Aluminum 8009/SiC vs A356/SiC/20p
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 8009/SiC and A356/SiC/20p are both aluminum grades. 8009/SiC is the stronger of the two: yield strength 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) against 303 MPa (43.9 ksi) for A356/SiC/20p, about 40% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 338 MPa (49 ksi). 8009/SiC is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 0.5% for A356/SiC/20p, and 8009/SiC is harder (150 HB vs 118 HB). A356/SiC/20p is lighter (2.76 g/cm³ vs 2.95 g/cm³ for 8009/SiC) and 8009/SiC runs hotter in service (315°C vs 200°C continuous). On the shop floor, A356/SiC/20p welds better (poor vs not recommended).
8009/SiCChoose 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 it will be welded.
8009/SiC 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.3
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 28 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 µΩ·in
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 12%
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 | 8009/SiC | A356/SiC/20p |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
8009/SiC vs A356/SiC/20p — frequently asked
Is 8009/SiC stronger than A356/SiC/20p?
Yes. 8009/SiC has a typical yield strength of 425 MPa (61.6 ksi) against 303 MPa (43.9 ksi) for A356/SiC/20p — about 40% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 338 MPa (49 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 8009/SiC or A356/SiC/20p?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, 8009/SiC or A356/SiC/20p?
A356/SiC/20p. Its weldability rates poor (25/100) against not recommended (12/100) for 8009/SiC.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 8009/SiC 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.