Aluminum 2024 vs Scalmalloy
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2024 and Scalmalloy are both aluminum grades, both aerospace al. 2024 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Scalmalloy, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). 2024 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 14% for Scalmalloy, and 2024 is harder (120 HB vs 100 HB). Scalmalloy is lighter (2.67 g/cm³ vs 2.78 g/cm³ for 2024) and 2024 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, 2024 machines more easily (very good vs good), Scalmalloy welds better (good vs poor), and 2024 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than Scalmalloy (specialty, $$$$$).
2024Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ScalmalloyChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when it will be welded.
2024 vs Scalmalloy: 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
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 638°C1,180 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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).
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 Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | Scalmalloy |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | T3 | As Printed |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | 0.8 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodized (Aluminum AM) | — | Yes |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
2024 vs Scalmalloy — frequently asked
Is 2024 stronger than Scalmalloy?
Yes. 2024 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Scalmalloy — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 483 MPa (70.1 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2024 or Scalmalloy?
2024 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while Scalmalloy is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 2024 or Scalmalloy?
2024. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (55/100) for Scalmalloy; for welding the order is Scalmalloy first (good, 60/100) then 2024 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2024 and Scalmalloy 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.