Aluminum AC3A-F vs AC3A-O
Aluminum · AC3A temper comparison
AC3A-F and AC3A-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, AC3A: F (as fabricated) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AC3A-F is the stronger of the two: yield strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) for AC3A-O, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi). In exchange, AC3A-O is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 6% for AC3A-F, and AC3A-F is harder (50 HB vs 45 HB).
AC3A-FChoose it when strength drives the design.
AC3A-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AC3A-F vs AC3A-O: 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)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 55 MPa8 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.66 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 574°C1,065 °F · Liquidus Temperature 582°C1,080 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 20.5 µm/m·K11.4 µin/in·°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
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
AC3A-F vs AC3A-O — frequently asked
Is AC3A-F stronger than AC3A-O?
Yes. AC3A-F has a typical yield strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 65 MPa (9.43 ksi) for AC3A-O — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or O?
F is the default AC3A 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.
When should I choose AC3A-F over AC3A-O?
Pick AC3A-F when strength drives the design. Pick AC3A-O when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC3A-F and AC3A-O 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.