Aluminum 2017A-O vs 2017A-T4
Aluminum · 2017A temper comparison
2017A-O and 2017A-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2017A: O (annealed) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2017A-T4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 2017A-O, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 410 MPa (59.5 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). In exchange, 2017A-O is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 14% for 2017A-T4, and 2017A-T4 is harder (110 HB vs 45 HB). 2017A-O runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and 2017A-O conducts heat better (193 W/m·K vs 134 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 2017A-T4 machines more easily (very good vs fair).
2017A-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
2017A-T4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
2017A-O vs 2017A-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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 72.5 GPa10.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 260 MPa37.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 30 MPa·√m27.3 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 62 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.79 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 512°C954 °F · Liquidus Temperature 641°C1,186 °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 873 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23 µm/m·K12.8 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).
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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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.
2017A-O vs 2017A-T4 — frequently asked
Is 2017A-T4 stronger than 2017A-O?
Yes. 2017A-T4 has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 2017A-O — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 410 MPa (59.5 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O 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, 2017A-O or 2017A-T4?
2017A-T4. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against fair (45/100) for 2017A-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2017A-O and 2017A-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.