Aluminum 4004 vs 4032
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 4004 and 4032 are both aluminum grades. 4032 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 4004, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi). In exchange, 4004 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 9% for 4032, and 4032 is harder (120 HB vs 60 HB). 4032 is stiffer (79 GPa vs 71 GPa) and 4032 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 4032 machines more easily (good vs poor), 4004 welds better (good vs fair), and 4032 sits in a lower cost tier (standard, $$) than 4004 (premium, $$$).
4004Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
4032Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
4004 vs 4032: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 25%
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 | 4032 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 1.6 µm |
| Anodizing Type II | — | Yes |
| Cerakote | — | Yes |
| Chem Film (Alodine) | — | Yes |
| DLC | — | 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 4032 — frequently asked
Is 4032 stronger than 4004?
Yes. 4032 has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 4004 — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 200 MPa (29 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4004 or 4032?
4032 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the standard 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 4032?
4032. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against poor (30/100) for 4004; for welding the order is 4004 first (good, 55/100) then 4032 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4004 and 4032 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.