Aluminum Al-Ce vs AlSi9Cu3
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum Al-Ce and AlSi9Cu3 are both aluminum grades. Al-Ce is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for AlSi9Cu3, about 94% more; tensile strength follows at 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). Al-Ce is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 2% for AlSi9Cu3, and Al-Ce is harder (100 HB vs 85 HB). Al-Ce runs hotter in service (250°C vs 150°C continuous) and Al-Ce conducts electricity better (28 % IACS vs 24 % IACS). On the shop floor, Al-Ce welds better (very good vs poor) and AlSi9Cu3 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than Al-Ce (high, $$$$).
Al-CeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AlSi9Cu3Choose it when cost is the deciding factor.
Al-Ce 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
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, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 73 GPa10.6 Msi · 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
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)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 | Al-Ce | 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.
Al-Ce vs AlSi9Cu3 — frequently asked
Is Al-Ce stronger than AlSi9Cu3?
Yes. Al-Ce has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for AlSi9Cu3 — about 94% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Al-Ce or AlSi9Cu3?
AlSi9Cu3 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while Al-Ce is high ($$$$). 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, Al-Ce or AlSi9Cu3?
Al-Ce. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against poor (20/100) for AlSi9Cu3.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Al-Ce 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.