Aluminum AlSi12 vs EN AC-46500
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AlSi12 and EN AC-46500 are both aluminum grades. AlSi12 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for EN AC-46500, about 56% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi). AlSi12 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 1.5% for EN AC-46500, and AlSi12 is harder (105 HB vs 85 HB). EN AC-46500 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and AlSi12 conducts heat better (120 W/m·K vs 96 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EN AC-46500 machines more easily (good vs fair), AlSi12 welds better (very good vs poor), and EN AC-46500 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-46500Choose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
AlSi12 vs EN AC-46500: 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)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 585°C1,085 °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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
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
Polishability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 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 | AlSi12 | EN AC-46500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
AlSi12 vs EN AC-46500 — frequently asked
Is AlSi12 stronger than EN AC-46500?
Yes. AlSi12 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for EN AC-46500 — about 56% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AlSi12 or EN AC-46500?
EN AC-46500 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 is easier to machine, AlSi12 or EN AC-46500?
EN AC-46500. Its machinability rates good (62/100) against fair (50/100) for AlSi12; for welding the order is AlSi12 first (very good, 80/100) then EN AC-46500 (poor, 22/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi12 and EN AC-46500 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.