JIS ADC12 (Al-Si-Cu, about A383 / EN AC-46100) high-pressure die-casting alloy, as cast; physical properties from Daiki Aluminium Industry (ADC12 ingot producer) measured values; modulus from S.S.Aluminum (ADC12 ingot producer) standard values.
BASF Ultramid B3S (PA6, unreinforced injection-moulding grade), Product Information 02/2026, dry values (ISO methods)
Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.
Questions
Is Aluminum ADC12 stronger than Plastic Nylon PA6?
Aluminum ADC12 is stronger: its yield strength is 149 MPa against 90 MPa for Plastic Nylon PA6 (1.66x).
Which is lighter, Aluminum ADC12 or Plastic Nylon PA6?
Plastic Nylon PA6 is lighter: 1,130 kg/m³ against 2,680 kg/m³ for Aluminum ADC12.
Which is stiffer, Aluminum ADC12 or Plastic Nylon PA6?
Aluminum ADC12 is stiffer: Young's modulus 79.8 GPa against 3.5 GPa for Plastic Nylon PA6, so the same part in Aluminum ADC12 deflects less under the same load.
Which is lighter for the same job, Aluminum ADC12 or Plastic Nylon PA6?
For the same stiffness or strength: Aluminum ADC12 is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension), stiff beam (bending), stiff panel or plate; Plastic Nylon PA6 is lighter for a strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate.
Part that must be
Aluminum ADC12
Plastic Nylon PA6
Stiff rod or tie (tension)
lighter
9.61x heavier
Stiff beam (bending)
lighter
2.01x heavier
Stiff panel or plate
lighter
20% heavier
Strong rod or tie
43% heavier
lighter
Strong beam
1.69x heavier
lighter
Strong panel or plate
1.84x heavier
lighter
For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).
Which conducts heat better, Aluminum ADC12 or Plastic Nylon PA6?
Aluminum ADC12 conducts heat better: 125 W/m·K against 0.33 W/m·K for Plastic Nylon PA6.
Which expands less with temperature?
Aluminum ADC12 expands less: 21 µm/m·K against 102 µm/m·K for Plastic Nylon PA6.