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Aluminum ADC3-T6 vs ADC3-T7

Aluminum · ADC3 temper comparison

ADC3-T6 and ADC3-T7 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ADC3: T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged) versus T7 (solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ADC3-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for ADC3-T7, about 37% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi). In exchange, ADC3-T7 is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 3% for ADC3-T6, and ADC3-T6 is harder (95 HB vs 78 HB). ADC3-T7 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous).

ADC3-T6Choose it when strength drives the design.

ADC3-T7Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

ADC3-T6 vs ADC3-T7: properties

ADC3-T6ADC3-T7

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
260 MPa37.7 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

260 MPa37.7 ksi
190 MPa27.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

3%
6%

Compressive Strength

270 MPa39.2 ksi
195 MPa28.3 ksi

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
165 MPa23.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

110 MPa16 ksi
105 MPa15.2 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

2 J1.5 ft·lbf
4 J3 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

95 HB
78 HB

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 2.64 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

145 W/m·K83.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
148 W/m·K85.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

150°C302 °F
200°C392 °F

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 -100°C-148 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

37 % IACS
38 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

4.66×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.83 µΩ·in
4.54×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.79 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

58 / 100
65 / 100

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

62 / 100
59 / 100

Weldability

35 / 100
42 / 100

Formability (cold)

15 / 100
25 / 100

Same in both: Castability 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 180 MJ/kg77,386 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 11.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 85%

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.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleADC3

ADC3-T6 vs ADC3-T7 — frequently asked

Is ADC3-T6 stronger than ADC3-T7?

Yes. ADC3-T6 has a typical yield strength of 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for ADC3-T7 — about 37% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T6 or T7?

F is the default ADC3 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T6 nor T7). 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 welds better, ADC3-T6 or ADC3-T7?

ADC3-T7. Its weldability rates fair (42/100) against fair (35/100) for ADC3-T6.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ADC3-T6 and ADC3-T7 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.