Aluminum ZL116 vs ZL301
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum ZL116 and ZL301 are both aluminum grades. ZL116 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL301, about 132% more; tensile strength follows at 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) vs 160 MPa (23.2 ksi). ZL116 is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for ZL301, and ZL116 is harder (90 HB vs 55 HB). ZL301 is lighter (2.57 g/cm³ vs 2.65 g/cm³ for ZL116) and ZL116 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZL301 machines more easily (very good vs good) and ZL116 welds better (very good vs fair).
ZL116Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL301Choose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.
ZL116 vs ZL301: 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
Shear 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
Same in both: 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.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°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)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 62 / 100
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 Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 195 MJ/kg83,835 BTU/lb
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 | ZL301 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | F |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| 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 ZL301 — frequently asked
Is ZL116 stronger than ZL301?
Yes. ZL116 has a typical yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL301 — about 132% more. Tensile strength is 335 MPa (48.6 ksi) vs 160 MPa (23.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZL116 or ZL301?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, ZL116 or ZL301?
ZL301. Its machinability rates very good (78/100) against good (55/100) for ZL116; for welding the order is ZL116 first (very good, 70/100) then ZL301 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL116 and ZL301 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.