Aluminum Alca 5 vs K100-S
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum Alca 5 and K100-S are both aluminum grades, both cast tooling plate al. K100-S is the stronger of the two: yield strength 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for Alca 5, about 33% more; tensile strength follows at 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 152 MPa (22 ksi). K100-S is the more ductile: elongation 3% versus 2% for Alca 5, and K100-S is harder (70 HB vs 65 HB). Alca 5 conducts electricity better (38 % IACS vs 32 % IACS). On the shop floor, K100-S welds better (good vs fair).
K100-SChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Alca 5 vs K100-S: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 140 W/m·K80.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · 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.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 88 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 190% · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 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 | Alca 5 | K100-S |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.
Alca 5 vs K100-S — frequently asked
Is K100-S stronger than Alca 5?
Yes. K100-S has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 83 MPa (12 ksi) for Alca 5 — about 33% more. Tensile strength is 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 152 MPa (22 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Alca 5 or K100-S?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, Alca 5 or K100-S?
K100-S. Its weldability rates good (60/100) against fair (45/100) for Alca 5.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Alca 5 and K100-S 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.