Aluminum 7136-T6511 vs 7136-W51
Aluminum · 7136 temper comparison
7136-T6511 and 7136-W51 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 7136: T6511 (T6, stress relieved by stretching, minor straightening) versus W51 (solution heat treated, stress relieved by stretching). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 7136-T6511 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 670 MPa (97.2 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 7136-W51, about 168% more; tensile strength follows at 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, 7136-W51 is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 9% for 7136-T6511, and 7136-T6511 is harder (190 HB vs 92 HB). 7136-T6511 runs hotter in service (100°C vs 65°C continuous). On the shop floor, 7136-T6511 machines more easily (very good vs fair).
7136-T6511Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
7136-W51Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
7136-T6511 vs 7136-W51: 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.85 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 477°C891 °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 860 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
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.8 V
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 12 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 8 / 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 10%
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.
7136-T6511 vs 7136-W51 — frequently asked
Is 7136-T6511 stronger than 7136-W51?
Yes. 7136-T6511 has a typical yield strength of 670 MPa (97.2 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for 7136-W51 — about 168% more. Tensile strength is 700 MPa (102 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T6511 or W51?
T76511 is the default 7136 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T6511 nor W51). 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, 7136-T6511 or 7136-W51?
7136-T6511. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against fair (50/100) for 7136-W51.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 7136-T6511 and 7136-W51 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.
