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6061/SiC/10p vs Cu-Graphite

Composite · grade comparison

6061/SiC/10p and Cu-Graphite are both composite grades. 6061/SiC/10p is the stronger of the two: yield strength 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for Cu-Graphite, about 3.7 times as much; tensile strength follows at 338 MPa (49 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi). 6061/SiC/10p is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 2% for Cu-Graphite. 6061/SiC/10p is lighter (2.75 g/cm³ vs 6.4 g/cm³ for Cu-Graphite) and 6061/SiC/10p is stiffer (81 GPa vs 75 GPa). On the shop floor, Cu-Graphite machines more easily (very good vs poor).

6061/SiC/10pChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

Cu-GraphiteChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.

6061/SiC/10p vs Cu-Graphite: properties

6061/SiC/10pCu-Graphite

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
75 GPa10.9 Msi

Shear Modulus

31 GPa4.5 Msi
28 GPa4.1 Msi

Bulk Modulus

79 GPa11.5 Msi
68 GPa9.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.33
0.31

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

338 MPa49 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

296 MPa42.9 ksi
80 MPa11.6 ksi

Elongation at Break

6%
2%

Compressive Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
230 MPa33.4 ksi

Compressive Modulus

82 GPa11.9 Msi
—

Flexural Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
130 MPa18.9 ksi

Flexural Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
—

Shear Strength

215 MPa31.2 ksi
85 MPa12.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
—

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.75 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
6.4 g/cm³0.23 lb/in³

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

175 W/m·K101 BTU/hr·ft·°F
170 W/m·K98.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
420 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

20.7 µm/m·K11.5 µin/in·°F
13.5 µm/m·K7.5 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
300°C572 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
-100°C-148 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

250°C482 °F
450°C842 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

4.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.77 µΩ·in
4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.57 µΩ·in

Volume Resistivity

—
4×10⁻⁶ Ω·cm

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

55 / 100
35 / 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
80 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
30 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

225 MJ/kg96,733 BTU/lb
62 MJ/kg26,655 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

13.5 kg CO₂/kg
4.2 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
260 L/kg31.2 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

10%
30%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

123 kN·m/kg
17 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

29.5 MN·m/kg
11.7 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

541 kJ/m³
43 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

72.3 mm²/s
63.2 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

35
18

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 scale6061/SiC/10pCu-Graphite

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability6061/SiC/10pCu-Graphite
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

6061/SiC/10p vs Cu-Graphite — frequently asked

Is 6061/SiC/10p stronger than Cu-Graphite?

Yes. 6061/SiC/10p has a typical yield strength of 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) against 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) for Cu-Graphite — about 3.7 times as much. Tensile strength is 338 MPa (49 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 6061/SiC/10p or Cu-Graphite?

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 Cu-Graphite?

Cu-Graphite. Its machinability rates very good (80/100) against poor (30/100) for 6061/SiC/10p.

Ready to make it?

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