Aluminum A360-AB vs A360-T6
Aluminum · A360 temper comparison
A360-AB and A360-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, A360: AB (as built (as printed)) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. A360-AB is the stronger of the two: yield strength 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for A360-T6, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi). In exchange, A360-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 5% for A360-AB, and A360-AB is harder (114 HB vs 100 HB). A360-T6 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and A360-T6 conducts heat better (155 W/m·K vs 120 W/m·K).
A360-ABChoose it when strength drives the design.
A360-T6Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A360-AB vs A360-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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.63 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 557°C1,035 °F · Liquidus Temperature 596°C1,105 °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 µm/m·K11.7 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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 92 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
A360-AB vs A360-T6 — frequently asked
Is A360-AB stronger than A360-T6?
Yes. A360-AB has a typical yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) for A360-T6 — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AB 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, A360-AB or A360-T6?
A360-T6. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (50/100) for A360-AB; for welding the order is A360-AB first (fair, 50/100) then A360-T6 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A360-AB and A360-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.