Aluminum 355 vs C355.0
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 355 and C355.0 are both aluminum grades. C355.0 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 207 MPa (30 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi). C355.0 is the more ductile: elongation 4% versus 3% for 355. 355 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 355 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than C355.0 (standard, $$).
355Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
C355.0Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
355 vs C355.0: 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.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Compressive Strength
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Hardness, Brinell 85 HB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 546°C1,015 °F · Liquidus Temperature 621°C1,150 °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) 22.4 µm/m·K12.4 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.78 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 62 / 100 · Weldability 55 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.2 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 57.9 mm²/s
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 | C355.0 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| 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.
355 vs C355.0 — frequently asked
Is C355.0 stronger than 355?
Yes. C355.0 has a typical yield strength of 207 MPa (30 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 355 or C355.0?
355 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while C355.0 is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose 355 over C355.0?
Pick 355 when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor. Pick C355.0 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 355 and C355.0 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.