Aluminum AC3A vs ADC5
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AC3A and ADC5 are both aluminum grades. ADC5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for AC3A, about 133% more; tensile strength follows at 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). ADC5 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 6% for AC3A, and ADC5 is harder (70 HB vs 50 HB). ADC5 is lighter (2.58 g/cm³ vs 2.66 g/cm³ for AC3A) and AC3A runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, ADC5 machines more easily (very good vs fair) and AC3A welds better (very good vs fair).
AC3AChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
ADC5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AC3A vs ADC5: 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
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 Water
Typical Recycled Content
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)
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 | AC3A | ADC5 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
AC3A vs ADC5 — frequently asked
Is ADC5 stronger than AC3A?
Yes. ADC5 has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for AC3A — about 133% more. Tensile strength is 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AC3A 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, AC3A or ADC5?
ADC5. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against fair (40/100) for AC3A; for welding the order is AC3A first (very good, 80/100) then ADC5 (fair, 50/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC3A 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.