Aluminum 2055-T3 vs 2055-T8511
Aluminum · 2055 temper comparison
2055-T3 and 2055-T8511 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2055: T3 (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged) versus T8511 (T84 process with stress relief by stretching plus minor straightening). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2055-T8511 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 595 MPa (86.3 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 2055-T3, about 86% more; tensile strength follows at 635 MPa (92.1 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi). In exchange, 2055-T3 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 10% for 2055-T8511, and 2055-T8511 is harder (178 HB vs 130 HB). 2055-T8511 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous) and 2055-T8511 conducts electricity better (27 % IACS vs 24 % IACS). On the shop floor, 2055-T8511 machines more easily (very good vs good).
2055-T3Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2055-T8511Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2055-T3 vs 2055-T8511: 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
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
Same in both: Shear Modulus 29.5 GPa4.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 73 GPa10.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.74 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °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 870 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.6 µm/m·K12.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.75 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 215 MJ/kg92,433 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
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.
2055-T3 vs 2055-T8511 — frequently asked
Is 2055-T8511 stronger than 2055-T3?
Yes. 2055-T8511 has a typical yield strength of 595 MPa (86.3 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for 2055-T3 — about 86% more. Tensile strength is 635 MPa (92.1 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T3 or T8511?
T84 is the default 2055 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T3 nor T8511). 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, 2055-T3 or 2055-T8511?
2055-T8511. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (60/100) for 2055-T3; for welding the order is 2055-T3 first (poor, 25/100) then 2055-T8511 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2055-T3 and 2055-T8511 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.