Aluminum ZL111-T5 vs ZL111-T6
Aluminum · ZL111 temper comparison
ZL111-T5 and ZL111-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL111: 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. ZL111-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) for ZL111-T5, about 11% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). In exchange, ZL111-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2.5% for ZL111-T6, and ZL111-T6 is harder (100 HB vs 95 HB).
ZL111-T5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL111-T6Choose it when strength drives the design.
ZL111-T5 vs ZL111-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
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 71 GPa10.3 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) 525°C977 °F · Liquidus Temperature 600°C1,112 °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 430 J/g185 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -70°C-94 °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 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 40 / 100 · Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 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.
ZL111-T5 vs ZL111-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZL111-T6 stronger than ZL111-T5?
Yes. ZL111-T6 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 225 MPa (32.6 ksi) for ZL111-T5 — about 11% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
T6 is the default ZL111 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 ZL111-T5 over ZL111-T6?
Pick ZL111-T5 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZL111-T6 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL111-T5 and ZL111-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.