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6061/SiC/10p vs A359/SiC/20p

Composite · grade comparison

6061/SiC/10p and A359/SiC/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 0.5% for A359/SiC/20p. A359/SiC/20p is stiffer (98.6 GPa vs 81 GPa) and A359/SiC/20p runs hotter in service (200°C vs 175°C continuous). On the shop floor, 6061/SiC/10p machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).

6061/SiC/10pChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.

A359/SiC/20pChoose it when the part sees heat.

6061/SiC/10p vs A359/SiC/20p: properties

6061/SiC/10pA359/SiC/20p

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
98.6 GPa14.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

31 GPa4.5 Msi
38 GPa5.5 Msi

Bulk Modulus

79 GPa11.5 Msi
82 GPa11.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.33
0.32

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

338 MPa49 ksi
340 MPa49.3 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

296 MPa42.9 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Elongation at Break

6%
0.5%

Compressive Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
480 MPa69.6 ksi

Compressive Modulus

82 GPa11.9 Msi
99 GPa14.4 Msi

Flexural Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
98 GPa14.2 Msi

Shear Strength

215 MPa31.2 ksi
210 MPa30.5 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in

Same in both: Flexural Strength 480 MPa69.6 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.75 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.77 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

175 W/m·K101 BTU/hr·ft·°F
180 W/m·K104 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
840 J/kg·K0.2 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

20.7 µm/m·K11.5 µin/in·°F
17.5 µm/m·K9.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
200°C392 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

250°C482 °F
300°C572 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

4.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.77 µΩ·in
6×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.36 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

55 / 100
45 / 100

Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 95 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

30 / 100
12 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
45 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

225 MJ/kg96,733 BTU/lb
190 MJ/kg81,685 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

13.5 kg CO₂/kg
13 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

10%
15%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

29.5 MN·m/kg
35.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

541 kJ/m³
487 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

72.3 mm²/s
77.4 mm²/s

Same in both: Specific Strength (UTS / density) 123 kN·m/kg · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 35

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.

1101001,000510Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scaleA359/SiC/20p6061/SiC/10p

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability6061/SiC/10pA359/SiC/20p
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

6061/SiC/10p vs A359/SiC/20p — frequently asked

What is the difference between 6061/SiC/10p and A359/SiC/20p?

6061/SiC/10p and A359/SiC/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 0.5% for A359/SiC/20p.

Which is cheaper, 6061/SiC/10p or A359/SiC/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 A359/SiC/20p?

6061/SiC/10p. Its machinability rates poor (30/100) against not recommended (12/100) for A359/SiC/20p.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6061/SiC/10p and A359/SiC/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.