Aluminum ZL101-T2 vs ZL101-T4
Aluminum · ZL101 temper comparison
ZL101-T2 and ZL101-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL101: T2 (cooled from hot working, cold worked and naturally aged) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZL101-T4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for ZL101-T2, about 44% more; tensile strength follows at 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi). ZL101-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 4% for ZL101-T2, and ZL101-T4 is harder (55 HB vs 47 HB). ZL101-T2 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 100°C continuous) and ZL101-T2 conducts heat better (170 W/m·K vs 145 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZL101-T4 machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100).
ZL101-T2Choose it when the part sees heat.
ZL101-T4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL101-T2 vs ZL101-T4: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 7 J5.2 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.68 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 555°C1,031 °F · Liquidus Temperature 615°C1,139 °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 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
Weldability
Same in both: Castability 92 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 195 MJ/kg83,835 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 50%
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.
ZL101-T2 vs ZL101-T4 — frequently asked
Is ZL101-T4 stronger than ZL101-T2?
Yes. ZL101-T4 has a typical yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for ZL101-T2 — about 44% more. Tensile strength is 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T2 or T4?
T6 is the default ZL101 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T2 nor T4). 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, ZL101-T2 or ZL101-T4?
ZL101-T4, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for ZL101-T2.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL101-T2 and ZL101-T4 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.