Aluminum ZL101A-T4 vs ZL101A-T61
Aluminum · ZL101A temper comparison
ZL101A-T4 and ZL101A-T61 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL101A: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T61 (T6 variant, underaged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZL101A-T61 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for ZL101A-T4, about 88% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi). In exchange, ZL101A-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 4% for ZL101A-T61, and ZL101A-T61 is harder (92 HB vs 65 HB). ZL101A-T61 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZL101A-T61 machines more easily (65 vs 55 out of 100).
ZL101A-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL101A-T61Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ZL101A-T4 vs ZL101A-T61: 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 GPa10.4 Msi · Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 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.
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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
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.
ZL101A-T4 vs ZL101A-T61 — frequently asked
Is ZL101A-T61 stronger than ZL101A-T4?
Yes. ZL101A-T61 has a typical yield strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for ZL101A-T4 — about 88% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 235 MPa (34.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T61?
T6 is the default ZL101A condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T4 nor T61). 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, ZL101A-T4 or ZL101A-T61?
ZL101A-T61, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 65/100 against 55/100 for ZL101A-T4; for welding the order is ZL101A-T4 first (very good, 80/100) then ZL101A-T61 (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL101A-T4 and ZL101A-T61 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.