Aluminum 6201-T6 vs 6201-T81
Aluminum · 6201 temper comparison
6201-T6 and 6201-T81 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6201: T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged) versus T81 (solution heat treated, cold worked (drawn), artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 295 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (solution heat treated and artificially aged versus solution heat treated, cold worked (drawn), artificially aged). 6201-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 4% for 6201-T81. 6201-T6 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 90°C continuous).
6201-T6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
6201-T6 vs 6201-T81: 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.
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 68.9 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Shear Strength 205 MPa29.7 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 29 MPa·√m26.4 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.69 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · 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
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 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 393 J/g169 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -80°C-112 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 62 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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.
6201-T6 vs 6201-T81 — frequently asked
What is the difference between 6201-T6 and 6201-T81?
6201-T6 and 6201-T81 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6201: T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged) versus T81 (solution heat treated, cold worked (drawn), artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Both yield at about 295 MPa — the mechanical properties are the same, and the difference is in how the stock is processed and what it is certified to (solution heat treated and artificially aged versus solution heat treated, cold worked (drawn), artificially aged).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T6 or T81?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
When should I choose 6201-T6 over 6201-T81?
Pick 6201-T6 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6201-T6 and 6201-T81 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.