Aluminum 6061/Al2O3/20p vs B4C/6061
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 6061/Al2O3/20p and B4C/6061 are both aluminum grades. 6061/Al2O3/20p is the stronger of the two: yield strength 317 MPa (46 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for B4C/6061, about 6% more. In exchange, B4C/6061 is the more ductile: elongation 4.5% versus 2.5% for 6061/Al2O3/20p, and B4C/6061 is harder (125 HV vs 118 HV). B4C/6061 is lighter (2.67 g/cm³ vs 2.9 g/cm³ for 6061/Al2O3/20p) and 6061/Al2O3/20p is stiffer (98 GPa vs 92 GPa). On the shop floor, 6061/Al2O3/20p welds better (fair vs poor).
6061/Al2O3/20pChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
B4C/6061Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
6061/Al2O3/20p vs B4C/6061: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.32 · Shear Strength 215 MPa31.2 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 5 J3.7 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 582°C1,080 °F · Liquidus Temperature 652°C1,206 °F
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 32 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.13 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 22 / 100 · Formability (cold) 20 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
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 | B4C/6061 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
6061/Al2O3/20p vs B4C/6061 — frequently asked
Is 6061/Al2O3/20p stronger than B4C/6061?
Yes. 6061/Al2O3/20p has a typical yield strength of 317 MPa (46 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for B4C/6061 — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 359 MPa (52.1 ksi) vs 345 MPa (50 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 6061/Al2O3/20p or B4C/6061?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, 6061/Al2O3/20p or B4C/6061?
6061/Al2O3/20p. Its weldability rates fair (35/100) against poor (25/100) for B4C/6061.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6061/Al2O3/20p and B4C/6061 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.