Aluminum 355 vs AlSi10Mg
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 355 and AlSi10Mg are both aluminum grades, both cast al. AlSi10Mg is the stronger of the two: yield strength 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). AlSi10Mg is the more ductile: elongation 7% versus 3% for 355, and AlSi10Mg is harder (119 HB vs 85 HB). 355 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous) and 355 conducts heat better (151 W/m·K vs 120 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 355 machines more easily (good vs fair) and 355 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than AlSi10Mg (premium, $$$).
355Choose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
AlSi10MgChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
355 vs AlSi10Mg: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Compressive Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · 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)
Same in both: 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.2 MN·m/kg
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 | 355 | AlSi10Mg |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Printed |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | — |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | — |
| Anodized (Aluminum AM) | — | Yes |
| 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 | — |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | Yes | — |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
355 vs AlSi10Mg — frequently asked
Is AlSi10Mg stronger than 355?
Yes. AlSi10Mg has a typical yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355 — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 355 or AlSi10Mg?
355 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while AlSi10Mg is premium ($$$). 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, 355 or AlSi10Mg?
355. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (50/100) for AlSi10Mg; for welding the order is AlSi10Mg first (good, 60/100) then 355 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 355 and AlSi10Mg 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.