Aluminum 2020-T4 vs 2020-T6511
Aluminum · 2020 temper comparison
2020-T4 and 2020-T6511 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 2020: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T6511 (T6, stress relieved by stretching, minor straightening). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 2020-T6511 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 2020-T4, about 123% more; tensile strength follows at 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) vs 370 MPa (53.7 ksi). In exchange, 2020-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 5% for 2020-T6511, and 2020-T6511 is harder (148 HB vs 100 HB). 2020-T6511 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous).
2020-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
2020-T6511Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
2020-T4 vs 2020-T6511: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 76 GPa11 Msi · Shear Modulus 28.5 GPa4.1 Msi · Bulk Modulus 74 GPa10.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.8 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 510°C950 °F · Liquidus Temperature 645°C1,193 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 865 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.5 µm/m·K12.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · 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) -0.7 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 15 / 100 · Castability 20 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 0%
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.
2020-T4 vs 2020-T6511 — frequently asked
Is 2020-T6511 stronger than 2020-T4?
Yes. 2020-T6511 has a typical yield strength of 525 MPa (76.1 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 2020-T4 — about 123% more. Tensile strength is 575 MPa (83.4 ksi) vs 370 MPa (53.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T6511?
T651 is the default 2020 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T4 nor T6511). 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.
Which is easier to machine, 2020-T4 or 2020-T6511?
2020-T6511, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for 2020-T4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 2020-T4 and 2020-T6511 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.