Aluminum AlSi10Mg vs AlSi12
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AlSi10Mg and AlSi12 are both aluminum grades. AlSi10Mg is the stronger of the two: yield strength 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for AlSi12, about 6% more; tensile strength follows at 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). AlSi10Mg is the more ductile: elongation 7% versus 5% for AlSi12, and AlSi10Mg is harder (119 HB vs 105 HB). AlSi10Mg runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and AlSi12 conducts electricity better (27 % IACS vs 24 % IACS). On the shop floor, AlSi12 welds better (very good vs good).
AlSi10MgChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AlSi12Choose it when it will be welded.
AlSi10Mg vs AlSi12: 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, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: 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.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
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
Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
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 Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 49.9 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 | AlSi10Mg | AlSi12 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | As Printed | As Printed |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for 3D printing. Both take the same 6 finishes: Anodized (Aluminum AM), Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Plated (Metal AM), Silver Plating.
AlSi10Mg vs AlSi12 — frequently asked
Is AlSi10Mg stronger than AlSi12?
Yes. AlSi10Mg has a typical yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) against 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) for AlSi12 — about 6% more. Tensile strength is 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AlSi10Mg or AlSi12?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$, premium); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, AlSi10Mg or AlSi12?
AlSi12. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against good (60/100) for AlSi10Mg.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi10Mg and AlSi12 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.