Compliance with EN 4211:2005 ensures these plates meet stringent aerospace industry standards, supporting safety, reliability, and performance in demanding flight environments.

Related Standards

• EN 4400-1: Aerospace series - Aluminium and aluminium alloy wrought products - Technical specification Part 1: Plate - Provides comprehensive technical specifications and testing methods referenced by EN 4211:2005.
• EN 4258: General organization of standardization for aerospace metallic materials - Explains the sequence and interaction of standards within aerospace material series.
• EN 4500-2: Rules for drafting and presentation of aerospace metallic material standards - Offers guidelines for consistent standard documentation, including aspects relevant to aluminium alloys.
• AECMA-STAN: Developed by the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers, which endorses EN 4211:2005 to maintain uniformity and compliance across aerospace sectors.

By applying EN 4211:2005, aerospace manufacturers and suppliers can ensure aluminium alloy AL-P2024-T42 clad plates meet European aerospace quality and performance criteria, facilitating robust and reliable component production for advanced aviation technologies.