Aluminum 7204-T6511 vs 7204-T73
Aluminum · 7204 temper comparison
7204-T6511 and 7204-T73 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 7204: 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. 7204-T6511 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) for 7204-T73, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 320 MPa (46.4 ksi). In exchange, 7204-T73 is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 10% for 7204-T6511, and 7204-T6511 is harder (100 HB vs 90 HB). 7204-T73 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
7204-T6511Choose it when strength drives the design.
7204-T73Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
7204-T6511 vs 7204-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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Hardness, Vickers 110 HV
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 645°C1,193 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 155 W/m·K89.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 4.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.77 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.86 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 82 / 100 · Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 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 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.
7204-T6511 vs 7204-T73 — frequently asked
Is 7204-T6511 stronger than 7204-T73?
Yes. 7204-T6511 has a typical yield strength of 305 MPa (44.2 ksi) against 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) for 7204-T73 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 320 MPa (46.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T6511 or T73?
T6 is the default 7204 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T6511 nor T73). 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, 7204-T6511 or 7204-T73?
7204-T6511, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 62/100 against 56/100 for 7204-T73.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 7204-T6511 and 7204-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.