Aluminum AlSi10Mg vs EN AC-42100
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AlSi10Mg and EN AC-42100 are both aluminum grades. AlSi10Mg is the stronger of the two: yield strength 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for EN AC-42100, about 15% more; tensile strength follows at 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi). AlSi10Mg is the more ductile: elongation 7% versus 6% for EN AC-42100, and AlSi10Mg is harder (119 HB vs 95 HB). EN AC-42100 conducts heat better (151 W/m·K vs 120 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EN AC-42100 machines more easily (very good vs fair), EN AC-42100 welds better (very good vs good), and EN AC-42100 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than AlSi10Mg (premium, $$$).
AlSi10MgChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
EN AC-42100Choose it when the part is machined in volume, or when it will be welded.
AlSi10Mg vs EN AC-42100: 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
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 90 MPa13.1 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 557°C1,035 °F
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
Same in both: 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.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | AlSi10Mg | EN AC-42100 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Printed | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| 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.
AlSi10Mg vs EN AC-42100 — frequently asked
Is AlSi10Mg stronger than EN AC-42100?
Yes. AlSi10Mg has a typical yield strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) against 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) for EN AC-42100 — about 15% more. Tensile strength is 460 MPa (66.7 ksi) vs 295 MPa (42.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AlSi10Mg or EN AC-42100?
EN AC-42100 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while AlSi10Mg is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, AlSi10Mg or EN AC-42100?
EN AC-42100. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against fair (50/100) for AlSi10Mg; for welding the order is EN AC-42100 first (very good, 75/100) then AlSi10Mg (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi10Mg and EN AC-42100 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.