Aluminum AlSi7Mg vs EN AC-51500
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AlSi7Mg and EN AC-51500 are both aluminum grades. AlSi7Mg is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) for EN AC-51500, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 285 MPa (41.3 ksi). In exchange, EN AC-51500 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for AlSi7Mg, and AlSi7Mg is harder (105 HB vs 85 HB). AlSi7Mg runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous) and AlSi7Mg conducts heat better (130 W/m·K vs 100 W/m·K). On the shop floor, EN AC-51500 machines more easily (very good vs good), AlSi7Mg welds better (very good vs good), and EN AC-51500 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than AlSi7Mg (premium, $$$).
AlSi7MgChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
EN AC-51500Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
AlSi7Mg vs EN AC-51500: 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
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, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 100 MPa14.5 ksi
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 28 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.44 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
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 | AlSi7Mg | EN AC-51500 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
AlSi7Mg vs EN AC-51500 — frequently asked
Is AlSi7Mg stronger than EN AC-51500?
Yes. AlSi7Mg has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) for EN AC-51500 — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) vs 285 MPa (41.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AlSi7Mg or EN AC-51500?
EN AC-51500 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard tier ($$) while AlSi7Mg is premium ($$$). 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, AlSi7Mg or EN AC-51500?
EN AC-51500. Its machinability rates very good (70/100) against good (58/100) for AlSi7Mg; for welding the order is AlSi7Mg first (very good, 70/100) then EN AC-51500 (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi7Mg and EN AC-51500 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.