Aluminum ZL301 vs ZL402
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum ZL301 and ZL402 are both aluminum grades. ZL402 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL301, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) vs 160 MPa (23.2 ksi). ZL402 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 3% for ZL301, and ZL402 is harder (72 HB vs 55 HB). ZL301 is lighter (2.57 g/cm³ vs 2.81 g/cm³ for ZL402) and ZL402 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, ZL402 welds better (good vs fair).
ZL301Choose it when weight is the constraint.
ZL402Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL301 vs ZL402: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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) -0.87 V
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 Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13.5 kg CO₂/kg
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 | ZL301 | ZL402 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
ZL301 vs ZL402 — frequently asked
Is ZL402 stronger than ZL301?
Yes. ZL402 has a typical yield strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) against 110 MPa (16 ksi) for ZL301 — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) vs 160 MPa (23.2 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ZL301 or ZL402?
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, ZL301 or ZL402?
ZL301, by a small margin. Both rate very good for machinability — 78/100 against 72/100 for ZL402; for welding the order is ZL402 first (good, 55/100) then ZL301 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL301 and ZL402 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.