Aluminum 7068-O vs 7068-T6
Aluminum · 7068 temper comparison
7068-O and 7068-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 7068: O (annealed) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 7068-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 676 MPa (98 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for 7068-O, about 6.1 times as much; tensile strength follows at 705 MPa (102 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). In exchange, 7068-O is the more ductile: elongation 14% versus 10% for 7068-T6, and 7068-T6 is harder (188 HB vs 60 HB). 7068-T6 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous) and 7068-O conducts heat better (175 W/m·K vs 155 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 7068-T6 machines more easily (very good vs fair).
7068-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
7068-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
7068-O vs 7068-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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 73 GPa10.6 Msi · Shear Modulus 27.5 GPa4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 700 MPa102 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 200 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.85 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 476°C889 °F · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °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 870 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 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.2 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 %) 130% · Weldability 12 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 8 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
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.
7068-O vs 7068-T6 — frequently asked
Is 7068-T6 stronger than 7068-O?
Yes. 7068-T6 has a typical yield strength of 676 MPa (98 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for 7068-O — about 6.1 times as much. Tensile strength is 705 MPa (102 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or T6?
T6511 is the default 7068 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, 7068-O or 7068-T6?
7068-T6. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against fair (45/100) for 7068-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 7068-O and 7068-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.