Aluminum AlSi12 vs EN AC-48100
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AlSi12 and EN AC-48100 are both aluminum grades. AlSi12 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for EN AC-48100, about 39% more; tensile strength follows at 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 190 MPa (27.6 ksi). AlSi12 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 0.8% for EN AC-48100. EN AC-48100 is stiffer (81 GPa vs 72 GPa) and EN AC-48100 runs hotter in service (250°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, AlSi12 machines more easily (fair vs poor), AlSi12 welds better (very good vs fair), and EN AC-48100 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-48100Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
AlSi12 vs EN AC-48100: 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, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Hardness, Brinell 105 HB
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.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 27 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.52 µΩ·in
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-48100 |
|---|---|---|
| 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-48100 — frequently asked
Is AlSi12 stronger than EN AC-48100?
Yes. AlSi12 has a typical yield strength of 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for EN AC-48100 — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 400 MPa (58 ksi) vs 190 MPa (27.6 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AlSi12 or EN AC-48100?
EN AC-48100 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-48100?
AlSi12. Its machinability rates fair (50/100) against poor (32/100) for EN AC-48100; for welding the order is AlSi12 first (very good, 80/100) then EN AC-48100 (fair, 35/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi12 and EN AC-48100 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.