A359/SiC/20p vs AZ91/SiC/15p
Composite · grade comparison
A359/SiC/20p and AZ91/SiC/15p are both composite grades. A359/SiC/20p is the stronger of the two: yield strength 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AZ91/SiC/15p, about 138% more; tensile strength follows at 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi). In exchange, AZ91/SiC/15p is the more ductile: elongation 1.2% versus 0.5% for A359/SiC/20p. AZ91/SiC/15p is lighter (2.02 g/cm³ vs 2.77 g/cm³ for A359/SiC/20p) and A359/SiC/20p is stiffer (98.6 GPa vs 57 GPa). On the shop floor, AZ91/SiC/15p machines more easily (fair vs not recommended).
A359/SiC/20pChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
AZ91/SiC/15pChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
A359/SiC/20p vs AZ91/SiC/15p: 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
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Same in both: Polishability 45 / 100
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 | A359/SiC/20p | AZ91/SiC/15p |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
A359/SiC/20p vs AZ91/SiC/15p — frequently asked
Is A359/SiC/20p stronger than AZ91/SiC/15p?
Yes. A359/SiC/20p has a typical yield strength of 310 MPa (45 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for AZ91/SiC/15p — about 138% more. Tensile strength is 340 MPa (49.3 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi).
Which is cheaper, A359/SiC/20p or AZ91/SiC/15p?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, A359/SiC/20p or AZ91/SiC/15p?
AZ91/SiC/15p. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against not recommended (12/100) for A359/SiC/20p.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in A359/SiC/20p and AZ91/SiC/15p 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.