Aluminum AC5A-F vs AC5A-T6
Aluminum · AC5A temper comparison
AC5A-F and AC5A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, AC5A: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AC5A-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AC5A-F, about 96% more; tensile strength follows at 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi). AC5A-T6 is harder — 105 HB against 75 HB for AC5A-F — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. AC5A-T6 runs hotter in service (220°C vs 200°C continuous).
AC5A-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
AC5A-F vs AC5A-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)
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Elongation at Break 1% · Compressive Strength 265 MPa38.4 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf · Hardness, Vickers 112 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.81 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 528°C982 °F · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °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) 22.5 µm/m·K12.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.24 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.73 V · Corrosion Resistance 30 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Weldability 25 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 150 MJ/kg64,488 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 10.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
AC5A-F vs AC5A-T6 — frequently asked
Is AC5A-T6 stronger than AC5A-F?
Yes. AC5A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AC5A-F — about 96% more. Tensile strength is 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T6 is the default AC5A condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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.
Which is easier to machine, AC5A-F or AC5A-T6?
AC5A-T6. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (65/100) for AC5A-F.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC5A-F and AC5A-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.