Aluminum ER4009-T5 vs ER4009-T6
Aluminum · ER4009 temper comparison
ER4009-T5 and ER4009-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ER4009: T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER4009-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for ER4009-T5, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi). ER4009-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2.5% for ER4009-T5, and ER4009-T6 is harder (88 HB vs 72 HB).
ER4009-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ER4009-T5 vs ER4009-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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 546°C1,015 °F · Liquidus Temperature 621°C1,150 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.4 µm/m·K12.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 400 J/g172 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 39 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.78 V · Corrosion Resistance 45 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 130% · Weldability 85 / 100 · Castability 88 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 158 MJ/kg67,928 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 11.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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.
ER4009-T5 vs ER4009-T6 — frequently asked
Is ER4009-T6 stronger than ER4009-T5?
Yes. ER4009-T6 has a typical yield strength of 215 MPa (31.2 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for ER4009-T5 — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
AW is the default ER4009 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T5 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, ER4009-T5 or ER4009-T6?
ER4009-T6, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 62/100 for ER4009-T5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER4009-T5 and ER4009-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.