Aluminum 2117 vs 2618
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2117 and 2618 are both aluminum grades. 2618 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 372 MPa (54 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 2117, about 125% more; tensile strength follows at 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi). In exchange, 2117 is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 10% for 2618, and 2618 is harder (115 HB vs 70 HB). 2618 is stiffer (74.5 GPa vs 70.3 GPa) and 2618 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 120°C continuous).
2117Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2618Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2117 vs 2618: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: 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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | 2117 | 2618 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.
2117 vs 2618 — frequently asked
Is 2618 stronger than 2117?
Yes. 2618 has a typical yield strength of 372 MPa (54 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 2117 — about 125% more. Tensile strength is 440 MPa (63.8 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2117 or 2618?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose 2117 over 2618?
Pick 2117 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 2618 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2117 and 2618 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.