Aluminum V96-M vs V96-T3
Aluminum · V96 temper comparison
V96-M and V96-T3 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, V96: M (thermomechanically controlled processed) versus T3 (solution heat treated, cold worked and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. V96-T3 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 555 MPa (80.5 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for V96-M, about 4.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 610 MPa (88.5 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi). In exchange, V96-M is the more ductile: elongation 14% versus 7% for V96-T3, and V96-T3 is harder (178 HB vs 75 HB). V96-M conducts heat better (165 W/m·K vs 145 W/m·K). On the shop floor, V96-T3 machines more easily (very good vs fair).
V96-MChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
V96-T3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
V96-M vs V96-T3: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Reduction in Area 12% · Compressive Strength 630 MPa91.4 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 150 MPa21.8 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 200 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.89 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 477°C891 °F · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 865 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.4 µm/m·K13 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 385 J/g166 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.2 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 40 / 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 15 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 210 MJ/kg90,284 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 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.
V96-M vs V96-T3 — frequently asked
Is V96-T3 stronger than V96-M?
Yes. V96-T3 has a typical yield strength of 555 MPa (80.5 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for V96-M — about 4.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 610 MPa (88.5 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, M or T3?
T1 is the default V96 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither M nor T3). 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, V96-M or V96-T3?
V96-T3. Its machinability rates very good (71/100) against fair (45/100) for V96-M.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in V96-M and V96-T3 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.