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Aluminum 8006 vs 8079

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum 8006 and 8079 are both aluminum grades, both corrosion resistant al. 8006 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for 8079, about 3.7 times as much; tensile strength follows at 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) vs 85 MPa (12.3 ksi). In exchange, 8079 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for 8006, and 8006 is harder (45 HB vs 22 HB). 8079 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and 8079 conducts heat better (225 W/m·K vs 185 W/m·K).

8006Choose it when strength drives the design.

8079Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

8006 vs 8079: properties

80068079

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

155 MPa22.5 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

130 MPa18.9 ksi
35 MPa5.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

10%
25%

Shear Strength

95 MPa13.8 ksi
55 MPa8 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

55 MPa8 ksi
35 MPa5.1 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

45 HB
22 HB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.72 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

630°C1,166 °F
645°C1,193 °F

Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 655°C1,211 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

185 W/m·K107 BTU/hr·ft·°F
225 W/m·K130 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

390 J/g168 BTU/lb
395 J/g170 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

120°C248 °F
150°C302 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.6 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

47 % IACS
58 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

3.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.46 µΩ·in
2.97×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.17 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.78 V
-0.83 V

Corrosion Resistance

62 / 100
72 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

35 / 100
30 / 100

Weldability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Formability (cold)

78 / 100
95 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

70 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

40 / 100
50 / 100

Castability

—
60 / 100

Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30%

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

12 kg CO₂/kg
12.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb
1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

35%
25%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

57 kN·m/kg
31 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.5 MN·m/kg
25.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

122 kJ/m³
9 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

75.9 mm²/s
91.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

18
12

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.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale80068079

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability80068079
Default condition——
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both are offered for Sheet metal. Both take the same 15 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating, PTFE Coating and 3 more.

8006 vs 8079 — frequently asked

Is 8006 stronger than 8079?

Yes. 8006 has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for 8079 — about 3.7 times as much. Tensile strength is 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) vs 85 MPa (12.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 8006 or 8079?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, 8006 or 8079?

8006. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for 8079; for welding the order is 8079 first (very good, 75/100) then 8006 (very good, 70/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 8006 and 8079 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.