Aluminum A357-T5 vs A357-T6
Aluminum · A357 temper comparison
A357-T5 and A357-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, A357: T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A357-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 276 MPa (40 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for A357-T5, about 84% more; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi). A357-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 3% for A357-T5, and A357-T6 is harder (100 HB vs 65 HB). A357-T5 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous).
A357-T5Choose it when the part sees heat.
A357-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A357-T5 vs A357-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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 555°C1,031 °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) 21.5 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
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 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 75 / 100 · Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 190 MJ/kg81,685 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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.
A357-T5 vs A357-T6 — frequently asked
Is A357-T6 stronger than A357-T5?
Yes. A357-T6 has a typical yield strength of 276 MPa (40 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for A357-T5 — about 84% more. Tensile strength is 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 205 MPa (29.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, A357-T5 or A357-T6?
A357-T6, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 60/100 for A357-T5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A357-T5 and A357-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.