Aluminum A390-T5 vs A390-T6
Aluminum · A390 temper comparison
A390-T5 and A390-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, A390: 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. A390-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for A390-T5, about 41% more; tensile strength follows at 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi). In exchange, A390-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 1% versus 0.8% for A390-T6, and A390-T6 is harder (145 HB vs 110 HB). A390-T5 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 175°C continuous).
A390-T5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A390-T6Choose it when strength drives the design.
A390-T5 vs A390-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 81 GPa11.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 30.5 GPa4.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 79 GPa11.5 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.73 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 507°C945 °F · Liquidus Temperature 650°C1,202 °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) 18 µm/m·K10 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 460 J/g198 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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.78 V · Corrosion Resistance 42 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 40% · Weldability 20 / 100 · Formability (cold) 3 / 100 · Castability 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 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 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 55%
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.
A390-T5 vs A390-T6 — frequently asked
Is A390-T6 stronger than A390-T5?
Yes. A390-T6 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for A390-T5 — about 41% more. Tensile strength is 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 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.
When should I choose A390-T5 over A390-T6?
Pick A390-T5 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick A390-T6 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A390-T5 and A390-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.