Aluminum A356-T6 vs A356-T7
Aluminum · A356 temper comparison
A356-T6 and A356-T7 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, A356: T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged) versus T7 (solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A356-T7 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for A356-T6, about 12% more. In exchange, A356-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for A356-T7. A356-T7 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous).
A356-T6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A356-T7Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
A356-T6 vs A356-T7: 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)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 72.4 GPa10.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 175 MPa25.4 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 4 J3 ft·lbf · Hardness, Brinell 75 HB · Hardness, Vickers 85 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.68 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 557°C1,035 °F · Liquidus Temperature 613°C1,135 °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 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 21.4 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 4.42×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.74 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 68 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Same in both: Machinability 68 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 80% · Weldability 80 / 100 · Formability (cold) 15 / 100 · Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 40 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 50%
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.
A356-T6 vs A356-T7 — frequently asked
Is A356-T7 stronger than A356-T6?
Yes. A356-T7 has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for A356-T6 — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T6 or T7?
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 A356-T6 over A356-T7?
Pick A356-T6 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick A356-T7 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 A356-T6 and A356-T7 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.