Aluminum 2011A-T3 vs 2011A-T6
Aluminum · 2011A temper comparison
2011A-T3 and 2011A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2011A: T3 (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 295 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged versus solution heat treated and artificially aged). 2011A-T3 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for 2011A-T6, and 2011A-T6 is harder (100 HB vs 95 HB). 2011A-T6 runs hotter in service (130°C vs 100°C continuous).
2011A-T3Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2011A-T6Choose it when the part sees heat.
2011A-T3 vs 2011A-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
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
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 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 125 MPa18.1 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.83 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 535°C995 °F · Liquidus Temperature 643°C1,189 °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 864 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.9 µm/m·K12.7 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
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.72 V · Corrosion Resistance 30 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Weldability 10 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 1,100 L/kg132 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.
2011A-T3 vs 2011A-T6 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 2011A-T3 and 2011A-T6?
2011A-T3 and 2011A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2011A: T3 (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 295 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged versus solution heat treated and artificially aged).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T3 or T6?
T3 is the default 2011A 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 2011A-T3 over 2011A-T6?
Pick 2011A-T3 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 2011A-T6 when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2011A-T3 and 2011A-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.