Aluminum 6061/Al2O3/20p vs A356/SiC/20p
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 6061/Al2O3/20p and A356/SiC/20p are both aluminum grades. 6061/Al2O3/20p is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) against 338 MPa (49 ksi) for A356/SiC/20p, about 6% more. 6061/Al2O3/20p is the more ductile: elongation 2.5% versus 0.5% for A356/SiC/20p, and A356/SiC/20p is harder (118 HB vs 110 HB). A356/SiC/20p is lighter (2.76 g/cm³ vs 2.9 g/cm³ for 6061/Al2O3/20p) and A356/SiC/20p runs hotter in service (200°C vs 180°C continuous). On the shop floor, 6061/Al2O3/20p welds better (fair vs poor).
6061/Al2O3/20pChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A356/SiC/20pChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part sees heat.
6061/Al2O3/20p vs A356/SiC/20p: 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 98 GPa14.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 38 GPa5.5 Msi
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)
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 | 6061/Al2O3/20p | A356/SiC/20p |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
6061/Al2O3/20p vs A356/SiC/20p — frequently asked
Is 6061/Al2O3/20p stronger than A356/SiC/20p?
Yes. 6061/Al2O3/20p has a typical tensile strength of 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) against 338 MPa (49 ksi) for A356/SiC/20p — about 6% more.
Which is cheaper, 6061/Al2O3/20p or A356/SiC/20p?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 6061/Al2O3/20p or A356/SiC/20p?
6061/Al2O3/20p, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 22/100 against 15/100 for A356/SiC/20p; for welding the order is 6061/Al2O3/20p first (fair, 35/100) then A356/SiC/20p (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6061/Al2O3/20p and A356/SiC/20p 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.