EN 4101:2005

Overview

EN 4101:2005 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the requirements for aerospace-grade aluminium alloy AL-P2024-T4. This standard applies to sheet and strip materials with a thickness between 0.4 mm and 6 mm, designed specifically with improved stretch forming capabilities. The AL-P2024-T4 alloy is a high-strength aluminium alloy widely used in aerospace manufacturing due to its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.

This standard ensures that manufacturers and suppliers meet stringent quality and performance criteria, making it essential for aerospace components where durability, formability, and reliable mechanical strength are critical.

Key Topics

• Material Specification: Aluminium alloy AL-P2024-T4, known for its superior tensile strength and corrosion resistance, is covered under this standard with defined chemical composition limits, including key elements such as copper (3.8% to 4.9%) and magnesium.

• Form and Thickness: The standard covers rolled sheets and strips with thicknesses from 0.4 mm up to 6 mm, optimizing them for enhanced stretch forming-an important fabrication process in aerospace structures.

• Mechanical Properties:

  • Minimum proof strength: ≥ 265 MPa
  • Minimum tensile strength: ≥ 430 MPa
  • Elongation values vary by thickness, typically ranging from 16% to 18%, ensuring good ductility.

• Heat Treatment and Condition: The material is delivered in the T4 condition, implying a controlled heat treatment and natural aging process for balanced strength and formability.

• Testing and Inspection: The standard mandates rigorous testing strategies consistent with EN 4400-2, covering dimensional accuracy, mechanical testing, corrosion resistance, and marking to ensure batch uniformity and product reliability.

• Corrosion Resistance: Measures against intergranular corrosion are specified, critical for safety and longevity in aerospace applications.

Applications

EN 4101:2005 compliant aluminium alloy AL-P2024-T4 sheets and strips are primarily intended for aerospace industry use, including:

• Aircraft structural components requiring high-strength lightweight materials.
• Panels and fuselage skins benefiting from improved stretch forming without compromising mechanical integrity.
• Aerospace fabrication processes that demand materials capable of consistent dimensional accuracy, fatigue resistance, and corrosion protection.
• Replacement or repair parts in existing aerospace fleets where compatibility with established standards is mandatory.

This standard supports aerospace manufacturers’ efforts to meet strict safety and performance benchmarks while enabling efficient manufacturing techniques like stretch forming.

Related Standards

EN 4101:2005 functions as part of a wider framework of aerospace metallic material standards, aligning closely with:

• EN 4400-2: Technical specification for aluminium and aluminium alloy wrought products, including detailed guidelines on sheet and strip forms.
• EN 4258: General organization of aerospace metallic material standardization, linking different EN standards for aerospace applications.
• EN 4500-2: Rules for drafting and presenting aerospace metallic material standards specific to aluminium alloys.

These interconnected standards help ensure consistent product quality, traceability, and performance for aluminium alloys in aerospace applications, providing a comprehensive regulatory and technical foundation.

Keywords: EN 4101, aluminium alloy AL-P2024-T4, aerospace aluminium sheet, stretch forming aluminium, aerospace metal standards, aluminium sheet 0.4 mm to 6 mm, aerospace material specification, aluminium alloy mechanical properties, aerospace manufacturing materials.