Aluminum 356 vs ZL203
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 356 and ZL203 are both aluminum grades. 356 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 186 MPa (27 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL203, about 69% more; tensile strength follows at 262 MPa (38 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi). In exchange, ZL203 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for 356, and 356 is harder (80 HB vs 60 HB). 356 is lighter (2.67 g/cm³ vs 2.8 g/cm³ for ZL203) and 356 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZL203 machines more easily (80 vs 70 out of 100), 356 welds better (very good vs poor), and 356 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than ZL203 (standard, $$).
356Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
ZL203Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
356 vs ZL203: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
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)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
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 | 356 | ZL203 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
356 vs ZL203 — frequently asked
Is 356 stronger than ZL203?
Yes. 356 has a typical yield strength of 186 MPa (27 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL203 — about 69% more. Tensile strength is 262 MPa (38 ksi) vs 215 MPa (31.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 356 or ZL203?
356 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while ZL203 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, 356 or ZL203?
ZL203, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 80/100 against 70/100 for 356; for welding the order is 356 first (very good, 78/100) then ZL203 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 356 and ZL203 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.