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Aluminum 2017A vs 2524

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum 2017A and 2524 are both aluminum grades. 2524 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 2017A, about 27% more; tensile strength follows at 455 MPa (66 ksi) vs 410 MPa (59.5 ksi). 2524 is the more ductile: elongation 21% versus 14% for 2017A, and 2524 is harder (120 HB vs 110 HB). 2017A conducts heat better (134 W/m·K vs 120 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 2017A sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than 2524 (high, $$$$).

2017AChoose it when cost is the deciding factor.

2524Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

2017A vs 2524: properties

2017A2524

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

72.5 GPa10.5 Msi
72.4 GPa10.5 Msi

Shear Modulus

27 GPa3.9 Msi
27.5 GPa4 Msi

Bulk Modulus

75 GPa10.9 Msi
71 GPa10.3 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

410 MPa59.5 ksi
455 MPa66 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
330 MPa47.9 ksi

Elongation at Break

14%
21%

Compressive Strength

260 MPa37.7 ksi
325 MPa47.1 ksi

Shear Strength

260 MPa37.7 ksi
285 MPa41.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

125 MPa18.1 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

30 MPa·√m27.3 ksi·√in
42 MPa·√m38.2 ksi·√in

Hardness, Brinell

110 HB
120 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

62 HRB
73 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

118 HV
130 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.79 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.78 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

512°C954 °F
502°C936 °F

Liquidus Temperature

641°C1,186 °F
638°C1,180 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

134 W/m·K77.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

873 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
875 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

23 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F
23.2 µm/m·K12.9 µin/in·°F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

34 % IACS
30 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

5.07×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2 µΩ·in
5.75×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.26 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.69 V
-0.68 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 35 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

75 / 100
72 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

75%
70%

Castability

25 / 100
—

Brazeability / Solderability

15 / 100
12 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb
1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

25%
8%

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

147 kN·m/kg
164 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

466 kJ/m³
752 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

55 mm²/s
49.3 mm²/s

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26 MN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 33

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.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale2017A2524

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability2017A2524
CNC machiningYes—
Sheet metalYes—
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$ Premium$$$$ High
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 0.8 µm—
Anodizing Type IIYes—
CerakoteYes—
Chem Film (Alodine)Yes—
DLCYes—
E-CoatingYes—
ElectropolishingYes—
Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFEYes—
Hard Anodizing Type IIIYes—
Nickel PlatingYes—
PTFE CoatingYes—
PaintingYes—
Powder CoatingYes—

They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.

2017A vs 2524 — frequently asked

Is 2524 stronger than 2017A?

Yes. 2524 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 2017A — about 27% more. Tensile strength is 455 MPa (66 ksi) vs 410 MPa (59.5 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 2017A or 2524?

2017A is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while 2524 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

When should I choose 2017A over 2524?

Pick 2017A when cost is the deciding factor. Pick 2524 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2017A and 2524 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.