Aluminum 6016-O vs 6016-T4
Aluminum · 6016 temper comparison
6016-O and 6016-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6016: O (annealed) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 6016-T4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 6016-O, about 109% more; tensile strength follows at 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) vs 120 MPa (17.4 ksi). 6016-T4 is harder — 60 HB against 33 HB for 6016-O — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 6016-O runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous) and 6016-O conducts heat better (200 W/m·K vs 175 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 6016-T4 machines more easily (good vs fair).
6016-OChoose it when the part sees heat.
6016-T4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
6016-O vs 6016-T4: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.4 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 90 MPa13.1 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 65 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 585°C1,085 °F · Liquidus Temperature 650°C1,202 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 895 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.57 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.75 V · Corrosion Resistance 70 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 90% · Weldability 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 210 MJ/kg90,284 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 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.
6016-O vs 6016-T4 — frequently asked
Is 6016-T4 stronger than 6016-O?
Yes. 6016-T4 has a typical yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 6016-O — about 109% more. Tensile strength is 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) vs 120 MPa (17.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or T4?
T4 is the default 6016 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 6016-O or 6016-T4?
6016-T4. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (40/100) for 6016-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6016-O and 6016-T4 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.