Aluminum A356/SiC/20p vs Al2O3f/AC8A
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum A356/SiC/20p and Al2O3f/AC8A are both aluminum grades. A356/SiC/20p is the stronger of the two: yield strength 303 MPa (43.9 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for Al2O3f/AC8A, about 32% more; tensile strength follows at 338 MPa (49 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi). In exchange, Al2O3f/AC8A is the more ductile: elongation 0.6% versus 0.5% for A356/SiC/20p, and Al2O3f/AC8A is harder (125 HB vs 118 HB). Al2O3f/AC8A runs hotter in service (350°C vs 200°C continuous) and A356/SiC/20p conducts heat better (180 W/m·K vs 100 W/m·K). On the shop floor, A356/SiC/20p welds better (poor vs not recommended).
A356/SiC/20pChoose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
Al2O3f/AC8AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
A356/SiC/20p vs Al2O3f/AC8A: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Hardness, Rockwell B
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17.5 µm/m·K9.7 µin/in·°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 | A356/SiC/20p | Al2O3f/AC8A |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
A356/SiC/20p vs Al2O3f/AC8A — frequently asked
Is A356/SiC/20p stronger than Al2O3f/AC8A?
Yes. A356/SiC/20p has a typical yield strength of 303 MPa (43.9 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for Al2O3f/AC8A — about 32% more. Tensile strength is 338 MPa (49 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A356/SiC/20p or Al2O3f/AC8A?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, A356/SiC/20p or Al2O3f/AC8A?
Al2O3f/AC8A, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 20/100 against 15/100 for A356/SiC/20p; for welding the order is A356/SiC/20p first (poor, 25/100) then Al2O3f/AC8A (not recommended, 10/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A356/SiC/20p and Al2O3f/AC8A 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.