Aluminum AC2A-F vs AC2A-T6
Aluminum · AC2A temper comparison
AC2A-F and AC2A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, AC2A: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AC2A-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for AC2A-F, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 190 MPa (27.6 ksi). AC2A-T6 is harder — 85 HB against 70 HB for AC2A-F — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. AC2A-F runs hotter in service (200°C vs 175°C continuous). On the shop floor, AC2A-T6 machines more easily (very good vs good).
AC2A-FChoose it when the part sees heat.
AC2A-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
AC2A-F vs AC2A-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)
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 74 GPa10.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 27.5 GPa4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Elongation at Break 2% · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.79 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 516°C961 °F · Liquidus Temperature 604°C1,119 °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 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 27 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.75 V · Corrosion Resistance 42 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 70% · Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Castability 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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.
AC2A-F vs AC2A-T6 — frequently asked
Is AC2A-T6 stronger than AC2A-F?
Yes. AC2A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for AC2A-F — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 190 MPa (27.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T6 is the default AC2A 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, AC2A-F or AC2A-T6?
AC2A-T6. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (62/100) for AC2A-F.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2A-F and AC2A-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.