Aluminum 2038-T81
Temper
AA 2038 · UNS A92038
T81 = solution treated, cold worked ~2 % (stamped) and artificially aged by…
The in-service condition of a formed panel after e-coat/paint bake (~175–185 °C); use these values for dent-resistance and stiffness checks.
Values for the T81 condition
Other 2038 tempers and conditions
2038 is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at 2038.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for maximum drawability or for intermediate stock before solution treatment; too soft for structural panels. | 80 | 170 | 32 | 50 HB | 48 % IACS |
Solution heat treated, pre-aged/stabilised for controlled bake response | Choose when coil must be stocked for weeks before stamping: pre-ageing suppresses room-temperature ageing drift and maximises paint-bake yield gain. | 152 | 295 | 26 | 82 HB | 40 % IACS |
T4Default Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Standard as-delivered condition for automotive outer/inner body panels: high uniform elongation for stamping and hemming, then strengthened by the paint-bake cycle. | 160 | 300 | 25 | 85 HB | 40 % IACS |
T81This page Solution treated, cold worked ~2 % (stamped) and artificially aged by… | The in-service condition of a formed panel after e-coat/paint bake (~175–185 °C); use these values for dent-resistance and stiffness checks. | 250 | 345 | 18 | 100 HB | 42 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Peak-strength condition used for structural stampings or test coupons where formability is no longer required. | 300 | 375 | 12 | 115 HB | 41 % IACS |
What is 2038-T81?
2038-T81 is 2038 in the T81 temper — the in-service condition of a formed panel after e-coat/paint bake (~175–185 °C); use these values for dent-resistance and stiffness checks. 2038-T81 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) — stronger than 65% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 2038-T81 has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F). T4 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; T81 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 18%, better than 86% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 42 % IACS, better than 81% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 165 W/m·K (95.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 40/100, worse than 75% of aluminum grades
2038-T81 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 2038-T81; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 2038 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
2038-T81 has a density of 2.75 g/cm³ (0.0994 lb/in³), heavier than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).
Mechanical10
2038-T81 has a yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) — stronger than 65% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 18% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
2038-T81 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 165 W/m·K (95.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 79% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.4 µm/m·K (13 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
2038-T81 conducts electricity at 42 % IACS, better than 81% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (40/100), worse than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 2038-T81 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability6
2038-T81's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (35/100); formability fair (45/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 2038-T81
Is 2038 easy to machine?
Machines like other 2000-series sheet — sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and flood coolant; T4 is gummy so prefer aged (T6/T81) coupons for trimming and drilling.
Can 2038 be welded?
Not recommended for fusion welding (hot cracking, Cu segregation); join by resistance spot welding, self-piercing rivets, clinching or structural adhesive.
Can 2038 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent stretch and draw formability in T4/T4P with flat hemming possible; form promptly after solution treatment/pre-age and avoid heavy pre-strain before bake.
What surface finishes work on 2038?
Requires phosphate/zirconium pretreatment plus e-coat or primer for durable corrosion protection; decorative anodizing is dull and mottled, so paint or laminate is the normal finish.
2038 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | 0.5 – 1.3 | 0.9 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.3 | 0.15 |
| Cumain strengthening / bake-response element | 0.8 – 1.5 | 1.1 |
| Mn | 0.1 – 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mg | 0.4 – 1 | 0.7 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | — |
| Tigrain refiner | ≤ 0.15 | 0.02 |
| Others (each)others total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
2038-T81 — frequently asked
What is 2038-T81 used for?
2038-T81 is typically used for automotive outer body panels, hoods and fenders. In short: formable 2000-series body sheet; bake-hardening panel alloy; softest 2000 series in library.
What is the yield strength of 2038-T81?
2038-T81 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) — stronger than 65% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is 2038-T81 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades). Machines like other 2000-series sheet — sharp positive-rake tools, high speed and flood coolant; T4 is gummy so prefer aged (T6/T81) coupons for trimming and drilling.
Can 2038-T81 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (35/100). Not recommended for fusion welding (hot cracking, Cu segregation); join by resistance spot welding, self-piercing rivets, clinching or structural adhesive.
What surface finishes work on 2038-T81?
Requires phosphate/zirconium pretreatment plus e-coat or primer for durable corrosion protection; decorative anodizing is dull and mottled, so paint or laminate is the normal finish.
Can 2038-T81 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent stretch and draw formability in T4/T4P with flat hemming possible; form promptly after solution treatment/pre-age and avoid heavy pre-strain before bake.
What is the maximum service temperature of 2038-T81?
2038-T81 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 2038-T4 and 2038-T6?
T4 is the default condition — standard as-delivered condition for automotive outer/inner body panels: high uniform elongation for stamping and hemming, then strengthened by the paint-bake cycle. T6: peak-strength condition used for structural stampings or test coupons where formability is no longer required. Yield strength is 160 MPa in T4 versus 300 MPa in T6.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B: Corrosion — Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Aluminum auto body sheet alloys (2008/2036/2038 family) technical bulletins — Alcoa / Arconic (2015)
- Wrought aluminum alloy property records (2038, 2036 sheet) — MatWeb / MMPDS typical values (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.