Aluminum ZL205A-T5 vs ZL205A-T6
Aluminum · ZL205A temper comparison
ZL205A-T5 and ZL205A-T6 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL205A: 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. ZL205A-T6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for ZL205A-T5, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi). In exchange, ZL205A-T5 is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 5% for ZL205A-T6, and ZL205A-T6 is harder (125 HB vs 105 HB).
ZL205A-T5Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL205A-T6Choose it when strength drives the design.
ZL205A-T5 vs ZL205A-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
Shear Strength
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 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 330 MPa47.9 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 112 HV
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.82 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °F · Liquidus Temperature 650°C1,202 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 150 W/m·K86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 175°C347 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.05 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.73 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 150% · Weldability 45 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Castability 40 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 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.
ZL205A-T5 vs ZL205A-T6 — frequently asked
Is ZL205A-T6 stronger than ZL205A-T5?
Yes. ZL205A-T6 has a typical yield strength of 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) against 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) for ZL205A-T5 — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 490 MPa (71.1 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, T5 or T6?
T5 is the default ZL205A 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.
When should I choose ZL205A-T5 over ZL205A-T6?
Pick ZL205A-T5 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZL205A-T6 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL205A-T5 and ZL205A-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.