Aluminum EN AC-51500-O vs EN AC-51500-T6
Aluminum · EN AC-51500 temper comparison
EN AC-51500-O and EN AC-51500-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, EN AC-51500: O (annealed) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. EN AC-51500-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for EN AC-51500-O, about 69% more; tensile strength follows at 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi). In exchange, EN AC-51500-O is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 9% for EN AC-51500-T6, and EN AC-51500-T6 is harder (100 HB vs 65 HB). EN AC-51500-T6 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous) and EN AC-51500-O conducts heat better (108 W/m·K vs 97 W/m·K).
EN AC-51500-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EN AC-51500-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
EN AC-51500-O vs EN AC-51500-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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.65 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 575°C1,067 °F · Liquidus Temperature 620°C1,148 °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 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 24 µm/m·K13.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 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) -0.87 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 72 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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.
EN AC-51500-O vs EN AC-51500-T6 — frequently asked
Is EN AC-51500-T6 stronger than EN AC-51500-O?
Yes. EN AC-51500-T6 has a typical yield strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for EN AC-51500-O — about 69% more. Tensile strength is 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, O or T6?
F is the default EN AC-51500 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither O nor T6). 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, EN AC-51500-O or EN AC-51500-T6?
EN AC-51500-T6. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for EN AC-51500-O; for welding the order is EN AC-51500-O first (good, 62/100) then EN AC-51500-T6 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in EN AC-51500-O and EN AC-51500-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.