Aluminum 359.0-F vs 359.0-T6
Aluminum · 359.0 temper comparison
359.0-F and 359.0-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 359.0: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 359.0-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for 359.0-F, about 150% more; tensile strength follows at 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 185 MPa (26.8 ksi). 359.0-T6 is harder — 82 HB against 55 HB for 359.0-F — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. On the shop floor, 359.0-T6 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 359.0-F welds better (very good vs good).
359.0-FChoose it when it will be welded.
359.0-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
359.0-F vs 359.0-T6: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 74 GPa10.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Elongation at Break 5%
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 566°C1,051 °F · Liquidus Temperature 596°C1,105 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 20.9 µm/m·K11.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Same in both: Castability 90 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
359.0-F vs 359.0-T6 — frequently asked
Is 359.0-T6 stronger than 359.0-F?
Yes. 359.0-T6 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 100 MPa (14.5 ksi) for 359.0-F — about 150% more. Tensile strength is 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 185 MPa (26.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T61 is the default 359.0 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F nor T6). 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, 359.0-F or 359.0-T6?
359.0-T6. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 359.0-F; for welding the order is 359.0-F first (very good, 70/100) then 359.0-T6 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 359.0-F and 359.0-T6 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.