Aluminum 851.0-F vs 851.0-T6
Aluminum · 851.0 temper comparison
851.0-F and 851.0-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 851.0: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 851.0-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for 851.0-F, about 45% more; tensile strength follows at 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 125 MPa (18.1 ksi). In exchange, 851.0-F is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 4% for 851.0-T6, and 851.0-T6 is harder (50 HB vs 40 HB). 851.0-T6 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 130°C continuous).
851.0-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
851.0-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
851.0-F vs 851.0-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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.83 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 227°C441 °F · Liquidus Temperature 630°C1,166 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 150 W/m·K86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 920 J/kg·K0.22 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.9 µm/m·K12.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 385 J/g166 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -80°C-112 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.8 V · Corrosion Resistance 45 / 100
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 20 / 100 · Castability 70 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 180 MJ/kg77,386 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
851.0-F vs 851.0-T6 — frequently asked
Is 851.0-T6 stronger than 851.0-F?
Yes. 851.0-T6 has a typical yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) against 62 MPa (8.99 ksi) for 851.0-F — about 45% more. Tensile strength is 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 125 MPa (18.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T5 is the default 851.0 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F 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.
When should I choose 851.0-F over 851.0-T6?
Pick 851.0-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 851.0-T6 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 851.0-F and 851.0-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.