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Aluminum AC2B vs ADC6

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum AC2B and ADC6 are both aluminum grades. ADC6 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 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). ADC6 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 2% for AC2B, and AC2B is harder (70 HB vs 65 HB). ADC6 is lighter (2.63 g/cm³ vs 2.77 g/cm³ for AC2B) and AC2B is stiffer (74 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, ADC6 welds better (45 vs 35 out of 100).

ADC6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

AC2B vs ADC6: properties

AC2BADC6

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
26.4 GPa3.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

71 GPa10.3 Msi
69 GPa10 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

180 MPa26.1 ksi
265 MPa38.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

110 MPa16 ksi
145 MPa21 ksi

Elongation at Break

2%
8%

Compressive Strength

115 MPa16.7 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Shear Strength

145 MPa21 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

70 MPa10.2 ksi
95 MPa13.8 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

4 J3 ft·lbf
8 J5.9 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

70 HB
65 HB

Hardness, Vickers

—
70 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

516°C961 °F
590°C1,094 °F

Liquidus Temperature

604°C1,119 °F
630°C1,166 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

109 W/m·K63 BTU/hr·ft·°F
125 W/m·K72.2 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
24.5 µm/m·K13.6 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

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

Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

27 % IACS
25 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
6.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.72 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
65 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

130%
200%

Weldability

35 / 100
45 / 100

Formability (cold)

5 / 100
15 / 100

Castability

85 / 100
55 / 100

Polishability

40 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Machinability 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
155 MJ/kg66,638 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

12 kg CO₂/kg
9.5 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

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

Typical Recycled Content

85%
40%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

65 kN·m/kg
101 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

26.7 MN·m/kg
26.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

82 kJ/m³
150 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

40.9 mm²/s
49.5 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

12
19

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 scaleAC2BADC6

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAC2BADC6
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 ADC6 — frequently asked

Is ADC6 stronger than AC2B?

Yes. ADC6 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for AC2B — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AC2B or ADC6?

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 welds better, AC2B or ADC6?

ADC6. Its weldability rates fair (45/100) against fair (35/100) for AC2B.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC2B and ADC6 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.