Aluminum 4004 vs 4006
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 4004 and 4006 are both aluminum grades. 4006 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 4004, about 39% more. In exchange, 4004 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 5% for 4006, and 4004 is harder (60 HB vs 42 HB). 4004 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and 4006 conducts heat better (185 W/m·K vs 155 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 4006 welds better (very good vs good) and 4006 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 4004 (premium, $$$).
4004Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
4006Choose it when strength drives the design, or when it will be welded.
4004 vs 4006: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: 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 | 4004 | 4006 |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
| Anodizing Type II | — | Yes |
| Cerakote | — | Yes |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | — | Yes |
| E-Coating | — | Yes |
| Electropolishing | — | Yes |
| Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE | — | Yes |
| Hard Anodizing Type III | — | Yes |
| Nickel Plating | — | Yes |
| PTFE Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Powder Coating | — | Yes |
They share 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
4004 vs 4006 — frequently asked
Is 4006 stronger than 4004?
Yes. 4006 has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 4004 — about 39% more. Tensile strength is 145 MPa (21 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4004 or 4006?
4006 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 4004 is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, 4004 or 4006?
4006. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (30/100) for 4004; for welding the order is 4006 first (very good, 78/100) then 4004 (good, 55/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4004 and 4006 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.