Aluminum 4004-H12 vs 4004-H18
Aluminum · 4004 temper comparison
4004-H12 and 4004-H18 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 4004: H12 (strain hardened, quarter hard) versus H18 (strain hardened, full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4004-H18 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) for 4004-H12, about 65% more; tensile strength follows at 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, 4004-H12 is the more ductile: elongation 7% versus 3% for 4004-H18, and 4004-H18 is harder (95 HB vs 70 HB). 4004-H12 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous).
4004-H12Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
4004-H18Choose it when strength drives the design.
4004-H12 vs 4004-H18: 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)
Hardness, Brinell
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.66 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 559°C1,038 °F · Liquidus Temperature 596°C1,105 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 150 W/m·K86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 20.5 µm/m·K11.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 460 J/g198 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 37 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.66×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.83 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.82 V · Corrosion Resistance 55 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 97 / 100 · Polishability 35 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
4004-H12 vs 4004-H18 — frequently asked
Is 4004-H18 stronger than 4004-H12?
Yes. 4004-H18 has a typical yield strength of 255 MPa (37 ksi) against 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) for 4004-H12 — about 65% more. Tensile strength is 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H12 or H18?
O is the default 4004 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H12 nor H18). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which welds better, 4004-H12 or 4004-H18?
4004-H12. Its weldability rates fair (50/100) against fair (45/100) for 4004-H18.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4004-H12 and 4004-H18 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.