Aluminum Al-Ce vs Scalmalloy
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum Al-Ce and Scalmalloy are both aluminum grades. Al-Ce is the stronger of the two: yield strength 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Scalmalloy, about 12% more. In exchange, Scalmalloy is the more ductile: elongation 14% versus 8% for Al-Ce, and Al-Ce is harder (112 HV vs 105 HV). Scalmalloy is lighter (2.67 g/cm³ vs 2.8 g/cm³ for Al-Ce) and Al-Ce is stiffer (74 GPa vs 70 GPa). On the shop floor, Al-Ce welds better (very good vs good) and Al-Ce sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Scalmalloy (specialty, $$$$$).
Al-CeChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ScalmalloyChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
Al-Ce vs Scalmalloy: 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, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Hardness, Brinell 100 HB
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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 5%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 150 kN·m/kg
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 | Scalmalloy |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Printed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Anodized (Aluminum AM) | — | Yes |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
Al-Ce vs Scalmalloy — frequently asked
Is Al-Ce stronger than Scalmalloy?
Yes. Al-Ce has a typical yield strength of 320 MPa (46.4 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Scalmalloy — about 12% more. Tensile strength is 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Al-Ce or Scalmalloy?
Al-Ce is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Scalmalloy is specialty ($$$$$). 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 Scalmalloy?
Al-Ce. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against good (60/100) for Scalmalloy.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Al-Ce and Scalmalloy 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.