Aluminum 8006 vs 8011A
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 8006 and 8011A are both aluminum grades. 8011A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for 8006, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) vs 155 MPa (22.5 ksi). In exchange, 8006 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 3% for 8011A, and 8011A is harder (50 HB vs 45 HB). 8006 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 110°C continuous) and 8011A conducts heat better (211 W/m·K vs 185 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 8011A machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100), 8011A welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100), and 8006 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 8011A (premium, $$$).
8006Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
8011AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
8006 vs 8011A: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Density 2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Liquidus Temperature 655°C1,211 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · 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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 25.5 MN·m/kg
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 | 8006 | 8011A |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | 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.
8006 vs 8011A — frequently asked
Is 8011A stronger than 8006?
Yes. 8011A has a typical yield strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for 8006 — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) vs 155 MPa (22.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 8006 or 8011A?
8006 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 8011A 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, 8006 or 8011A?
8011A, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for 8006; for welding the order is 8011A first (very good, 80/100) then 8006 (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 8006 and 8011A 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.