Aluminum ZL201A-F vs ZL201A-T5
Aluminum · ZL201A temper comparison
ZL201A-F and ZL201A-T5 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL201A: F (as fabricated) versus T5 (cooled from hot working and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZL201A-T5 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZL201A-F, about 3.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). ZL201A-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 3% for ZL201A-F, and ZL201A-T5 is harder (100 HB vs 60 HB). ZL201A-T5 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and ZL201A-F conducts heat better (145 W/m·K vs 130 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ZL201A-T5 machines more easily (very good vs good).
ZL201A-T5Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL201A-F vs ZL201A-T5: 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
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: Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.83 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 547°C1,017 °F · Liquidus Temperature 648°C1,198 °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 880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22.5 µm/m·K12.5 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.69 V
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 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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.
ZL201A-F vs ZL201A-T5 — frequently asked
Is ZL201A-T5 stronger than ZL201A-F?
Yes. ZL201A-T5 has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ZL201A-F — about 3.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T5?
T5 is the default ZL201A 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.
Which is easier to machine, ZL201A-F or ZL201A-T5?
ZL201A-T5. Its machinability rates very good (72/100) against good (60/100) for ZL201A-F; for welding the order is ZL201A-T5 first (fair, 35/100) then ZL201A-F (poor, 30/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL201A-F and ZL201A-T5 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.