Aluminum 2024 vs 6061
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2024 and 6061 are both aluminum grades. 2024 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 276 MPa (40 ksi) for 6061, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). 2024 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 12% for 6061, and 2024 is harder (120 HB vs 95 HB). 2024 is stiffer (73.1 GPa vs 68.9 GPa) and 6061 runs hotter in service (170°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 6061 welds better (excellent vs poor) and 6061 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 2024 (premium, $$$).
2024Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
6061Choose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
2024 vs 6061: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | 6061 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | T3 | T6 |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.
2024 vs 6061 — frequently asked
Is 2024 stronger than 6061?
Yes. 2024 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 276 MPa (40 ksi) for 6061 — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2024 or 6061?
6061 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 2024 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, 2024 or 6061?
6061. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against poor (20/100) for 2024.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2024 and 6061 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.