Aluminum ZL301-F vs ZL301-T4
Aluminum · ZL301 temper comparison
ZL301-F and ZL301-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL301: F (as fabricated) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZL301-T4 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL301-F, about 41% more; tensile strength follows at 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 160 MPa (23.2 ksi). ZL301-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 11% versus 3% for ZL301-F, and ZL301-T4 is harder (65 HB vs 55 HB). ZL301-F conducts heat better (100 W/m·K vs 87 W/m·K).
ZL301-T4Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL301-F vs ZL301-T4: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 68 GPa9.9 Msi · Shear Modulus 25.5 GPa3.7 Msi · Bulk Modulus 66 GPa9.6 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 165 MPa23.9 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.57 g/cm³0.09 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 450°C842 °F · Liquidus Temperature 600°C1,112 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 25.2 µm/m·K14 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 380 J/g163 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 100°C212 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 8.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m3.23 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.87 V
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 45 / 100 · Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 195 MJ/kg83,835 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
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.
ZL301-F vs ZL301-T4 — frequently asked
Is ZL301-T4 stronger than ZL301-F?
Yes. ZL301-T4 has a typical yield strength of 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL301-F — about 41% more. Tensile strength is 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 160 MPa (23.2 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T4?
F is the default ZL301 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 ZL301-F over ZL301-T4?
Pick ZL301-T4 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL301-F and ZL301-T4 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.