Aluminum 2011
Aluminum alloy 2011 has the highest machinability of all aluminum alloys, suitable for complex and detailed parts. Considered a free-machining alloy (FMA), it can be quickly machined to very close tolerances and produces an excellent surface finish. Aluminum 2011 is a great economical choice due to its machinability and production of fine, easily removable chips.
Aluminum 2011 is the standard for relative machinability compared to all other aluminum alloys. It has a machining cost factor of 0.6 when compared to steel 12L14. It can be forged or hot worked, but is not ideal for welding or soldering. 2011 can be heat treated, annealed, aged, and tempered. It can be anodized, but results in a darker and less corrosion resistant finish than Aluminum 6061.
Industries and Applications
- Electronic hardware
- Commercial products
Aluminum Parts Gallery
Aluminum 2011 Characteristics
| TEMPER | Yield Strength (ksi) | Ultimate Tensile Strength (ksi) | Modulus of Elasticity (ksi) | Brinell Hardness (500km/10mm) |
| T3 | 41 | 52 | 10,000 | 95 |
| T8 | 45 | 59 | 10,000 | 100 |
Aluminum Cost Comparison
| Type | General Characteristics | Alloy | Common Applications | Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar | Material Cost Factor | Machining Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum |
Designed for machining
|
2011 |
Electronic hardware, endless commercial products
|
Cold finish +/-.0015 |
3.8 | .6 |
Common Material Cost Comparison
| Type | General Characteristics | Alloy | Common Applications | Tolerances for a 1/2" Dia. Bar | Material Cost Factor | Machining Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel |
Designed for excellent machinability. Case hard only
|
12L14 |
Endless commercial products; probably more pounds used in turned products than any other bar stock
|
Cold drawn 0 |
1 | 1 |
| Stainless Steel |
Designed for machining, non-magnetic
|
303 |
Electronic hardware, automotive, aerospace, medical instruments, and many applications requiring corrosion resistance
|
Cold finished +/- .002 |
1.9 | 2.7 |
| Brass |
Strength, corrosion and wear resistance, and excellent machinability
|
C35300 |
Well suited for parts with knurling or threading
|
+0015 | 3.5 | .07 |
| Aluminum |
Designed for machining
|
2011 |
Electronic hardware, endless commercial products
|
Cold finish +/-.0015 |
3.8 | .6 |
| Titanium |
High strength, light weight, good bio-compatibility
|
Ti-6Al-4VEli |
Medical implants
|
Ground & polished +/-.002 |
30.2 | 6 |
To review our Machining Materials Guide, please click here.
