Aluminum 2196-F vs 2196-T8
Aluminum · 2196 temper comparison
2196-F and 2196-T8 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2196: F (as fabricated) versus T8 (solution heat treated, cold worked and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2196-T8 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 545 MPa (79 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 2196-F, about 118% more; tensile strength follows at 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi). In exchange, 2196-F is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for 2196-T8, and 2196-T8 is harder (148 HB vs 100 HB). 2196-T8 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and 2196-T8 conducts electricity better (18 % IACS vs 16 % IACS). On the shop floor, 2196-T8 machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100).
2196-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2196-T8Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2196-F vs 2196-T8: 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.
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: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 29.5 GPa4.3 Msi · Bulk Modulus 76 GPa11 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.63 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 540°C1,004 °F · Liquidus Temperature 645°C1,193 °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 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.5 µm/m·K12.5 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) -0.7 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) 230 MJ/kg98,882 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 14 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.
2196-F vs 2196-T8 — frequently asked
Is 2196-T8 stronger than 2196-F?
Yes. 2196-T8 has a typical yield strength of 545 MPa (79 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 2196-F — about 118% more. Tensile strength is 585 MPa (84.8 ksi) vs 380 MPa (55.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T8?
T8511 is the default 2196 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F nor T8). 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, 2196-F or 2196-T8?
2196-T8, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for 2196-F; for welding the order is 2196-F first (fair, 45/100) then 2196-T8 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2196-F and 2196-T8 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.