SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is a titanium matrix composite in which Ti-6Al-4V is reinforced with continuous SCS-6 silicon carbide monofilament, supplied as unidirectional (UD-15 to UD-40), cross-ply, transverse and ring preforms.
Reference datasheet — SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the UD-35 condition
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V grades and fills
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is supplied in 4 conditions, soft to hard. UD-35 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 4 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unidirectional, ~15 vol% SCS-6 | Choose this low-cost transitional TMC when ~15 vol% fibre suffices: better transverse behaviour and damage tolerance, but only 156 GPa modulus and 1200 MPa longitudinal strength. | 950 | 1,200 | 0.9 | |
Unidirectional, ~25 vol% SCS-6 | Use the common mid-fibre-content plate when longitudinal stiffness (185 GPa) and transverse properties must be traded off, giving 1480 MPa tensile strength at 4.07 g/cm³. | 1,050 | 1,480 | 0.85 | |
UD-35Default Unidirectional, ~35 vol% SCS-6, HIP consolidated | Pick as the baseline for aero-engine blings and struts: HIP-consolidated ~35 vol% unidirectional fibre gives the best balance of longitudinal stiffness (205 GPa) and 1750 MPa strength. | 1,100 | 1,750 | 0.85 | |
Unidirectional, ~40 vol% SCS-6 | Pick for the highest longitudinal specific stiffness and strength (225 GPa, 1900 MPa) in bling inner rings; at the ~40 vol% packing limit transverse properties and consolidation risk are worst. | 1,150 | 1,900 | 0.8 |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
RING | Hoop-wound TMC ring / bling insert | Supply form |
TRANS-90 | 90° (transverse to fibers) properties, UD ~35 vol% | Supply option |
XPLY-0/90 | [0/90] cross-ply laminate, ~35 vol% total | Supply option |
What is SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V?
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is a titanium matrix composite in which Ti-6Al-4V is reinforced with continuous SCS-6 silicon carbide monofilament, supplied as unidirectional (UD-15 to UD-40), cross-ply, transverse and ring preforms. It was developed for jet-engine compressor hardware needing extreme specific strength when hot: 1100 MPa yield, 1750 MPa tensile, 205 GPa modulus at 3.93 g/cm³ and service to about 500 °C. Elongation is 0.85% and the SiC filament cannot be turned or milled, so parts must be consolidated near-net; cost and availability keep it inside aerospace programs. Monolithic Ti-6Al-4V is the practical substitute. SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V has a density of 3.93 g/cm³ (0.142 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of composite grades. SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V has a yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) — stronger than 100% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.85% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V used for?
- jet engine rings
- compressor blisks
- high-temperature aerospace shafts
Advantages
- High strength — 1,100 MPa (160 ksi), better than 100% of composite grades
- Tough — resists crack growth — 40 MPa·√m (36.4 ksi·√in), better than 98% of composite grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 100/100, better than 93% of composite grades
- High service temperature — 500°C (932 °F), better than 87% of composite grades
- Stiff — 205 GPa (29.7 Msi), better than 77% of composite grades
Limitations
- High embodied carbon — 80 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 98% of composite grades
- Difficult to machine — 5/100, worse than 97% of composite grades
- Heavy — 3.93 g/cm³ (0.142 lb/in³), worse than 93% of composite grades
- Limited ductility — 0.85%, worse than 81% of composite grades
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V properties
Typical room-temperature values for SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V-UD-35; bars are the position among composite grades.
Physical1
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V has a density of 3.93 g/cm³ (0.142 lb/in³), heavier than 93% of composite grades.
Mechanical12
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V has a yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) — stronger than 100% of composite grades. Elongation at break is 0.85% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is rated for continuous service to 500°C (932 °F). It conducts heat at 12 W/m·K (6.93 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 75% of composite grades. Thermal expansion is 6.6 µm/m·K (3.67 µin/in·°F).
Electrical1
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V has an electrical resistivity of 1.3×10⁻⁶ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), worse than 64% of composite grades. UV resistance is excellent.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V takes about 1,300 MJ of energy and emits 80 kg of CO₂ — more than 98% of composite grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability2
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V's machinability is not recommended (5/100, worse than 97% of composite grades).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the composite family
Yield strength against density for every composite grade FabDigit runs. SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V
Is SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V easy to machine?
