Aluminum 2024 vs 2A12
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2024 and 2A12 are both aluminum grades. 2024 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) for 2A12, about 6% more. 2024 is harder — 137 HV against 128 HV for 2A12 — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 2024 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
2024Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
2024 vs 2A12: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Same in both: Shear Modulus 28 GPa4.1 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 283 MPa41 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 138 MPa20 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 37 MPa·√m33.7 ksi·√in · Hardness, Brinell 120 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 75 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.78 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 502°C936 °F · Liquidus Temperature 638°C1,180 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 875 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°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 30 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.75×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.26 µΩ·in
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 72 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 70% · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.3 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 49.7 mm²/s
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 2024 | 2A12 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | T3 | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
2024 vs 2A12 — frequently asked
Is 2024 stronger than 2A12?
Yes. 2024 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) for 2A12 — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) vs 470 MPa (68.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2024 or 2A12?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, 2024 or 2A12?
2024. Its weldability rates poor (20/100) against poor (15/100) for 2A12.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2024 and 2A12 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.