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Aluminum AC2B vs ADC5

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum AC2B and ADC5 are both aluminum grades. ADC5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for AC2B, about 59% more; tensile strength follows at 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). ADC5 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 2% for AC2B. ADC5 is lighter (2.58 g/cm³ vs 2.77 g/cm³ for AC2B) and AC2B is stiffer (74 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, ADC5 machines more easily (very good vs good) and ADC5 welds better (50 vs 35 out of 100).

AC2BChoose it when the part sees heat.

ADC5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

AC2B vs ADC5: properties

AC2BADC5

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

74 GPa10.7 Msi
70 GPa10.2 Msi

Shear Modulus

28 GPa4.1 Msi
26 GPa3.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

71 GPa10.3 Msi
69 GPa10 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

110 MPa16 ksi
175 MPa25.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
8%

Compressive Strength

115 MPa16.7 ksi
—

Shear Strength

145 MPa21 ksi
195 MPa28.3 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
138 MPa20 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

4 J3 ft·lbf
8 J5.9 ft·lbf

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Hardness, Brinell 70 HB

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.77 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.58 g/cm³0.09 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

516°C961 °F
535°C995 °F

Liquidus Temperature

604°C1,119 °F
620°C1,148 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

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

Specific Heat Capacity

963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F
960 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F
24.1 µm/m·K13.4 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

389 J/g167 BTU/lb
390 J/g168 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

150°C302 °F
120°C248 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

27 % IACS
24 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
7.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.83 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.81 V
-0.87 V

Corrosion Resistance

42 / 100
72 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

65 / 100
80 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

130%
180%

Weldability

35 / 100
50 / 100

Formability (cold)

5 / 100
20 / 100

Castability

85 / 100
38 / 100

Polishability

40 / 100
75 / 100

Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Water

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

Typical Recycled Content

85%
50%

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)

65 kN·m/kg
116 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.7 MN·m/kg
27.1 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

82 kJ/m³
219 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

40.9 mm²/s
38.8 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
17

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 scaleAC2BADC5

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAC2BADC5
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 ADC5 — frequently asked

Is ADC5 stronger than AC2B?

Yes. ADC5 has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for AC2B — about 59% more. Tensile strength is 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AC2B or ADC5?

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 ADC5?

ADC5. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against good (65/100) for AC2B; for welding the order is ADC5 first (fair, 50/100) then AC2B (fair, 35/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2B and ADC5 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.