Aluminum 356 vs A242.0
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 356 and A242.0 are both aluminum grades. 356 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 186 MPa (27 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for A242.0, about 28% more; tensile strength follows at 262 MPa (38 ksi) vs 214 MPa (31 ksi). 356 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 2% for A242.0, and 356 is harder (80 HB vs 75 HB). 356 is lighter (2.67 g/cm³ vs 2.81 g/cm³ for A242.0) and A242.0 runs hotter in service (260°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 356 welds better (very good vs poor) and 356 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than A242.0 (premium, $$$).
356Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A242.0Choose it when the part sees heat.
356 vs A242.0: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
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 | 356 | A242.0 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | Yes | — |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$$ Premium |
| 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.
356 vs A242.0 — frequently asked
Is 356 stronger than A242.0?
Yes. 356 has a typical yield strength of 186 MPa (27 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for A242.0 — about 28% more. Tensile strength is 262 MPa (38 ksi) vs 214 MPa (31 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 356 or A242.0?
356 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while A242.0 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, 356 or A242.0?
356. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (62/100) for A242.0; for welding the order is 356 first (very good, 78/100) then A242.0 (poor, 22/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 356 and A242.0 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.