Aluminum 1050 vs 1050A
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 1050 and 1050A are both aluminum grades. 1050A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 1050, about 17% more. 1050A is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for 1050. 1050 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, 1050 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 1050A (standard, $$).
1050Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
1050AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1050 vs 1050A: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 70 MPa10.2 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 30 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 646°C1,195 °F · Liquidus Temperature 657°C1,215 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 229 W/m·K132 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.6 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 397 J/g171 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 61 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.83×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.11 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.84 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Weldability 92 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 25.5 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 94.1 mm²/s
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 1050 | 1050A |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
1050 vs 1050A — frequently asked
Is 1050A stronger than 1050?
Yes. 1050A has a typical yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 1050 — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1050 or 1050A?
1050 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 1050A is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose 1050 over 1050A?
Pick 1050 when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor. Pick 1050A when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1050 and 1050A side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.