6061/SiC/10p vs A356/Al2O3/20p
Composite · grade comparison
6061/SiC/10p and A356/Al2O3/20p are both composite grades. Both yield at about 296 MPa — strength does not separate them. 6061/SiC/10p is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 0.7% for A356/Al2O3/20p. 6061/SiC/10p is lighter (2.75 g/cm³ vs 2.94 g/cm³ for A356/Al2O3/20p) and A356/Al2O3/20p is stiffer (98 GPa vs 81 GPa). On the shop floor, 6061/SiC/10p machines more easily (30 vs 20 out of 100).
6061/SiC/10pChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
A356/Al2O3/20pChoose it when the part sees heat.
6061/SiC/10p vs A356/Al2O3/20p: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all composite 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 composite 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
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100 · UV / Weathering Resistance 95 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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 composite grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 6061/SiC/10p | A356/Al2O3/20p |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
6061/SiC/10p vs A356/Al2O3/20p — frequently asked
What is the difference between 6061/SiC/10p and A356/Al2O3/20p?
6061/SiC/10p and A356/Al2O3/20p are both composite grades. Both yield at about 296 MPa — strength does not separate them. 6061/SiC/10p is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 0.7% for A356/Al2O3/20p.
Which is cheaper, 6061/SiC/10p or A356/Al2O3/20p?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 6061/SiC/10p or A356/Al2O3/20p?
6061/SiC/10p, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 20/100 for A356/Al2O3/20p.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6061/SiC/10p and A356/Al2O3/20p 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.