Aluminum 4006-H18 vs 4006-T4
Aluminum · 4006 temper comparison
4006-H18 and 4006-T4 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 4006: H18 (strain hardened, full hard) versus T4 (solution heat treated and naturally aged). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4006-H18 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 4006-T4, about 3.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) vs 120 MPa (17.4 ksi). In exchange, 4006-T4 is the more ductile: elongation 28% versus 2% for 4006-H18, and 4006-H18 is harder (53 HB vs 33 HB). 4006-T4 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous) and 4006-T4 conducts heat better (200 W/m·K vs 180 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 4006-H18 machines more easily (fair vs poor) and 4006-T4 welds better (excellent vs very good).
4006-H18Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
4006-T4Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
4006-H18 vs 4006-T4: 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.
Bulk Modulus
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 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 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
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · 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)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Castability 60 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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.
4006-H18 vs 4006-T4 — frequently asked
Is 4006-H18 stronger than 4006-T4?
Yes. 4006-H18 has a typical yield strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 4006-T4 — about 3.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) vs 120 MPa (17.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H18 or T4?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, 4006-H18 or 4006-T4?
4006-H18. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (32/100) for 4006-T4; for welding the order is 4006-T4 first (excellent, 85/100) then 4006-H18 (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4006-H18 and 4006-T4 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.