Aluminum AC9A-F vs AC9A-T6
Aluminum · AC9A temper comparison
AC9A-F and AC9A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, AC9A: F (as fabricated) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AC9A-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for AC9A-F, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). In exchange, AC9A-F is the more ductile: elongation 0.5% versus 0.4% for AC9A-T6, and AC9A-T6 is harder (135 HB vs 90 HB). AC9A-T6 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 200°C continuous).
AC9A-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AC9A-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
AC9A-F vs AC9A-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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 34 GPa4.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.32
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.66 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 510°C950 °F · Liquidus Temperature 700°C1,292 °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 870 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17 µm/m·K9.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 440 J/g189 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °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 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Castability 65 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 155 MJ/kg66,638 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.
AC9A-F vs AC9A-T6 — frequently asked
Is AC9A-T6 stronger than AC9A-F?
Yes. AC9A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for AC9A-F — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T6?
T6 is the default AC9A 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.
When should I choose AC9A-F over AC9A-T6?
Pick AC9A-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick AC9A-T6 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 AC9A-F and AC9A-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.