Aluminum ZL201A-T4 vs ZL201A-T6
Aluminum · ZL201A temper comparison
ZL201A-T4 and ZL201A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL201A: T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged) versus T6 (solution heat treated and artificially aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZL201A-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for ZL201A-T4, about 65% more; tensile strength follows at 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi). In exchange, ZL201A-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 5% for ZL201A-T6, and ZL201A-T6 is harder (115 HB vs 85 HB). ZL201A-T6 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 120°C continuous) and ZL201A-T6 conducts heat better (135 W/m·K vs 120 W/m·K).
ZL201A-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL201A-T6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ZL201A-T4 vs ZL201A-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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 72 GPa10.4 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 295 MPa42.8 ksi · Shear Strength 250 MPa36.3 ksi
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 32 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.13 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.69 V · Corrosion Resistance 30 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 300% · Weldability 35 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · 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-T4 vs ZL201A-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZL201A-T6 stronger than ZL201A-T4?
Yes. ZL201A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for ZL201A-T4 — about 65% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T4 or T6?
T5 is the default ZL201A condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither T4 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.
Which is easier to machine, ZL201A-T4 or ZL201A-T6?
ZL201A-T6. Its machinability rates very good (74/100) against good (66/100) for ZL201A-T4.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL201A-T4 and ZL201A-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.