Aluminum 2030 vs 2091
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2030 and 2091 are both aluminum grades. 2091 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for 2030, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, 2030 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 10% for 2091, and 2091 is harder (125 HB vs 100 HB). 2091 is lighter (2.58 g/cm³ vs 2.82 g/cm³ for 2030) and 2091 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, 2030 machines more easily (excellent vs good), 2091 welds better (poor vs not recommended), and 2030 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than 2091 (high, $$$$).
2030Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
2091Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
2030 vs 2091: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb
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
Same in both: Formability (cold) 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
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 | 2030 | 2091 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
2030 vs 2091 — frequently asked
Is 2091 stronger than 2030?
Yes. 2091 has a typical yield strength of 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for 2030 — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2030 or 2091?
2030 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while 2091 is high ($$$$). 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, 2030 or 2091?
2030. Its machinability rates excellent (92/100) against good (68/100) for 2091; for welding the order is 2091 first (poor, 25/100) then 2030 (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2030 and 2091 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.