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6061/SiC/10p vs MA956

Composite · grade comparison

6061/SiC/10p and MA956 are both composite grades. MA956 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) for 6061/SiC/10p, about 76% more; tensile strength follows at 655 MPa (95 ksi) vs 338 MPa (49 ksi). MA956 is the more ductile: elongation 18% versus 6% for 6061/SiC/10p. 6061/SiC/10p is lighter (2.75 g/cm³ vs 7.2 g/cm³ for MA956) and MA956 is stiffer (265 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 weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.

MA956Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

6061/SiC/10p vs MA956: properties

6061/SiC/10pMA956

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
265 GPa38.4 Msi

Shear Modulus

31 GPa4.5 Msi
102 GPa14.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

79 GPa11.5 Msi
165 GPa23.9 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.33
0.3

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

338 MPa49 ksi
655 MPa95 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

296 MPa42.9 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Elongation at Break

6%
18%

Compressive Strength

400 MPa58 ksi
530 MPa76.9 ksi

Compressive Modulus

82 GPa11.9 Msi
—

Flexural Strength

480 MPa69.6 ksi
—

Flexural Modulus

81 GPa11.7 Msi
—

Shear Strength

215 MPa31.2 ksi
400 MPa58 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
35 MPa·√m31.9 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.75 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
7.2 g/cm³0.26 lb/in³

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

175 W/m·K101 BTU/hr·ft·°F
11 W/m·K6.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
460 J/kg·K0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

20.7 µm/m·K11.5 µin/in·°F
11.3 µm/m·K6.3 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
1,200°C2,192 °F

Min Service Temperature

-196°C-321 °F
—

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

250°C482 °F
1,400°C2,552 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

4.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.77 µΩ·in
1.3×10⁻⁶ Ω·m51.2 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

55 / 100
72 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

95 / 100
100 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

30 / 100
20 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
60 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

225 MJ/kg96,733 BTU/lb
260 MJ/kg111,780 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

13.5 kg CO₂/kg
18 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
200 L/kg24 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

10%
0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

123 kN·m/kg
91 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

29.5 MN·m/kg
36.8 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

541 kJ/m³
510 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

72.3 mm²/s
3.3 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

35
2

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/10pMA956

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability6061/SiC/10pMA956
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

6061/SiC/10p vs MA956 — frequently asked

Is MA956 stronger than 6061/SiC/10p?

Yes. MA956 has a typical yield strength of 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) against 296 MPa (42.9 ksi) for 6061/SiC/10p — about 76% more. Tensile strength is 655 MPa (95 ksi) vs 338 MPa (49 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 6061/SiC/10p or MA956?

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 MA956?

6061/SiC/10p, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 30/100 against 20/100 for MA956.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 6061/SiC/10p and MA956 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.