Aluminum 2008-T4 vs 2008-T6
Aluminum · 2008 temper comparison
2008-T4 and 2008-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2008: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2008-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 2008-T4, about 120% more; tensile strength follows at 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi). In exchange, 2008-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for 2008-T6, and 2008-T6 is harder (95 HB vs 65 HB). 2008-T6 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
2008-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2008-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2008-T4 vs 2008-T6: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.72 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 560°C1,040 °F · Liquidus Temperature 650°C1,202 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 4.1×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.61 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.69 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100 · Weldability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
2008-T4 vs 2008-T6 — frequently asked
Is 2008-T6 stronger than 2008-T4?
Yes. 2008-T6 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 2008-T4 — about 120% more. Tensile strength is 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T6?
T4 is the default 2008 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
When should I choose 2008-T4 over 2008-T6?
Pick 2008-T4 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 2008-T6 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2008-T4 and 2008-T6 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.