Aluminum 2117 vs Scalmalloy
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2117 and Scalmalloy are both aluminum grades, both aerospace al. Scalmalloy is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 2117, about 73% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi). In exchange, 2117 is the more ductile: elongation 27% versus 14% for Scalmalloy, and Scalmalloy is harder (100 HB vs 70 HB). 2117 conducts heat better (151 W/m·K vs 110 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 2117 machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100), Scalmalloy welds better (good vs poor), and 2117 sits in a lower cost tier (premium, $$$) than Scalmalloy (specialty, $$$$$).
2117Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
ScalmalloyChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
2117 vs Scalmalloy: 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
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 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)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F
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)
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
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 27
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 | Scalmalloy |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Printed |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodized (Aluminum AM) | — | Yes |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
2117 vs Scalmalloy — frequently asked
Is Scalmalloy stronger than 2117?
Yes. Scalmalloy has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 2117 — about 73% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2117 or Scalmalloy?
2117 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the premium tier ($$$) while Scalmalloy 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 Scalmalloy?
2117, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for Scalmalloy; for welding the order is Scalmalloy first (good, 60/100) then 2117 (poor, 20/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2117 and Scalmalloy 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.