Aluminum ZL401-F vs ZL401-T1
Aluminum · ZL401 temper comparison
ZL401-F and ZL401-T1 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ZL401: F (as fabricated) versus T1 (cooled from hot working and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ZL401-T1 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for ZL401-F, about 9% more; tensile strength follows at 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi). In exchange, ZL401-F is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 2% for ZL401-T1, and ZL401-T1 is harder (85 HB vs 80 HB). ZL401-T1 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
ZL401-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ZL401-T1Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ZL401-F vs ZL401-T1: 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.95 g/cm³0.11 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 545°C1,013 °F · Liquidus Temperature 610°C1,130 °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) 24 µm/m·K13.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 380 J/g163 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -50°C-58 °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) -0.9 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 30 / 100 · Castability 75 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 155 MJ/kg66,638 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 9 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 900 L/kg108 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 60%
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.
ZL401-F vs ZL401-T1 — frequently asked
Is ZL401-T1 stronger than ZL401-F?
Yes. ZL401-T1 has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for ZL401-F — about 9% more. Tensile strength is 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or T1?
T1 is the default ZL401 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 ZL401-F over ZL401-T1?
Pick ZL401-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick ZL401-T1 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ZL401-F and ZL401-T1 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.