AlSi10Mg, the printable aluminium
AlSi10Mg is a casting alloy adapted for laser powder bed fusion. The silicon content gives it a wide solidification range, which is exactly what you want when a laser melts and re-melts thin layers without cracking. Printed and stress-relieved it reaches 300-400 MPa with 6-10% elongation.
Two things make it commercially interesting: it is the least expensive metal powder we run, and its thermal conductivity of 130-170 W/mK means a printed cold plate or heat sink can carry real heat load with geometry that would be impossible to machine - internal channels, pin arrays, variable-density lattice.
AlSi10Mg at a glance
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.68 g/cm3 |
| Tensile strength | 300-400 MPa after stress relief |
| Elongation | 6-10% |
| Thermal conductivity | 130-170 W/mK |
| Hardness | ~120 HB |
| Corrosion | Good in air and fresh water; anodising recommended for outdoor use |
| Finishing | Sand blast, machining, anodising (through partner), painting |
| Lead time | 5-8 working days |
Where aluminium wins
- ✓Cold plates, heat sinks and liquid-cooling blocks
- ✓RF and microwave housings
- ✓Drone and robotics brackets
- ✓Lightweight jigs and end-effectors
- ✓Prototype housings before die casting
- ✓Lattice panels for weight reduction
Aluminium is softer than steel and shows handling marks sooner, so for visible decorative parts we usually recommend 316L or PVD-coated steel instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is printed aluminium as strong as machined 6061?
Lower. AlSi10Mg prints at 300-400 MPa against roughly 310 MPa for 6061-T6, but with much lower elongation (6-10% vs 12%) and it cannot be precipitation hardened the same way. For a bracket that is fine; for a highly stressed aerospace part, design for titanium or a machined billet.
Can you anodise the parts?
Yes, through our finishing partner, in natural, black or colour. Anodising is recommended for any aluminium part that lives outdoors or gets handled daily.
What is the largest aluminium part you can print?
Up to 250 x 250 x 300 mm in one build. Larger housings are printed in sections with mating features and joined by welding or structural adhesive.
Get your quote within 48 hours
Upload a 3D file (STL, STEP, OBJ, 3MF) or just a photo / drawing. An engineer checks printability, flags anything that will not print, and replies with a clear price breakdown within 48 hours. From one prototype to 1,000+ pieces.
Prefer email? dimension3dHAN@gmail.com