Aluminum AC2B-F vs AC2B-T6
Aluminum · AC2B temper comparison
AC2B-F and AC2B-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, AC2B: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AC2B-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for AC2B-F, about 82% more; tensile strength follows at 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). AC2B-T6 is harder — 95 HB against 70 HB for AC2B-F — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. AC2B-T6 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous).
AC2B-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
AC2B-F vs AC2B-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)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 74 GPa10.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 28 GPa4.1 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Elongation at Break 2% · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 4 J3 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.77 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.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: 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) -0.81 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 %) 130% · Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 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 85%
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.
AC2B-F vs AC2B-T6 — frequently asked
Is AC2B-T6 stronger than AC2B-F?
Yes. AC2B-T6 has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for AC2B-F — about 82% more. Tensile strength is 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
F is the default AC2B 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, AC2B-F or AC2B-T6?
AC2B-T6. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for AC2B-F.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2B-F and AC2B-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.