Aluminum 2524-O vs 2524-T4
Aluminum · 2524 temper comparison
2524-O and 2524-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2524: O (annealed) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2524-T4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) against 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) for 2524-O, about 3.8 times as much; tensile strength follows at 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) vs 185 MPa (26.8 ksi). 2524-T4 is harder — 112 HB against 47 HB for 2524-O — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 2524-O conducts heat better (193 W/m·K vs 121 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 2524-T4 machines more easily (very good vs fair) and 2524-O forms better (excellent vs fair).
2524-T4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
2524-O vs 2524-T4: 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
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 72.4 GPa10.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 27.5 GPa4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.78 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 502°C936 °F · Liquidus Temperature 638°C1,180 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 875 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.2 µm/m·K12.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.75×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.26 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.68 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 12 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 8%
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.
2524-O vs 2524-T4 — frequently asked
Is 2524-T4 stronger than 2524-O?
Yes. 2524-T4 has a typical yield strength of 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) against 78 MPa (11.3 ksi) for 2524-O — about 3.8 times as much. Tensile strength is 435 MPa (63.1 ksi) vs 185 MPa (26.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or T4?
T3 is the default 2524 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither O nor T4). 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, 2524-O or 2524-T4?
2524-T4. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against fair (40/100) for 2524-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2524-O and 2524-T4 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.