Aluminum 2038-T4P vs 2038-T6
Aluminum · 2038 temper comparison
2038-T4P and 2038-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2038: T4P (solution heat treated, pre-aged/stabilised for controlled bake response) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2038-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 152 MPa (22 ksi) for 2038-T4P, about 97% more; tensile strength follows at 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi). In exchange, 2038-T4P is the more ductile: elongation 26% versus 12% for 2038-T6, and 2038-T6 is harder (115 HB vs 82 HB). 2038-T6 runs hotter in service (130°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, 2038-T6 machines more easily (68 vs 58 out of 100).
2038-T4PChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2038-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2038-T4P vs 2038-T6: 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.7 V
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-T4P vs 2038-T6 — frequently asked
Is 2038-T6 stronger than 2038-T4P?
Yes. 2038-T6 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 152 MPa (22 ksi) for 2038-T4P — about 97% more. Tensile strength is 375 MPa (54.4 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4P or T6?
T4 is the default 2038 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T4P nor T6). 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-T4P or 2038-T6?
2038-T6, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 58/100 for 2038-T4P.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2038-T4P and 2038-T6 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.