Aluminum 6951-O vs 6951-T6
Aluminum · 6951 temper comparison
6951-O and 6951-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 6951: O (annealed) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 6951-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 41 MPa (5.95 ksi) for 6951-O, about 5.6 times as much; tensile strength follows at 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi). In exchange, 6951-O is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 13% for 6951-T6, and 6951-T6 is harder (82 HB vs 28 HB). 6951-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous) and 6951-O conducts heat better (200 W/m·K vs 180 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 6951-T6 machines more easily (good vs fair).
6951-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
6951-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
6951-O vs 6951-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)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 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) 616°C1,141 °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 900 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 393 J/g169 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.8 V · Corrosion Resistance 58 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 72 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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 1,100 L/kg132 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.
6951-O vs 6951-T6 — frequently asked
Is 6951-T6 stronger than 6951-O?
Yes. 6951-T6 has a typical yield strength of 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) against 41 MPa (5.95 ksi) for 6951-O — about 5.6 times as much. Tensile strength is 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or T6?
O is the default 6951 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, 6951-O or 6951-T6?
6951-T6. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for 6951-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6951-O and 6951-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.