Aluminum 2011 vs 2017
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2011 and 2017 are both aluminum grades. 2011 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) against 276 MPa (40 ksi) for 2017, about 7% more. In exchange, 2017 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 15% for 2011, and 2017 is harder (105 HB vs 95 HB). 2011 conducts heat better (152 W/m·K vs 134 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 2011 machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and 2017 welds better (poor vs not recommended).
2011Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
2017Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
2011 vs 2017: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 124 MPa18 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Castability
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | 2011 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.
2011 vs 2017 — frequently asked
Is 2011 stronger than 2017?
Yes. 2011 has a typical yield strength of 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) against 276 MPa (40 ksi) for 2017 — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 379 MPa (55 ksi) vs 427 MPa (61.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2011 or 2017?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 2011 or 2017?
2011. Its machinability rates excellent (100/100) against very good (78/100) for 2017; for welding the order is 2017 first (poor, 20/100) then 2011 (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2011 and 2017 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.