Aluminum ZL112-T5 vs ZL112-T6
Aluminum · ZL112 temper comparison
ZL112-T5 and ZL112-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL112: 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. ZL112-T6 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for ZL112-T5, about 10% more. ZL112-T6 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 1.5% for ZL112-T5. ZL112-T5 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous).
ZL112-T5Choose it when the part sees heat.
ZL112-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL112-T5 vs ZL112-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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 74 GPa10.7 Msi · Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Bulk Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 75 MPa10.9 ksi · Hardness, Brinell 95 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.79 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 516°C961 °F · Liquidus Temperature 604°C1,119 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 113 W/m·K65.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 28 % IACS
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.75 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 35 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 80%
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.
ZL112-T5 vs ZL112-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZL112-T6 stronger than ZL112-T5?
Yes. ZL112-T6 has a typical tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for ZL112-T5 — about 10% more.
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
F is the default ZL112 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T5 nor T6). 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 ZL112-T5 over ZL112-T6?
Pick ZL112-T5 when the part sees heat. Pick ZL112-T6 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL112-T5 and ZL112-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.