Aluminum ZL105A-T6
Temper · default condition
ASTM A355.0
T6 = solution heat treated and artificially aged
The default general-purpose condition — best balance of strength, hardness and ductility for structural castings (equivalent to C355.0-T6).
Values for the T6 condition
Other ZL105A tempers and conditions
ZL105A is listed in 7 conditions; see the grade overview at ZL105A.
Compare all 7 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | Lowest cost condition for lightly loaded or dimensionally sensitive parts where no heat-treat distortion is acceptable. | 90 | 165 | 2 | 65 HB | 42 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and naturally aged | Simple aging of the as-cast part for a modest strength gain without solution treatment or quench distortion. | 135 | 205 | 1.5 | 72 HB | 41 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Choose for dimensional stability and reduced residual stress at elevated service temperature, accepting lower strength. | 200 | 250 | 4 | 78 HB | 42 % IACS |
T6DefaultThis page Solution heat treated and artificially aged | The default general-purpose condition — best balance of strength, hardness and ductility for structural castings (equivalent to C355.0-T6). | 225 | 290 | 3 | 88 HB | 39 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | The condition specified in GB/T 1173 for ZL105A — highest guaranteed strength for Chinese-standard castings. | 225 | 290 | 2 | 85 HB | 40 % IACS |
T6 variant, underaged | Pick when peak strength is needed from chill-cast or premium-quality castings and some ductility can be traded away. | 250 | 310 | 3 | 95 HB | 39 % IACS |
T6, heat treated by the user | Aerospace premium-quality practice giving the highest guaranteed properties from well-fed, low-porosity castings. | 270 | 315 | 2.5 | 100 HB | 38 % IACS |
What is ZL105A-T6?
ZL105A-T6 is ZL105A in the T6 temper — the default general-purpose condition — best balance of strength, hardness and ductility for structural castings (equivalent to C355.0-T6). ZL105A-T6 has a yield strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 59% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi). ZL105A-T6 has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 546°C (1,015 °F).
Limitations
- Limited ductility — 3%, worse than 79% of aluminum grades
ZL105A-T6 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL105A-T6; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are ZL105A reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
ZL105A-T6 has a density of 2.71 g/cm³ (0.0979 lb/in³), heavier than 51% of aluminum grades. It melts at 546°C (1,015 °F).
Mechanical12
ZL105A-T6 has a yield strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 59% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 3% and the elastic modulus is 71 GPa (10.3 Msi).
Thermal6
ZL105A-T6 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 151 W/m·K (87.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 63% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.3 µm/m·K (12.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL105A-T6 conducts electricity at 39 % IACS, better than 65% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is fair (45/100), worse than 62% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZL105A-T6 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability7
ZL105A-T6's machinability is very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability good (55/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with ZL105A-T6
Is ZL105A easy to machine?
Machines well with PCD or polished carbide, high speed and low feed; eutectic silicon is abrasive, so use flood coolant and expect tool wear higher than 6061.
Can ZL105A be welded?
TIG/MIG repairable with ER4043 or ER4145 filler; the Cu content raises hot-cracking risk and welded areas should be re-solution treated and aged to restore T6 properties.
Can ZL105A be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity and pressure tightness in sand, permanent-mold and low-pressure casting; use chills and good risering, Sr/Na modification and Ti-B grain refinement, and control hydrogen to avoid porosity.
What surface finishes work on ZL105A?
Takes protective sulphuric or hard anodize (dark grey, non-decorative), chromate/trivalent conversion coating, and powder or wet paint; shot-peening improves fatigue on machined surfaces.
ZL105A chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| SiGB/T 1173 ZAlSi5Cu1MgA | 4.5 – 5.5 | 5 |
| Cu | 1 – 1.5 | 1.25 |
| Mgnarrower than ZL105 (0.4–0.6) | 0.4 – 0.55 | 0.48 |
| Feimpurity limit, high-purity grade | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Mnimpurity | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Tiimpurity / grain refiner residue | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Znimpurity | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| others eachimpurity | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| others totalimpurity total | ≤ 0.5 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
ZL105A-T6 — frequently asked
What is ZL105A-T6 used for?
ZL105A-T6 is typically used for aerospace fittings, high-strength pump castings, gearbox and transmission housings, hydraulic valve bodies, airframe brackets and compressor housings. In short: high-purity ZL105 upgrade; best machinability in the family; aerospace-grade cleanliness.
What is the yield strength of ZL105A-T6?
ZL105A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) and a tensile strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) — stronger than 59% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 7 listed tempers.
Is ZL105A-T6 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (70/100, better than 72% of aluminum grades). Machines well with PCD or polished carbide, high speed and low feed; eutectic silicon is abrasive, so use flood coolant and expect tool wear higher than 6061.
Can ZL105A-T6 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (55/100). TIG/MIG repairable with ER4043 or ER4145 filler; the Cu content raises hot-cracking risk and welded areas should be re-solution treated and aged to restore T6 properties.
What surface finishes work on ZL105A-T6?
Takes protective sulphuric or hard anodize (dark grey, non-decorative), chromate/trivalent conversion coating, and powder or wet paint; shot-peening improves fatigue on machined surfaces.
Can ZL105A-T6 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent fluidity and pressure tightness in sand, permanent-mold and low-pressure casting; use chills and good risering, Sr/Na modification and Ti-B grain refinement, and control hydrogen to avoid porosity.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZL105A-T6?
ZL105A-T6 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZL105A-T6 and ZL105A-F?
T6 is the default condition — the default general-purpose condition — best balance of strength, hardness and ductility for structural castings (equivalent to C355.0-T6). F: lowest cost condition for lightly loaded or dimensionally sensitive parts where no heat-treat distortion is acceptable. Yield strength is 225 MPa in T6 versus 90 MPa in F.
Sources
- ASTM B26/B26M and B108/B108M (355.0, C355.0 castings) — ASTM International (2022)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.15 — Casting — ASM International (2008)
- Aluminum Association Registration Record (Pink Sheets) — cast alloy limits — The Aluminum Association (2018)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.