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Aluminum 380 vs 383

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum 380 and 383 are both aluminum grades, both cast al. 380 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 383, about 7% more. In exchange, 383 is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 3% for 380, and 380 is harder (80 HB vs 75 HB). 383 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous).

380Choose it when strength drives the design.

383Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

380 vs 383: properties

380383

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

325 MPa47.1 ksi
310 MPa45 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

160 MPa23.2 ksi
150 MPa21.8 ksi

Elongation at Break

3%
3.5%

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

140 MPa20.3 ksi
145 MPa21 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

18 MPa·√m16.4 ksi·√in
17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in

Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)

3 J2.2 ft·lbf
4 J2.6 ft·lbf

Hardness, Brinell

80 HB
75 HB

Hardness, Vickers

85 HV
—

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 190 MPa27.6 ksi

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.76 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.74 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

540°C1,004 °F
516°C961 °F

Liquidus Temperature

595°C1,103 °F
582°C1,080 °F

Thermal

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

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

21.8 µm/m·K12.1 µin/in·°F
21.1 µm/m·K11.7 µin/in·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

150°C302 °F
175°C347 °F

Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 96 W/m·K55.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -100°C-148 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

24 % IACS
23 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

7.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.83 µΩ·in
7.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.95 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

40 / 100
42 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.79 V

Manufacturability

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

Machinability

68 / 100
60 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

130%
70%

Weldability

25 / 100
28 / 100

Formability (cold)

—
5 / 100

Same in both: Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

155 MJ/kg66,638 BTU/lb
200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

10.5 kg CO₂/kg
12 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb
1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb

Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 90%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

118 kN·m/kg
113 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

25.7 MN·m/kg
25.9 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

180 kJ/m³
158 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

36.1 mm²/s
36.4 mm²/s

Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 20

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale380383

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability380383
Default condition——
Relative cost$ Budget$ Budget
Min. machined wall0.5 mm0.5 mm
Best machined surfaceRa 0.8 µmRa 0.8 µm

Both are offered for CNC machining. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.

380 vs 383 — frequently asked

Is 380 stronger than 383?

Yes. 380 has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 383 — about 7% more. Tensile strength is 325 MPa (47.1 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 380 or 383?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, 380 or 383?

380, by a small margin. Both rate good for machinability — 68/100 against 60/100 for 383.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 380 and 383 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.