No conventional turning or milling: the SiC monofilament is around 2500 HV, so use diamond wheel grinding, wire EDM or abrasive waterjet. Trimmed edges must be controlled to prevent fiber pull-out and delamination.
Can SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V be welded?
Cannot be fusion welded; the weld pool destroys the fibers and forms a brittle reaction layer. Use diffusion bonding, brazing, or hybrid joints in which titanium end fittings are mechanically fastened or co-consolidated by HIP.
Can SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V be formed, bent or molded?
Consolidated to near-net shape from foil-fiber-foil stacks or plasma-sprayed monotape windings by hot isostatic pressing at roughly 900–925 °C, 100–170 MPa for 1–2 h. Essentially no plastic forming after consolidation.
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| SiC fiber (SCS-6 monofilament, 140 µm, C≈35 vol% nominal; wt% varies with fiber volume fraction | 12 – 33 | 26.7 |
| Almatrix per AMS 4911 / ASTM B265 Gr.5; nominal shown as composite wt% | 5.5 – 6.75 | 4.4 |
| Vmatrix Ti-6Al-4V | 3.5 – 4.5 | 2.9 |
| Fematrix max | ≤ 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Omatrix max | ≤ 0.2 | 0.13 |
| Cmatrix max (excludes fiber carbon core/coating) | ≤ 0.08 | |
| Nmatrix max | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Hmatrix max | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Timatrix balance | balance |
What surface finishes work on SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V?
Surfaces can be anodized or coated with thermal barrier and oxidation-resistant systems. Cut edges should be sealed or coated so exposed fiber ends do not admit corrosion or oxidation.
How much does SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V cost?
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is a high-cost composite ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V — frequently asked
What is SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V used for?
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is typically used for jet engine rings, compressor blisks and high-temperature aerospace shafts. In short: highest-strength titanium composite; 500 °C service capability; grinding and EDM only.
What is the yield strength of SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V?
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V has a typical yield strength of 1,100 MPa (160 ksi) and a tensile strength of 1,750 MPa (254 ksi) — stronger than 100% of composite grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated not recommended (5/100, worse than 97% of composite grades). No conventional turning or milling: the SiC monofilament is around 2500 HV, so use diamond wheel grinding, wire EDM or abrasive waterjet. Trimmed edges must be controlled to prevent fiber pull-out and delamination.
Can SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V be welded?
Cannot be fusion welded; the weld pool destroys the fibers and forms a brittle reaction layer. Use diffusion bonding, brazing, or hybrid joints in which titanium end fittings are mechanically fastened or co-consolidated by HIP.
What surface finishes work on SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V?
Surfaces can be anodized or coated with thermal barrier and oxidation-resistant systems. Cut edges should be sealed or coated so exposed fiber ends do not admit corrosion or oxidation.
Can SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V be formed, bent or molded?
Consolidated to near-net shape from foil-fiber-foil stacks or plasma-sprayed monotape windings by hot isostatic pressing at roughly 900–925 °C, 100–170 MPa for 1–2 h. Essentially no plastic forming after consolidation.
What is the maximum service temperature of SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V?
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is rated for continuous use to about 500°C (932 °F), and briefly to 700°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V UD-35 and SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V UD-15?
UD-35 is the default condition — pick as the baseline for aero-engine blings and struts: HIP-consolidated ~35 vol% unidirectional fibre gives the best balance of longitudinal stiffness (205 GPa) and 1750 MPa strength. UD-15: choose this low-cost transitional TMC when ~15 vol% fibre suffices: better transverse behaviour and damage tolerance, but only 156 GPa modulus and 1200 MPa longitudinal strength. Yield strength is 1,100 MPa in UD-35 versus 950 MPa in UD-15.
How much does SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V cost?
SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V is a high-cost composite ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.21: Composites — Titanium Matrix Composites — ASM International (2001)
- MIL-HDBK-17 (CMH-17) Vol.4: Metal Matrix Composites — US DoD (2002)
- SCS-6 Silicon Carbide Monofilament Datasheet — Specialty Materials Inc. (2020)
- AMS 4911 / ASTM B265 Grade 5 (Ti-6Al-4V matrix chemistry) — SAE / ASTM (2020)
- NASA Glenn TMC property reports (SCS-6/Ti-6-4 panel test data) — NASA (1996)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.