Aluminum 7012-T4 vs 7012-T6
Aluminum · 7012 temper comparison
7012-T4 and 7012-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 7012: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 7012-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 510 MPa (74 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 7012-T4, about 70% more; tensile strength follows at 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi). In exchange, 7012-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 9% for 7012-T6, and 7012-T6 is harder (160 HB vs 125 HB). On the shop floor, 7012-T6 machines more easily (very good vs good).
7012-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
7012-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
7012-T4 vs 7012-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
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.9 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 520 MPa75.4 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 155 MPa22.5 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 28 MPa·√m25.5 ksi·√in · Hardness, Vickers 170 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.81 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 480°C896 °F · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 865 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 385 J/g166 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.13 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.84 V
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 22 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 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 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.
7012-T4 vs 7012-T6 — frequently asked
Is 7012-T6 stronger than 7012-T4?
Yes. 7012-T6 has a typical yield strength of 510 MPa (74 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 7012-T4 — about 70% more. Tensile strength is 550 MPa (79.8 ksi) vs 440 MPa (63.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T6?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, 7012-T4 or 7012-T6?
7012-T6. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (62/100) for 7012-T4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 7012-T4 and 7012-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.