Aluminum 355 vs ZL108
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 355 and ZL108 are both aluminum grades. ZL108 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, 355 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 0.7% for ZL108, and ZL108 is harder (105 HB vs 85 HB). ZL108 is stiffer (79 GPa vs 71 GPa) and ZL108 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 175°C continuous). On the shop floor, 355 machines more easily (good vs fair), 355 welds better (good vs fair), and 355 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than ZL108 (standard, $$).
355Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
ZL108Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
355 vs ZL108: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 195 MPa28.3 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°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
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 5 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Typical Recycled Content
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
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 355 | ZL108 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
355 vs ZL108 — frequently asked
Is ZL108 stronger than 355?
Yes. ZL108 has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355 — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 355 or ZL108?
355 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while ZL108 is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 355 or ZL108?
355. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (38/100) for ZL108; for welding the order is 355 first (good, 55/100) then ZL108 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 355 and ZL108 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.