Aluminum 2060-T4 vs 2060-T87
Aluminum · 2060 temper comparison
2060-T4 and 2060-T87 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2060: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T87 (T8 with 7 % cold work). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2060-T87 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 2060-T4, about 92% more; tensile strength follows at 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi). In exchange, 2060-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for 2060-T87, and 2060-T87 is harder (158 HB vs 90 HB). 2060-T87 is stiffer (78 GPa vs 70 GPa) and 2060-T87 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, 2060-T4 welds better (fair vs poor).
2060-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
2060-T87Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2060-T4 vs 2060-T87: 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
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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 76 GPa11 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: 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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60% · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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.
2060-T4 vs 2060-T87 — frequently asked
Is 2060-T87 stronger than 2060-T4?
Yes. 2060-T87 has a typical yield strength of 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for 2060-T4 — about 92% more. Tensile strength is 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) vs 430 MPa (62.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T87?
T81 is the default 2060 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T4 nor T87). 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, 2060-T4 or 2060-T87?
2060-T4. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (63/100) for 2060-T87; for welding the order is 2060-T4 first (fair, 40/100) then 2060-T87 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2060-T4 and 2060-T87 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.