Aluminum ZL205A · temper · default condition
Aluminum ZL205A-T5
Properties of the T5 condition, compared with the other ZL205A tempers.
The standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings.
What is ZL205A-T5?
ZL205A-T5 is ZL205A in the T5 temper — the standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings. ZL205A-T5 has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). ZL205A-T5 has a density of 2.82 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).
Advantages
- Easy to machine — 75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades
- High service temperature — 175°C (347 °F), better than 83% of aluminum grades
- High strength — 320 MPa (46.4 ksi), better than 80% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 30/100, worse than 98% of aluminum grades
- Limited formability — 10/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
ZL205A-T5 properties
Typical room-temperature values for ZL205A-T5 — 11 properties are specific to this condition; the rest are grade-level values shared by every ZL205A temper. Each bar shows where the value sits among the aluminum grades in FabDigit's library — further right is higher.
Physical3
ZL205A-T5 has a density of 2.82 g/cm³ (0.102 lb/in³), heavier than 89% of aluminum grades. It melts at 545°C (1,013 °F).
Mechanical14
ZL205A-T5 has a yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 9% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
ZL205A-T5 is rated for continuous service to 175°C (347 °F). It conducts heat at 150 W/m·K (86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 22.5 µm/m·K (12.5 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
ZL205A-T5 conducts electricity at 33 % IACS, worse than 57% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is poor (30/100), worse than 98% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of ZL205A-T5 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 10%.
Manufacturability8
ZL205A-T5's machinability is very good (75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades); weldability fair (45/100); formability not recommended (10/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Other ZL205A tempers and conditions
ZL205A is also supplied in 4 other conditions. The full side-by-side table is on the ZL205A overview.
- T5DefaultThe standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings.320 MPa yield · 105 HB
- T6Peak-strength condition (≥470 MPa, HB≥120) for statically loaded parts where ductility can drop to ~3 %.380 MPa yield · 125 HB
- T7Over-aged/stabilised for dimensional stability and reduced residual stress in parts running warm or requiring tight tolerances.360 MPa yield · 112 HB
- T4Best ductility/toughness combination; used when the casting must be straightened or lightly formed before final ageing.250 MPa yield · 90 HB
Working with ZL205A-T5
Is ZL205A easy to machine?
Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; chips are short and surfaces finish cleanly.
Can ZL205A be welded?
TIG/MIG possible with matching ZL205A or Al-Cu filler but hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld solution + age are recommended.
Can ZL205A be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy with long freezing range: needs strong directional solidification, generous risering, chills and careful gating; poor fluidity for thin sections.
What surface finishes work on ZL205A?
Chromic/hard anodizing or chromate conversion plus primer is normal — bare surfaces corrode readily; painted or clad protection advised for outdoor service.
ZL205A chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Cu | 4.6 – 5.3 | 5 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.5 | 0.4 |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| Cdaccelerates θ' nucleation | 0.15 – 0.25 | 0.2 |
| V | 0.05 – 0.3 | 0.15 |
| Zr | 0.05 – 0.2 | 0.15 |
| B | 0.01 – 0.06 | 0.03 |
| Siimpurity limit | ≤ 0.06 | — |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Mgimpurity limit | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
ZL205A-T5 — frequently asked
What is ZL205A-T5 used for?
ZL205A-T5 is typically used for aerospace castings, missile components and brackets. In short: premium aerospace Cu-Al cast; highest-strength cast Al.
What is the yield strength of ZL205A-T5?
ZL205A-T5 has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) and a tensile strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) — stronger than 80% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is ZL205A-T5 easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (75/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; chips are short and surfaces finish cleanly.
Can ZL205A-T5 be welded?
With care — weldability is rated fair (45/100). TIG/MIG possible with matching ZL205A or Al-Cu filler but hot-crack sensitive — preheat, low restraint and post-weld solution + age are recommended.
What surface finishes work on ZL205A-T5?
Chromic/hard anodizing or chromate conversion plus primer is normal — bare surfaces corrode readily; painted or clad protection advised for outdoor service.
Can ZL205A-T5 be formed, bent or molded?
Casting alloy with long freezing range: needs strong directional solidification, generous risering, chills and careful gating; poor fluidity for thin sections.
What is the maximum service temperature of ZL205A-T5?
ZL205A-T5 is rated for continuous use to about 175°C (347 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between ZL205A-T5 and ZL205A-F?
T5 is the default condition — the standard stocked condition: 440 MPa minimum with 7 % elongation — the best strength/ductility balance for structural castings. F: as-cast, un-heat-treated stock — only for machining allowance blanks or before subsequent solution treatment. Yield strength is 320 MPa in T5 versus 110 MPa in F.
Can FabDigit make parts in ZL205A-T5?
Yes — ZL205A-T5 is available for CNC machining with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.