Aluminum 2A90-T4 vs 2A90-T6
Aluminum · 2A90 temper comparison
2A90-T4 and 2A90-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2A90: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2A90-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for 2A90-T4, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 410 MPa (59.5 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi). In exchange, 2A90-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 10% for 2A90-T6, and 2A90-T6 is harder (120 HB vs 95 HB). 2A90-T6 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 100°C continuous) and 2A90-T6 conducts electricity better (37 % IACS vs 32 % IACS).
2A90-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2A90-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2A90-T4 vs 2A90-T6: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 74 GPa10.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 28 GPa4.1 Msi · Bulk Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Reduction in Area 20% · Compressive Strength 310 MPa45 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 25 MPa·√m22.8 ksi·√in · Hardness, Rockwell B 71 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 128 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.8 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 510°C950 °F · Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °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 875 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 21.8 µm/m·K12.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 4.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.85 µΩ·in
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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 80% · Weldability 22 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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.
2A90-T4 vs 2A90-T6 — frequently asked
Is 2A90-T6 stronger than 2A90-T4?
Yes. 2A90-T6 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for 2A90-T4 — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 410 MPa (59.5 ksi) vs 340 MPa (49.3 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T6?
T6 is the default 2A90 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 2A90-T4 or 2A90-T6?
2A90-T6, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 58/100 for 2A90-T4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2A90-T4 and 2A90-T6 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.