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A356/Al2O3/20p vs SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V

Composite · grade comparison

A356/Al2O3/20p and SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V are both composite grades. SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is the stronger of the two: yield strength 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for A356/Al2O3/20p, about 3.8 times as much; tensile strength follows at 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi). SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is the more ductile: elongation 0.85% versus 0.7% for A356/Al2O3/20p. A356/Al2O3/20p is lighter (2.94 g/cm³ vs 3.93 g/cm³ for SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V) and SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is stiffer (205 GPa vs 98 GPa). On the shop floor, A356/Al2O3/20p machines more easily (poor vs not recommended).

A356/Al2O3/20pChoose it when weight is the constraint, or when the part is machined in volume.

SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4VChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.

A356/Al2O3/20p vs SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V: properties

A356/Al2O3/20pSCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

98 GPa14.2 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Shear Modulus

38 GPa5.5 Msi
62 GPa9 Msi

Bulk Modulus

92 GPa13.3 Msi
—

Poisson's Ratio

0.33
0.28

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

330 MPa47.9 ksi
1,750 MPa254 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

290 MPa42.1 ksi
1,100 MPa160 ksi

Elongation at Break

0.7%
0.85%

Compressive Strength

420 MPa60.9 ksi
2,100 MPa305 ksi

Compressive Modulus

99 GPa14.4 Msi
205 GPa29.7 Msi

Flexural Strength

430 MPa62.4 ksi
1,500 MPa218 ksi

Flexural Modulus

97 GPa14.1 Msi
195 GPa28.3 Msi

Shear Strength

200 MPa29 ksi
290 MPa42.1 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

15 MPa·√m13.7 ksi·√in
40 MPa·√m36.4 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.94 g/cm³0.11 lb/in³
3.93 g/cm³0.14 lb/in³

Thermal

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

Thermal Conductivity

130 W/m·K75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F
12 W/m·K6.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
600 J/kg·K0.14 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

17.5 µm/m·K9.7 µin/in·°F
6.6 µm/m·K3.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

200°C392 °F
500°C932 °F

Max Service Temperature (short-term)

300°C572 °F
700°C1,292 °F

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

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

5.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.17 µΩ·in
1.3×10⁻⁶ Ω·m51.2 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

55 / 100
70 / 100

UV / Weathering Resistance

95 / 100
100 / 100

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

20 / 100
5 / 100

Polishability

55 / 100
40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

210 MJ/kg90,284 BTU/lb
1,300 MJ/kg558,900 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

14 kg CO₂/kg
80 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
—

Typical Recycled Content

10%
0%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

112 kN·m/kg
445 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

33.3 MN·m/kg
52.2 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

429 kJ/m³
2,951 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

50.2 mm²/s
5.1 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

25
16

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 scaleA356/Al2O3/20pSCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityA356/Al2O3/20pSCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V
Default condition——
Relative cost$$$$ High$$$$ High
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

A356/Al2O3/20p vs SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V — frequently asked

Is SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V stronger than A356/Al2O3/20p?

Yes. SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V has a typical yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) against 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) for A356/Al2O3/20p — about 3.8 times as much. Tensile strength is 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).

Which is cheaper, A356/Al2O3/20p or SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V?

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 SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V?

A356/Al2O3/20p. Its machinability rates poor (20/100) against not recommended (5/100) for SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A356/Al2O3/20p and SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V 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.