Aluminum A6061-RAM2 vs AlSi9Cu3
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum A6061-RAM2 and AlSi9Cu3 are both aluminum grades. A6061-RAM2 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for AlSi9Cu3, about 100% more; tensile strength follows at 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). A6061-RAM2 is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 2% for AlSi9Cu3, and A6061-RAM2 is harder (105 HB vs 85 HB). A6061-RAM2 conducts heat better (155 W/m·K vs 110 W/m·K). On the shop floor, A6061-RAM2 welds better (good vs poor) and AlSi9Cu3 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than A6061-RAM2 (high, $$$$).
A6061-RAM2Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AlSi9Cu3Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
A6061-RAM2 vs AlSi9Cu3: 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, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.78 V
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
Polishability
Castability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/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 | A6061-RAM2 | AlSi9Cu3 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
A6061-RAM2 vs AlSi9Cu3 — frequently asked
Is A6061-RAM2 stronger than AlSi9Cu3?
Yes. A6061-RAM2 has a typical yield strength of 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for AlSi9Cu3 — about 100% more. Tensile strength is 370 MPa (53.7 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A6061-RAM2 or AlSi9Cu3?
AlSi9Cu3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while A6061-RAM2 is high ($$$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, A6061-RAM2 or AlSi9Cu3?
A6061-RAM2. Its weldability rates good (65/100) against poor (20/100) for AlSi9Cu3.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A6061-RAM2 and AlSi9Cu3 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.