Aluminum 2117 vs A20X
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2117 and A20X are both aluminum grades, both aerospace al. A20X is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 2117, about 45% more; tensile strength follows at 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi). In exchange, 2117 is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 12% for A20X, and A20X is harder (95 HB vs 70 HB). A20X is stiffer (77 GPa vs 70.3 GPa) and A20X runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, A20X welds better (fair vs poor) and 2117 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than A20X (specialty, $$$$$).
2117Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
A20XChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2117 vs A20X: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
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)
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)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 35 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
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 | A20X |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Printed |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodized (Aluminum AM) | — | Yes |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
2117 vs A20X — frequently asked
Is A20X stronger than 2117?
Yes. A20X has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 2117 — about 45% more. Tensile strength is 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2117 or A20X?
2117 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while A20X is specialty ($$$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 2117 or A20X?
A20X. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for 2117; for welding the order is A20X first (fair, 50/100) then 2117 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2117 and A20X 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.