Aluminum ZL205A
GB ZAlCu5MnCdVZr
ZL205A is a high-strength Al-Cu casting alloy (ZAlCu5MnCdVZr) with Mn, Cd, V and Zr additions, supplied F, T4, T5, T6 or T7.
Values for the T5 condition
ZL205A tempers and conditions
ZL205A is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard. T5 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As fabricated | As-cast, un-heat-treated stock — only for machining allowance blanks or before subsequent solution treatment. | 110 | 200 | 6 | 60 HB | 28 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Best ductility/toughness combination; used when the casting must be straightened or lightly formed before final ageing. | 250 | 400 | 13 | 90 HB | 28 % IACS |
T5Default Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | The standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings. | 320 | 460 | 9 | 105 HB | 33 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Over-aged/stabilised for dimensional stability and reduced residual stress in parts running warm or requiring tight tolerances. | 360 | 470 | 3 | 112 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Peak-strength condition (≥470 MPa, HB≥120) for statically loaded parts where ductility can drop to ~3 %. | 380 | 490 | 5 | 125 HB | 36 % IACS |
What is ZL205A?
ZL205A is a high-strength Al-Cu casting alloy (ZAlCu5MnCdVZr) with Mn, Cd, V and Zr additions, supplied F, T4, T5, T6 or T7. It delivers the highest strength of the GB cast aluminum grades — 320 MPa yield, 460 MPa tensile, 9 % elongation and 105 HB — and holds useful properties to about 175 °C, so it is used for machined aerospace and defense castings. The trade-offs are a long freezing range that demands heavy risering and chills, hot-crack sensitivity in welding, and low corrosion resistance (score 30) that requires anodizing or paint. A206.0 is the closest alternative. ZL205A has a density of 2.82 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F). ZL205A has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
What is ZL205A used for?
- Aerospace castings
- Missile components
- Brackets
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades
- High service temperature — 175°C (347 °F), better than 83% of aluminum grades
- High strength — 320 MPa (46.4 ksi), better than 80% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 30/100, worse than 98% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 80% of aluminum grades
ZL205A properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL205A-T5; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
ZL205A has a density of 2.82 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).
Mechanical14
ZL205A has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
ZL205A is rated for continuous service to 175°C (347 °F). It conducts heat at 150 W/m·K (86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.5 µm/m·K (12.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL205A conducts electricity at 33 % IACS, worse than 57% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), worse than 98% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZL205A takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability8
ZL205A's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. ZL205A is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with ZL205A
Is ZL205A easy to machine?
Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; chips are short and surfaces finish cleanly.
Can ZL205A be welded?
TIG/MIG possible with matching ZL205A or Al-Cu filler but hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld solution + age are recommended.
Can ZL205A be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy with long freezing range: needs strong directional solidification, generous risering, chills and careful gating; poor fluidity for thin sections.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to ZL205A. Every ZL205A part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Good75 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
ZL205A 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cu | 4.6 – 5.3 | 5 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Cdaccelerates θ' nucleation | 0.15 – 0.25 | 0.2 |
| V | 0.05 – 0.3 | 0.15 |
| Zr | 0.05 – 0.2 | 0.15 |
| B | 0.01 – 0.06 | 0.03 |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.06 | |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Mgimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on ZL205A?
Chromic/hard anodizing or chromate conversion plus primer is normal — bare surfaces corrode readily; painted or clad protection advised for outdoor service.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum ZL205A in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- GB (China)
- ZAlCu5MnCdVZr
How much does ZL205A cost?
ZL205A is a high-cost aluminum ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
ZL205A — frequently asked
What is ZL205A used for?
ZL205A is typically used for aerospace castings, missile components and brackets. In short: premium aerospace Cu-Al cast; highest-strength cast Al.
What is the yield strength of ZL205A?
ZL205A has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZL205A easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; chips are short and surfaces finish cleanly.
Can ZL205A be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). TIG/MIG possible with matching ZL205A or Al-Cu filler but hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld solution + age are recommended.
What surface finishes work on ZL205A?
Chromic/hard anodizing or chromate conversion plus primer is normal — bare surfaces corrode readily; painted or clad protection advised for outdoor service.
Can ZL205A be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy with long freezing range: needs strong directional solidification, generous risering, chills and careful gating; poor fluidity for thin sections.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZL205A?
ZL205A is rated for continuous use to about 175°C (347 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZL205A-T5 and ZL205A-F?
T5 is the default condition — the standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings. F: as-cast, un-heat-treated stock — only for machining allowance blanks or before subsequent solution treatment. Yield strength is 320 MPa in T5 versus 110 MPa in F.
How much does ZL205A cost?
ZL205A is a high-cost aluminum ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in ZL205A?
Yes — ZL205A is available for CNC machining; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.