Aluminum 383 vs 384
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 383 and 384 are both aluminum grades, both cast al. 384 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 383, about 10% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi). In exchange, 383 is the more ductile: elongation 3.5% versus 2.5% for 384, and 384 is harder (85 HB vs 75 HB).
383Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
384Choose it when strength drives the design.
383 vs 384: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum 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 aluminum 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Compressive Strength
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 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 17 MPa·√m15.5 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
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 · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 175°C347 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 23 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 7.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.95 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Same in both: Machinability 60 / 100 · Formability (cold) 5 / 100 · Castability 95 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 40 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb
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 aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 383 | 384 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 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.
383 vs 384 — frequently asked
Is 384 stronger than 383?
Yes. 384 has a typical yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 383 — about 10% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 310 MPa (45 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 383 or 384?
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.
When should I choose 383 over 384?
Pick 383 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 384 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 383 and 384 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.