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Aluminum 6005 vs 6351

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum 6005 and 6351 are both aluminum grades, both multipurpose al. 6351 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) for 6005, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 270 MPa (39.2 ksi). 6351 is the more ductile: elongation 14% versus 11% for 6005, and 6351 is harder (95 HB vs 85 HB). 6005 conducts electricity better (49 % IACS vs 44 % IACS). On the shop floor, 6351 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 6005 (standard, $$).

6351Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

6005 vs 6351: properties

60056351

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

270 MPa39.2 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

245 MPa35.5 ksi
285 MPa41.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

11%
14%

Shear Strength

172 MPa24.9 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

30 MPa·√m27.3 ksi·√in
29 MPa·√m26.4 ksi·√in

Hardness, Brinell

85 HB
95 HB

Hardness, Vickers

90 HV
105 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 90 MPa13.1 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

607°C1,125 °F
555°C1,031 °F

Liquidus Temperature

654°C1,209 °F
650°C1,202 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

188 W/m·K109 BTU/hr·ft·°F
176 W/m·K102 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

897 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
895 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

397 J/g171 BTU/lb
390 J/g168 BTU/lb

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

49 % IACS
44 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

3.52×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.39 µΩ·in
3.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.54 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)

-0.83 V
-0.74 V

Corrosion Resistance

70 / 100
62 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

55 / 100
62 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

50%
190%

Weldability

80 / 100
78 / 100

Formability (cold)

40 / 100
45 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

50 / 100
45 / 100

Polishability

65 / 100
55 / 100

Castability

—
30 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
210 MJ/kg90,284 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

100 kN·m/kg
114 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.6 MN·m/kg
25.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

435 kJ/m³
589 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

77.6 mm²/s
72.6 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

31
34

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.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale60056351

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability60056351
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$ Budget
Min. machined wall0.5 mm0.5 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 0.8 µmRa 0.8 µm

Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.

6005 vs 6351 — frequently asked

Is 6351 stronger than 6005?

Yes. 6351 has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) for 6005 — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 270 MPa (39.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 6005 or 6351?

6351 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 6005 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, 6005 or 6351?

6351, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 55/100 for 6005.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6005 and 6351 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.