Aluminum A356/SiC/10p vs B4C/6061
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum A356/SiC/10p and B4C/6061 are both aluminum grades. B4C/6061 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for A356/SiC/10p, about 5% more; tensile strength follows at 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). B4C/6061 is the more ductile: elongation 4.5% versus 1% for A356/SiC/10p, and B4C/6061 is harder (115 HB vs 90 HB). B4C/6061 is stiffer (92 GPa vs 81.4 GPa) and A356/SiC/10p runs hotter in service (200°C vs 175°C continuous). On the shop floor, A356/SiC/10p welds better (fair vs poor).
A356/SiC/10pChoose it when the part sees heat, or when it will be welded.
B4C/6061Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A356/SiC/10p 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Compressive Strength
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 120 MPa17.4 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 17 MPa·√m15.5 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
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)
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100
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 | A356/SiC/10p | B4C/6061 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
A356/SiC/10p vs B4C/6061 — frequently asked
Is B4C/6061 stronger than A356/SiC/10p?
Yes. B4C/6061 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for A356/SiC/10p — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 345 MPa (50 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A356/SiC/10p or B4C/6061?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, A356/SiC/10p or B4C/6061?
A356/SiC/10p. 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 A356/SiC/10p 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.