Aluminum 355-T61 vs 355-T7
Aluminum · 355 temper comparison
355-T61 and 355-T7 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 355: T61 (T6 variant, underaged) versus T7 (solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 250 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (T6 variant, underaged versus solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)). 355-T61 is the more ductile: elongation 1.2% versus 1% for 355-T7, and 355-T61 is harder (96 HB vs 85 HB). 355-T7 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 175°C continuous) and 355-T7 conducts electricity better (42 % IACS vs 37 % IACS).
355-T61Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
355-T7Choose it when the part sees heat.
355-T61 vs 355-T7: 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)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Yield Strength (0.2% offset) 250 MPa36.3 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 546°C1,015 °F · Liquidus Temperature 621°C1,150 °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 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.4 µm/m·K12.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 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) -0.78 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 3 / 100 · Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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.
355-T61 vs 355-T7 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 355-T61 and 355-T7?
355-T61 and 355-T7 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 355: T61 (T6 variant, underaged) versus T7 (solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 250 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (T6 variant, underaged versus solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T61 or T7?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which welds better, 355-T61 or 355-T7?
355-T7. Its weldability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for 355-T61.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 355-T61 and 355-T7 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.