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Aluminum AlSi12 vs EN AC-44500

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum AlSi12 and EN AC-44500 are both aluminum grades. AlSi12 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for EN AC-44500, about 79% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi). AlSi12 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 2% for EN AC-44500, and AlSi12 is harder (105 HB vs 65 HB). EN AC-44500 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and EN AC-44500 conducts electricity better (30 % IACS vs 27 % IACS). On the shop floor, AlSi12 welds better (very good vs fair) and EN AC-44500 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than AlSi12 (premium, $$$).

AlSi12Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

EN AC-44500Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.

AlSi12 vs EN AC-44500: properties

AlSi12EN AC-44500

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

72 GPa10.4 Msi
73 GPa10.6 Msi

Bulk Modulus

74 GPa10.7 Msi
72 GPa10.4 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

400 MPa58 ksi
260 MPa37.7 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

250 MPa36.3 ksi
140 MPa20.3 ksi

Elongation at Break

5%
2%

Compressive Strength

420 MPa60.9 ksi
—

Shear Strength

240 MPa34.8 ksi
170 MPa24.7 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

100 MPa14.5 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

4 J3 ft·lbf
3 J2.2 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

105 HB
65 HB

Hardness, Vickers

115 HV
70 HV

Same in both: Shear Modulus 27 GPa3.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.65 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 574°C1,065 °F · Liquidus Temperature 585°C1,085 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

120 W/m·K69.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F
130 W/m·K75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

20.4 µm/m·K11.3 µin/in·°F
20.5 µm/m·K11.4 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

120°C248 °F
150°C302 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-60°C-76 °F

Same in both: Latent Heat of Fusion 510 J/g219 BTU/lb

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

27 % IACS
30 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
5.7×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.24 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

55 / 100
60 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Weldability

80 / 100
40 / 100

Formability (cold)

15 / 100
10 / 100

Castability

95 / 100
96 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
45 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

—
55%

Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

215 MJ/kg92,433 BTU/lb
200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

13 kg CO₂/kg
12 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

10%
90%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

150 kN·m/kg
98 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

27 MN·m/kg
27.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

434 kJ/m³
134 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

49.9 mm²/s
50.9 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

33
23

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.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleAlSi12EN AC-44500

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAlSi12EN AC-44500
3D printingYes—
Default conditionAs 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.

AlSi12 vs EN AC-44500 — frequently asked

Is AlSi12 stronger than EN AC-44500?

Yes. AlSi12 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 140 MPa (20.3 ksi) for EN AC-44500 — about 79% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 260 MPa (37.7 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AlSi12 or EN AC-44500?

EN AC-44500 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while AlSi12 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.

Which welds better, AlSi12 or EN AC-44500?

AlSi12. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against fair (40/100) for EN AC-44500.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi12 and EN AC-44500 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.