Aluminum 2017-T3 vs 2017-T4
Aluminum · 2017 temper comparison
2017-T3 and 2017-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2017: T3 (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 290 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 naturally aged). 2017-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 18% for 2017-T3. 2017-T3 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
2017-T3Choose it when the part sees heat.
2017-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2017-T3 vs 2017-T4: 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.
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 72.4 GPa10.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 260 MPa37.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 30 MPa·√m27.3 ksi·√in · Hardness, Brinell 105 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.79 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 513°C955 °F · Liquidus Temperature 641°C1,186 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 134 W/m·K77.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 873 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 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 34 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.07×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 33 / 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 %) 70% · Weldability 20 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
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.
2017-T3 vs 2017-T4 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 2017-T3 and 2017-T4?
2017-T3 and 2017-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2017: T3 (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 290 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 naturally aged).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T3 or T4?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, 2017-T3 or 2017-T4?
2017-T4, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 78/100 against 72/100 for 2017-T3.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2017-T3 and 2017-T4 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.