Aluminum 6005A vs 6201
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 6005A and 6201 are both aluminum grades. 6201 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 6005A, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi). In exchange, 6005A is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 4% for 6201, and 6201 is harder (100 HB vs 95 HB). 6005A runs hotter in service (150°C vs 90°C continuous). On the shop floor, 6005A welds better (excellent vs good) and 6005A sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 6201 (standard, $$).
6005AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
6201Choose it when strength drives the design.
6005A vs 6201: 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
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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 29 MPa·√m26.4 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 607°C1,125 °F · Liquidus Temperature 654°C1,209 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 393 J/g169 BTU/lb
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 1,200 L/kg144 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 | 6005A | 6201 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 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.
6005A vs 6201 — frequently asked
Is 6201 stronger than 6005A?
Yes. 6201 has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for 6005A — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 6005A or 6201?
6005A is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 6201 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 welds better, 6005A or 6201?
6005A. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against good (62/100) for 6201.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6005A and 6201 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.