Aluminum AlMgSc vs Scalmalloy
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AlMgSc and Scalmalloy are both aluminum grades. AlMgSc is the stronger of the two: yield strength 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Scalmalloy, about 61% more; tensile strength follows at 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, Scalmalloy is the more ductile: elongation 14% versus 12% for AlMgSc, and AlMgSc is harder (140 HB vs 100 HB). AlMgSc runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, AlMgSc welds better (excellent vs good) and AlMgSc sits in a lower cost tier (high, $$$$) than Scalmalloy (specialty, $$$$$).
AlMgScChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
ScalmalloyChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AlMgSc 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.
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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 110 W/m·K63.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.5 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.87 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability 55 / 100
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 Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 26.2 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 45.8 mm²/s
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 | AlMgSc | Scalmalloy |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | As Printed |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Anodized (Aluminum AM) | — | Yes |
| Plated (Metal AM) | — | Yes |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
AlMgSc vs Scalmalloy — frequently asked
Is AlMgSc stronger than Scalmalloy?
Yes. AlMgSc has a typical yield strength of 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) against 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) for Scalmalloy — about 61% more. Tensile strength is 500 MPa (72.5 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AlMgSc or Scalmalloy?
AlMgSc is the lower-cost material: it sits in the high tier ($$$$) while Scalmalloy is specialty ($$$$$). 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, AlMgSc or Scalmalloy?
AlMgSc. Its weldability rates excellent (85/100) against good (60/100) for Scalmalloy.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlMgSc 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.