Aluminum 2011 vs QC-10
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2011 and QC-10 are both aluminum grades. QC-10 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) against 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) for 2011, about 63% more; tensile strength follows at 538 MPa (78 ksi) vs 379 MPa (55 ksi). In exchange, 2011 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 9% for QC-10, and QC-10 is harder (165 HB vs 95 HB). QC-10 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, 2011 machines more easily (100 vs 85 out of 100) and QC-10 welds better (poor vs not recommended).
2011Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
QC-10Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2011 vs QC-10: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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 | QC-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. 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 QC-10 — frequently asked
Is QC-10 stronger than 2011?
Yes. QC-10 has a typical yield strength of 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) against 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) for 2011 — about 63% more. Tensile strength is 538 MPa (78 ksi) vs 379 MPa (55 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2011 or QC-10?
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 QC-10?
2011, by a small margin. Both rate excellent for machinability — 100/100 against 85/100 for QC-10; for welding the order is QC-10 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 QC-10 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.