Aluminum ZL116 vs ZL205A
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum ZL116 and ZL205A are both aluminum grades. ZL205A is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for ZL116, about 25% more; tensile strength follows at 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi). ZL205A is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 4% for ZL116, and ZL205A is harder (105 HB vs 90 HB). ZL116 is lighter (2.65 g/cm³ vs 2.82 g/cm³ for ZL205A) and ZL205A runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZL205A machines more easily (very good vs good), ZL116 welds better (very good vs fair), and ZL116 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than ZL205A (high, $$$$).
ZL116Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when it will be welded.
ZL205AChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL116 vs ZL205A: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Bulk Modulus
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: Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 150 W/m·K86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°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).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 10 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
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.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | ZL116 | ZL205A |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | T5 |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Anodizing Type II | — | Yes |
| Cerakote | — | Yes |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | — | Yes |
| DLC | — | Yes |
| E-Coating | — | Yes |
| Electropolishing | — | Yes |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | — | Yes |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | — | Yes |
| Nickel Plating | — | Yes |
| PTFE Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | — | Yes |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
ZL116 vs ZL205A — frequently asked
Is ZL205A stronger than ZL116?
Yes. ZL205A has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 255 MPa (37 ksi) for ZL116 — about 25% more. Tensile strength is 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZL116 or ZL205A?
ZL116 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while ZL205A is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, ZL116 or ZL205A?
ZL205A. Its machinability rates very good (75/100) against good (55/100) for ZL116; for welding the order is ZL116 first (very good, 70/100) then ZL205A (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL116 and ZL205A 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.