Aluminum 2A12 vs Alca 5
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 2A12 and Alca 5 are both aluminum grades. 2A12 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for Alca 5, about 3.9 times as much; tensile strength follows at 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) vs 152 MPa (22 ksi). 2A12 is the more ductile: elongation 19% versus 2% for Alca 5, and 2A12 is harder (120 HB vs 65 HB). Alca 5 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and Alca 5 conducts heat better (140 W/m·K vs 121 W/m·K). On the shop floor, Alca 5 machines more easily (excellent vs very good), Alca 5 welds better (fair vs poor), and Alca 5 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than 2A12 (premium, $$$).
2A12Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Alca 5Choose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
2A12 vs Alca 5: 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
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)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 | 2A12 | Alca 5 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| 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 |
| Powder Coating | — | Yes |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
2A12 vs Alca 5 — frequently asked
Is 2A12 stronger than Alca 5?
Yes. 2A12 has a typical yield strength of 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for Alca 5 — about 3.9 times as much. Tensile strength is 470 MPa (68.2 ksi) vs 152 MPa (22 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 2A12 or Alca 5?
Alca 5 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while 2A12 is premium ($$$). 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, 2A12 or Alca 5?
Alca 5. Its machinability rates excellent (88/100) against very good (72/100) for 2A12; for welding the order is Alca 5 first (fair, 45/100) then 2A12 (poor, 15/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2A12 and Alca 5 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.