Aluminum A356/SiC/20p vs B4C/6061
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum A356/SiC/20p and B4C/6061 are both aluminum grades. Both yield at about 303 MPa — strength does not separate them. B4C/6061 is the more ductile: elongation 4.5% versus 0.5% for A356/SiC/20p. B4C/6061 is lighter (2.67 g/cm³ vs 2.76 g/cm³ for A356/SiC/20p) and A356/SiC/20p is stiffer (98 GPa vs 92 GPa).
A356/SiC/20pChoose it when the part sees heat.
B4C/6061Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
A356/SiC/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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 120 MPa17.4 ksi · Hardness, Vickers 125 HV
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)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 235 MJ/kg101,032 BTU/lb
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 | B4C/6061 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
A356/SiC/20p vs B4C/6061 — frequently asked
What is the difference between A356/SiC/20p and B4C/6061?
Aluminum A356/SiC/20p and B4C/6061 are both aluminum grades. Both yield at about 303 MPa — strength does not separate them. B4C/6061 is the more ductile: elongation 4.5% versus 0.5% for A356/SiC/20p.
Which is cheaper, A356/SiC/20p or B4C/6061?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, A356/SiC/20p or B4C/6061?
B4C/6061, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 22/100 against 15/100 for A356/SiC/20p.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A356/SiC/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.