Aluminum 324.0 vs 356
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 324.0 and 356 are both aluminum grades. 356 is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 262 MPa (38 ksi) against 248 MPa (36 ksi) for 324.0, about 6% more. 356 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 3% for 324.0, and 324.0 is harder (90 HB vs 80 HB). 324.0 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 356 machines more easily (very good vs good), 356 welds better (very good vs fair), and 356 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 324.0 (standard, $$).
324.0Choose it when the part sees heat.
356Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
324.0 vs 356: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 179 MPa26 ksi · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 90 MPa13.1 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 613°C1,135 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 151 W/m·K87.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
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
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Formability (cold) 10 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 25
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 | 324.0 | 356 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $ Budget |
| 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.
324.0 vs 356 — frequently asked
Is 356 stronger than 324.0?
Yes. 356 has a typical tensile strength of 262 MPa (38 ksi) against 248 MPa (36 ksi) for 324.0 — about 6% more.
Which is cheaper, 324.0 or 356?
356 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 324.0 is standard ($$). 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, 324.0 or 356?
356. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (55/100) for 324.0; for welding the order is 356 first (very good, 78/100) then 324.0 (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 324.0 and 356 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.