Aluminum A356/SiC/20p vs AlSiC-9
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum A356/SiC/20p and AlSiC-9 are both aluminum grades. A356/SiC/20p is the stronger of the two: yield strength 303 MPa (43.9 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for AlSiC-9, about 59% more; tensile strength follows at 338 MPa (49 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi). A356/SiC/20p is the more ductile: elongation 0.5% versus 0.4% for AlSiC-9, and AlSiC-9 is harder (215 HB vs 118 HB). A356/SiC/20p is lighter (2.76 g/cm³ vs 3.01 g/cm³ for AlSiC-9) and AlSiC-9 is stiffer (188 GPa vs 98 GPa). On the shop floor, A356/SiC/20p welds better (poor vs not recommended).
A356/SiC/20pChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AlSiC-9Choose it when the part sees heat.
A356/SiC/20p vs AlSiC-9: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Rockwell C
Same in both: Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 2 J1.5 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 557°C1,035 °F · Liquidus Temperature 613°C1,135 °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)
Min Service Temperature
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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Same in both: Castability 70 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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/20p | AlSiC-9 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
A356/SiC/20p vs AlSiC-9 — frequently asked
Is A356/SiC/20p stronger than AlSiC-9?
Yes. A356/SiC/20p has a typical yield strength of 303 MPa (43.9 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for AlSiC-9 — about 59% more. Tensile strength is 338 MPa (49 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A356/SiC/20p or AlSiC-9?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 AlSiC-9?
A356/SiC/20p. Its machinability rates poor (15/100) against not recommended (8/100) for AlSiC-9; for welding the order is A356/SiC/20p first (poor, 25/100) then AlSiC-9 (not recommended, 8/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A356/SiC/20p and AlSiC-9 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.