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Aluminum 8011 vs 8079

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum 8011 and 8079 are both aluminum grades, both corrosion resistant al. 8011 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for 8079, about 3.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 145 MPa (21 ksi) vs 85 MPa (12.3 ksi). In exchange, 8079 is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 4% for 8011, and 8011 is harder (42 HB vs 22 HB). 8079 conducts electricity better (58 % IACS vs 45 % IACS). On the shop floor, 8079 welds better (very good vs good).

8011Choose it when strength drives the design.

8079Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

8011 vs 8079: properties

80118079

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Bulk Modulus

69 GPa10 Msi
70 GPa10.2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

145 MPa21 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

120 MPa17.4 ksi
35 MPa5.1 ksi

Elongation at Break

4%
25%

Shear Strength

90 MPa13.1 ksi
55 MPa8 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

55 MPa8 ksi
35 MPa5.1 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

42 HB
22 HB

Hardness, Vickers

46 HV
—

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.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

620°C1,148 °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

205 W/m·K118 BTU/hr·ft·°F
225 W/m·K130 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F
23.6 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

45 % IACS
58 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

3.8×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.5 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)

-0.84 V
-0.83 V

Corrosion Resistance

65 / 100
72 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Weldability

60 / 100
75 / 100

Formability (cold)

60 / 100
95 / 100

Polishability

45 / 100
50 / 100

Castability

—
60 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 30 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

12 kg CO₂/kg
12.5 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

35%
25%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

54 kN·m/kg
31 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.5 MN·m/kg
25.4 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

104 kJ/m³
9 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

84.1 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 scale80118079

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability80118079
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.

8011 vs 8079 — frequently asked

Is 8011 stronger than 8079?

Yes. 8011 has a typical yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 35 MPa (5.08 ksi) for 8079 — about 3.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 145 MPa (21 ksi) vs 85 MPa (12.3 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 8011 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 welds better, 8011 or 8079?

8079. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (60/100) for 8011.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 8011 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.