Aluminum 2030 vs 2618A
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2030 and 2618A are both aluminum grades. 2618A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for 2030, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, 2030 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for 2618A, and 2618A is harder (118 HB vs 100 HB). 2618A runs hotter in service (200°C vs 100°C continuous) and 2618A conducts electricity better (39 % IACS vs 32 % IACS). On the shop floor, 2030 machines more easily (excellent vs very good) and 2030 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than 2618A (high, $$$$).
2030Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
2618AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2030 vs 2618A: 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
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 125 MPa18.1 ksi
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)
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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 | 2618A |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
2030 vs 2618A — frequently asked
Is 2618A stronger than 2030?
Yes. 2618A has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for 2030 — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2030 or 2618A?
2030 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while 2618A 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 2618A?
2030. Its machinability rates excellent (92/100) against very good (70/100) for 2618A; for welding the order is 2618A first (poor, 18/100) then 2030 (not recommended, 12/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2030 and 2618A 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.