Aluminum 2017-T351 vs 2017-T4
Aluminum · 2017 temper comparison
2017-T351 and 2017-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2017: T351 (T3, stress relieved by stretching) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 275 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (T3, stress relieved by stretching versus solution heat treated and naturally aged). 2017-T4 is harder — 65 HRB against 61 HRB for 2017-T351 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 2017-T351 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
2017-T351Choose it when the part sees heat.
2017-T4Choose it when surface hardness matters.
2017-T351 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
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 72.4 GPa10.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 124 MPa18 ksi
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
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 70% · Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 45 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 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-T351 vs 2017-T4 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 2017-T351 and 2017-T4?
2017-T351 and 2017-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2017: T351 (T3, stress relieved by stretching) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 275 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (T3, stress relieved by stretching versus solution heat treated and naturally aged).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T351 or T4?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
When should I choose 2017-T351 over 2017-T4?
Pick 2017-T351 when the part sees heat. Pick 2017-T4 when surface hardness matters.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2017-T351 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.