Aluminum 6205-O vs 6205-T6
Aluminum · 6205 temper comparison
6205-O and 6205-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6205: O (annealed) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 6205-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 6205-O, about 5.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 115 MPa (16.7 ksi). In exchange, 6205-O is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 12% for 6205-T6, and 6205-T6 is harder (100 HB vs 30 HB). 6205-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous) and 6205-O conducts heat better (195 W/m·K vs 168 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 6205-T6 machines more easily (good vs poor).
6205-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
6205-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
6205-O vs 6205-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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 607°C1,125 °F · Liquidus Temperature 652°C1,206 °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 896 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 397 J/g171 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 3.92×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.54 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.76 V · Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 35% · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 55 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
6205-O vs 6205-T6 — frequently asked
Is 6205-T6 stronger than 6205-O?
Yes. 6205-T6 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 6205-O — about 5.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 115 MPa (16.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or T6?
T5 is the default 6205 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither O 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, 6205-O or 6205-T6?
6205-T6. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (30/100) for 6205-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6205-O and 6205-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.