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Aluminum AC2B vs ADC1

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum AC2B and ADC1 are both aluminum grades. ADC1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for AC2B, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). ADC1 is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 2% for AC2B, and ADC1 is harder (75 HB vs 70 HB). ADC1 is lighter (2.66 g/cm³ vs 2.77 g/cm³ for AC2B) and ADC1 conducts electricity better (31 % IACS vs 27 % IACS). On the shop floor, AC2B machines more easily (good vs fair).

AC2BChoose it when the part is machined in volume.

ADC1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

AC2B vs ADC1: properties

AC2BADC1

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

74 GPa10.7 Msi
71 GPa10.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

28 GPa4.1 Msi
26.5 GPa3.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

71 GPa10.3 Msi
70 GPa10.2 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
280 MPa40.6 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

110 MPa16 ksi
145 MPa21 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
2.5%

Compressive Strength

115 MPa16.7 ksi
—

Shear Strength

145 MPa21 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

4 J3 ft·lbf
3 J2.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

70 HB
75 HB

Hardness, Vickers

—
80 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.77 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.66 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

516°C961 °F
574°C1,065 °F

Liquidus Temperature

604°C1,119 °F
582°C1,080 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

109 W/m·K63 BTU/hr·ft·°F
121 W/m·K69.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F
20.4 µm/m·K11.3 µin/in·°F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

27 % IACS
31 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
5.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.2 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.81 V
-0.83 V

Corrosion Resistance

42 / 100
58 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

65 / 100
35 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

130%
45%

Castability

85 / 100
95 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

20 / 100
30 / 100

Same in both: Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
195 MJ/kg83,835 BTU/lb

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 85%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

65 kN·m/kg
105 kN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

82 kJ/m³
148 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

40.9 mm²/s
47.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
23

Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.7 MN·m/kg

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 scaleAC2BADC1

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAC2BADC1
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 ADC1 — frequently asked

Is ADC1 stronger than AC2B?

Yes. ADC1 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for AC2B — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AC2B or ADC1?

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 ADC1?

AC2B. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against fair (35/100) for ADC1.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2B and ADC1 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.