Aluminum 355 vs ZL111
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 355 and ZL111 are both aluminum grades. ZL111 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355, about 39% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). In exchange, 355 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2.5% for ZL111, and ZL111 is harder (100 HB vs 85 HB). 355 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous) and 355 conducts electricity better (36 % IACS vs 32 % IACS). On the shop floor, 355 welds better (good vs fair) and 355 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than ZL111 (standard, $$).
355Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
ZL111Choose it when strength drives the design.
355 vs ZL111: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 60% · Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · 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 | ZL111 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 ZL111 — frequently asked
Is ZL111 stronger than 355?
Yes. ZL111 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355 — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 355 or ZL111?
355 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while ZL111 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 ZL111?
355, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for ZL111; for welding the order is 355 first (good, 55/100) then ZL111 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 355 and ZL111 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.