FabDigitFabDigit

Aluminum AlSi7Mg0.6 vs CP-Al

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum AlSi7Mg0.6 and CP-Al are both aluminum grades. AlSi7Mg0.6 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for CP-Al, about 5.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 105 MPa (15.2 ksi). In exchange, CP-Al is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 10% for AlSi7Mg0.6, and AlSi7Mg0.6 is harder (105 HB vs 28 HB). CP-Al conducts heat better (200 W/m·K vs 155 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AlSi7Mg0.6 machines more easily (good vs poor) and CP-Al welds better (excellent vs good).

AlSi7Mg0.6Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.

CP-AlChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

AlSi7Mg0.6 vs CP-Al: properties

AlSi7Mg0.6CP-Al

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

72 GPa10.4 Msi
69 GPa10 Msi

Shear Modulus

27 GPa3.9 Msi
26 GPa3.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

71 GPa10.3 Msi
75 GPa10.9 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

355 MPa51.5 ksi
105 MPa15.2 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

285 MPa41.3 ksi
55 MPa8 ksi

Elongation at Break

10%
38%

Compressive Strength

290 MPa42.1 ksi
—

Shear Strength

230 MPa33.4 ksi
65 MPa9.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

125 MPa18.1 ksi
28 MPa4.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

24 MPa·√m21.8 ksi·√in
—

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

5 J3.7 ft·lbf
30 J22.1 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

105 HB
28 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

63 HRB
—

Hardness, Vickers

115 HV
30 HV

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

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

Melting Point (Solidus)

555°C1,031 °F
646°C1,195 °F

Liquidus Temperature

613°C1,135 °F
657°C1,215 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

155 W/m·K89.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
200 W/m·K116 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F
23.6 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

389 J/g167 BTU/lb
397 J/g171 BTU/lb

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-253°C-423 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

39 % IACS
55 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

4.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.73 µΩ·in
3.13×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.23 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

58 / 100
68 / 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.

Machinability

65 / 100
32 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

70%
30%

Weldability

65 / 100
92 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
95 / 100

Castability

92 / 100
35 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

40 / 100
80 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
78 / 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)

13.5 kg CO₂/kg
12.5 kg CO₂/kg

Typical Recycled Content

10%
5%

Same in both: Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

133 kN·m/kg
39 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

27 MN·m/kg
25.5 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

564 kJ/m³
22 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

64.5 mm²/s
82.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

36
13

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 scaleAlSi7Mg0.6CP-Al

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityAlSi7Mg0.6CP-Al
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.

AlSi7Mg0.6 vs CP-Al — frequently asked

Is AlSi7Mg0.6 stronger than CP-Al?

Yes. AlSi7Mg0.6 has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for CP-Al — about 5.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 355 MPa (51.5 ksi) vs 105 MPa (15.2 ksi).

Which is cheaper, AlSi7Mg0.6 or CP-Al?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, AlSi7Mg0.6 or CP-Al?

AlSi7Mg0.6. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against poor (32/100) for CP-Al; for welding the order is CP-Al first (excellent, 92/100) then AlSi7Mg0.6 (good, 65/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlSi7Mg0.6 and CP-Al 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.