Aluminum AlSi12 vs EN AC-21000
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AlSi12 and EN AC-21000 are both aluminum grades. AlSi12 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for EN AC-21000, about 19% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 320 MPa (46.4 ksi). In exchange, EN AC-21000 is the more ductile: elongation 7% versus 5% for AlSi12, and AlSi12 is harder (105 HB vs 92 HB). AlSi12 is lighter (2.67 g/cm³ vs 2.8 g/cm³ for EN AC-21000) and EN AC-21000 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, EN AC-21000 machines more easily (very good vs fair) and AlSi12 welds better (very good vs poor).
AlSi12Choose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
EN AC-21000Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
AlSi12 vs EN AC-21000: 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, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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 | AlSi12 | EN AC-21000 |
|---|---|---|
| 3D printing | Yes | — |
| Default condition | As Printed | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$$ Premium |
| 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.
AlSi12 vs EN AC-21000 — frequently asked
Is AlSi12 stronger than EN AC-21000?
Yes. AlSi12 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for EN AC-21000 — about 19% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 320 MPa (46.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AlSi12 or EN AC-21000?
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 is easier to machine, AlSi12 or EN AC-21000?
EN AC-21000. Its machinability rates very good (78/100) against fair (50/100) for AlSi12; for welding the order is AlSi12 first (very good, 80/100) then EN AC-21000 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi12 and EN AC-21000 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.