Aluminum AC2A vs ADC3
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AC2A and ADC3 are both aluminum grades. ADC3 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for AC2A, about 26% more. ADC3 is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 2% for AC2A, and AC2A is harder (85 HB vs 75 HB). ADC3 is lighter (2.64 g/cm³ vs 2.79 g/cm³ for AC2A) and AC2A runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, AC2A machines more easily (very good vs good).
AC2AChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
ADC3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AC2A vs ADC3: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 170 MPa24.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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
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)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 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)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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 | AC2A | ADC3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ADC3 — frequently asked
Is ADC3 stronger than AC2A?
Yes. ADC3 has a typical tensile strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for AC2A — about 26% more.
Which is cheaper, AC2A or ADC3?
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 is easier to machine, AC2A or ADC3?
AC2A. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (58/100) for ADC3; for welding the order is ADC3 first (fair, 40/100) then AC2A (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2A and ADC3 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.