Aluminum 355 vs LM16
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 355 and LM16 are both aluminum grades. LM16 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355, about 22% more. In exchange, 355 is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for LM16, and LM16 is harder (105 HB vs 85 HB). 355 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 355 welds better (good vs fair) and 355 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than LM16 (standard, $$).
355Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
LM16Choose it when strength drives the design.
355 vs LM16: 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
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Compressive Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 250 MPa36.3 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Density 2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · 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).
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)
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 85 / 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.
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 92 kN·m/kg · Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.2 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 57.9 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 24
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 | LM16 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 LM16 — frequently asked
Is LM16 stronger than 355?
Yes. LM16 has a typical yield strength of 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 355 — about 22% more. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 250 MPa (36.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 355 or LM16?
355 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while LM16 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, 355 or LM16?
LM16. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for 355; for welding the order is 355 first (good, 55/100) then LM16 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 355 and LM16 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.