Aluminum 7020-T6511 vs 7020-T73
Aluminum · 7020 temper comparison
7020-T6511 and 7020-T73 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 7020: T6511 (T6, stress relieved by stretching, minor straightening) versus T73 (solution heat treated and overaged for stress-corrosion resistance). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 7020-T6511 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for 7020-T73, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) vs 350 MPa (50.8 ksi). In exchange, 7020-T73 is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 11% for 7020-T6511, and 7020-T6511 is harder (120 HB vs 108 HB). 7020-T73 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and 7020-T73 conducts heat better (145 W/m·K vs 125 W/m·K).
7020-T6511Choose it when strength drives the design.
7020-T73Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
7020-T6511 vs 7020-T73: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.4 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.78 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 605°C1,121 °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 875 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.1 µm/m·K12.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 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).
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 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) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 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.
7020-T6511 vs 7020-T73 — frequently asked
Is 7020-T6511 stronger than 7020-T73?
Yes. 7020-T6511 has a typical yield strength of 345 MPa (50 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for 7020-T73 — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) vs 350 MPa (50.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T6511 or T73?
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 7020-T6511 over 7020-T73?
Pick 7020-T6511 when strength drives the design. Pick 7020-T73 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 7020-T6511 and 7020-T73 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.