Aluminum ZL104-F vs ZL104-T5
Aluminum · ZL104 temper comparison
ZL104-F and ZL104-T5 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL104: F (as fabricated) versus T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZL104-T5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for ZL104-F, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 200 MPa (29 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi). In exchange, ZL104-F is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 2.5% for ZL104-T5, and ZL104-T5 is harder (65 HB vs 55 HB).
ZL104-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL104-T5Choose it when strength drives the design.
ZL104-F vs ZL104-T5: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 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) 557°C1,035 °F · Liquidus Temperature 596°C1,105 °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) 21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 400 J/g172 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 175°C347 °F · 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 Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Weldability 70 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Castability 90 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 70%
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.
ZL104-F vs ZL104-T5 — frequently asked
Is ZL104-T5 stronger than ZL104-F?
Yes. ZL104-T5 has a typical yield strength of 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for ZL104-F — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 200 MPa (29 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T5?
T6 is the default ZL104 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F nor T5). 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.
When should I choose ZL104-F over ZL104-T5?
Pick ZL104-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZL104-T5 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL104-F and ZL104-T5 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.