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Aluminum AC2A vs ADC10

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum AC2A and ADC10 are both aluminum grades. AC2A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for ADC10, about 6% more. In exchange, ADC10 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for AC2A, and AC2A is harder (85 HB vs 80 HB). AC2A runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous) and AC2A conducts heat better (110 W/m·K vs 96 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AC2A welds better (fair vs poor).

AC2AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

ADC10Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

AC2A vs ADC10: properties

AC2AADC10

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

74 GPa10.7 Msi
71 GPa10.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

27.5 GPa4 Msi
26.5 GPa3.8 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

170 MPa24.7 ksi
160 MPa23.2 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
3%

Shear Strength

165 MPa23.9 ksi
185 MPa26.8 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

75 MPa10.9 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
4 J3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

85 HB
80 HB

Compressive Strength

—
165 MPa23.9 ksi

Hardness, Vickers

—
85 HV

Same in both: Bulk Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.79 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.76 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

516°C961 °F
540°C1,004 °F

Liquidus Temperature

604°C1,119 °F
595°C1,103 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

110 W/m·K63.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
96 W/m·K55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F
21.8 µm/m·K12.1 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
150°C302 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-80°C-112 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

27 % IACS
23 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
7.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.95 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.75 V
-0.76 V

Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 42 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

72 / 100
75 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

70%
260%

Weldability

35 / 100
25 / 100

Castability

75 / 100
92 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

25 / 100
20 / 100

Same in both: Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Water

1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb
1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

80%
85%

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

90 kN·m/kg
116 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.5 MN·m/kg
25.7 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

195 kJ/m³
180 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

40.9 mm²/s
36.1 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

17
20

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 scaleAC2AADC10

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAC2AADC10
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.

AC2A vs ADC10 — frequently asked

Is AC2A stronger than ADC10?

Yes. AC2A has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for ADC10 — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 320 MPa (46.4 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AC2A or ADC10?

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

Which welds better, AC2A or ADC10?

AC2A. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for ADC10.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2A and ADC10 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.