Aluminum AC2B vs AC7A
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AC2B and AC7A are both aluminum grades. AC2B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for AC7A, about 29% more; tensile strength follows at 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 170 MPa (24.7 ksi). In exchange, AC7A is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 2% for AC2B, and AC2B is harder (70 HB vs 50 HB). AC7A is lighter (2.65 g/cm³ vs 2.77 g/cm³ for AC2B) and AC2B runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, AC7A welds better (very good vs fair).
AC2BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
AC7AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
AC2B vs AC7A: 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)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
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
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · 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 | AC2B | AC7A |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
AC2B vs AC7A — frequently asked
Is AC2B stronger than AC7A?
Yes. AC2B has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for AC7A — about 29% more. Tensile strength is 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 170 MPa (24.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AC2B or AC7A?
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, AC2B or AC7A?
AC7A. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (65/100) for AC2B; for welding the order is AC7A first (very good, 80/100) then AC2B (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2B and AC7A 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.