Aluminum 1100 vs BAlSi-3
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 1100 and BAlSi-3 are both aluminum grades. BAlSi-3 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 1100, about 64% more. In exchange, 1100 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 3% for BAlSi-3, and BAlSi-3 is harder (70 HB vs 32 HB). BAlSi-3 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and 1100 conducts heat better (222 W/m·K vs 130 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 1100 welds better (excellent vs poor) and 1100 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than BAlSi-3 (high, $$$$).
1100Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
BAlSi-3Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
1100 vs BAlSi-3: 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
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
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)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | 1100 | BAlSi-3 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Sheet metal | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodizing Type II | Yes | — |
| Cerakote | Yes | — |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | Yes | — |
| DLC | Yes | — |
| E-Coating | Yes | — |
| Electropolishing | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | Yes | — |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | Yes | — |
| Nickel Plating | Yes | — |
| PTFE Coating | Yes | — |
| Painting | Yes | — |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
1100 vs BAlSi-3 — frequently asked
Is BAlSi-3 stronger than 1100?
Yes. BAlSi-3 has a typical tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 1100 — about 64% more.
Which is cheaper, 1100 or BAlSi-3?
1100 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while BAlSi-3 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 1100 or BAlSi-3?
BAlSi-3, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for 1100; for welding the order is 1100 first (excellent, 95/100) then BAlSi-3 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1100 and BAlSi-3 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.