Aluminum AL4-F vs AL4-T7
Aluminum · AL4 temper comparison
AL4-F and AL4-T7 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, AL4: F (as fabricated) versus T7 (solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized)). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AL4-T7 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for AL4-F, about 78% more; tensile strength follows at 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). AL4-T7 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 3% for AL4-F, and AL4-T7 is harder (70 HB vs 55 HB). AL4-T7 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, AL4-T7 machines more easily (good vs fair).
AL4-T7Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AL4-F vs AL4-T7: 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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 72.4 GPa10.5 Msi · Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.68 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 557°C1,035 °F · Liquidus Temperature 613°C1,135 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 158 W/m·K91.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 21.5 µm/m·K11.9 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 80 / 100 · Castability 92 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 1,150 L/kg138 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.
AL4-F vs AL4-T7 — frequently asked
Is AL4-T7 stronger than AL4-F?
Yes. AL4-T7 has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for AL4-F — about 78% more. Tensile strength is 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T7?
T6 is the default AL4 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F 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 is easier to machine, AL4-F or AL4-T7?
AL4-T7. Its machinability rates good (56/100) against fair (45/100) for AL4-F.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AL4-F and AL4-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.