Aluminum 2038-T4 vs 2038-T81
Aluminum · 2038 temper comparison
2038-T4 and 2038-T81 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2038: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T81 (solution treated, cold worked ~2 % (stamped) and artificially aged by…). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2038-T81 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for 2038-T4, about 56% more; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, 2038-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 18% for 2038-T81, and 2038-T81 is harder (100 HB vs 85 HB). 2038-T81 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous).
2038-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2038-T81Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2038-T4 vs 2038-T81: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.75 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °F · Liquidus Temperature 650°C1,202 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 4.3×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.69 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.7 V · Corrosion Resistance 40 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
2038-T4 vs 2038-T81 — frequently asked
Is 2038-T81 stronger than 2038-T4?
Yes. 2038-T81 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for 2038-T4 — about 56% more. Tensile strength is 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T81?
T4 is the default 2038 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 2038-T4 or 2038-T81?
2038-T81, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for 2038-T4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2038-T4 and 2038-T81 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.