Aluminum ZL106-T5 vs ZL106-T6
Aluminum · ZL106 temper comparison
ZL106-T5 and ZL106-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL106: 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. ZL106-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) for ZL106-T5, about 14% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi). In exchange, ZL106-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 2% versus 1.5% for ZL106-T6, and ZL106-T6 is harder (90 HB vs 75 HB). ZL106-T6 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 180°C continuous).
ZL106-T5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL106-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ZL106-T5 vs ZL106-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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
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 2.73 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 550°C1,022 °F · Liquidus Temperature 610°C1,130 °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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.78 V · Corrosion Resistance 42 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 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 1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
ZL106-T5 vs ZL106-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZL106-T6 stronger than ZL106-T5?
Yes. ZL106-T6 has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) for ZL106-T5 — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 255 MPa (37 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
T6 is the default ZL106 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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 ZL106-T5 over ZL106-T6?
Pick ZL106-T5 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZL106-T6 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL106-T5 and ZL106-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.