A356/Al2O3/20p vs A359/SiC/20p
Composite · grade comparison
A356/Al2O3/20p and A359/SiC/20p are both composite grades. A359/SiC/20p is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for A356/Al2O3/20p, about 7% more. In exchange, A356/Al2O3/20p is the more ductile: elongation 0.7% versus 0.5% for A359/SiC/20p. A359/SiC/20p is lighter (2.77 g/cm³ vs 2.94 g/cm³ for A356/Al2O3/20p) and A359/SiC/20p conducts heat better (180 W/m·K vs 130 W/m·K).
A356/Al2O3/20pChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
A359/SiC/20pChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
A356/Al2O3/20p vs A359/SiC/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
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Same in both: Shear Modulus 38 GPa5.5 Msi · Compressive Modulus 99 GPa14.4 Msi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 17.5 µm/m·K9.7 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 200°C392 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 300°C572 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: UV / Weathering Resistance 95 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | A356/Al2O3/20p | A359/SiC/20p |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
A356/Al2O3/20p vs A359/SiC/20p — frequently asked
Is A359/SiC/20p stronger than A356/Al2O3/20p?
Yes. A359/SiC/20p has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for A356/Al2O3/20p — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A356/Al2O3/20p or A359/SiC/20p?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, A356/Al2O3/20p or A359/SiC/20p?
A356/Al2O3/20p. Its machinability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (12/100) for A359/SiC/20p.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A356/Al2O3/20p 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.