What is Yield Strength of Aluminum - Aluminum Alloy Yield Strength Chart

Performance and properties are important references when selecting materials for an application, such as yield strength and tensile strength. The mechanical properties of aluminium alloys differ based on their temper, in this article, we’ll introduce the yield strength definition and compare it with tensile strength, please check the aluminum alloy yield strength chart to get the numerical values of the yield strength of aluminum.

What is Yield Strength of Aluminum?

The yield strength is defined as the stress at which a predetermined amount of permanent deformation occurs. When subjected to stress, a material undergoes deformation, yield strength describes the maximum amount of stress required to elastically deform the material in a given loading arrangement like tension and compression. This means the stress beyond yield strength, the deformation is recoverable and any deformation that occurs due to the stress higher than the yield strength is permanent. Yield strength is measured in N/m²or pascals. Strain hardening, strain rate, the temperature of the metal and hydrostatic pressure will affect the value of yield strength.

In other words, for example, with little force, the aluminum deforms elastically firstly, when you release the stress, it can return to the original shape; then with more force, it deforms plastically, this is yield strength, when you release the stress, its shape is permanently changed; last, with a much higher force, it breaks, this is ultimate tensile strength. In CNC aluminum machining, we should have a basic understanding which condition the aluminum material can withstand to ensure the process go smoothly.

Yield Strength vs Tensile Strength, What’s the Difference?

Tensile strength, also referred to as ultimate tensile strength, which is defined as the maximum tensile load a material can withstand prior to fracture. Tensile strength and yield strength are both critical mechanical properties when reviewing an aluminum alloy and can be determined using a tensile test, what’s the main difference between yield strength and tensile strength?

– Yield strength is measured at the point of plastic deformation, while tensile strength is measured at the point of fracture.

– Yield strength is usually used for ductile materials, while tensile strength used for brittle materials.

– The yield strength is usually reached earlier than tensile strength. That is, for the same material, yield strength is lower than tensile strength.

– Tensile strength of a material can be determined accurately, while yield strength needs to be estimated for most materials.

Aluminum Alloy Yield Strength Chart - Yield & Tensile Strength of Different Aluminum Grades

Here is a chart that contains the yield strength and tensile strength of aluminum in varying tempers. This chart involves common wrought aluminum alloys, which is normally identified by a four-digit system, such as 1XXX, 2XXX, 3XXX, etc., which refers to aluminum alloyed with different alloying elements (copper, zinc, magnesium, silicon, manganese, and lithium). Please note that the tensile strength and yield strength are both affected by the temperature changes, so the numerical value is not fixed.

Aluminum Temper Designations and Meanings:

-F: as fabricated

-O: annealed

-H: strain hardened

-T: thermally treated

What is Yield Strength of Aluminum – Aluminum Alloy Yield Strength Chart | CNCLATHING