Aluminum 4006 vs 4032
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 4006 and 4032 are both aluminum grades, both heat resistant al. 4032 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 4006, about 152% more; tensile strength follows at 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi). 4032 is the more ductile: elongation 9% versus 5% for 4006, and 4032 is harder (120 HB vs 42 HB). 4032 is stiffer (79 GPa vs 69 GPa) and 4032 runs hotter in service (175°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, 4032 machines more easily (good vs fair), 4006 welds better (very good vs fair), and 4006 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 4032 (standard, $$).
4006Choose it when it will be welded, or when cost is the deciding factor.
4032Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
4006 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
Bulk 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: 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
Same in both: Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
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 | 4006 | 4032 |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.8 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 1.6 µm |
| DLC | — | Yes |
Both are offered for Sheet metal. They share 15 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating, PTFE Coating and 3 more.
4006 vs 4032 — frequently asked
Is 4032 stronger than 4006?
Yes. 4032 has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 4006 — about 152% more. Tensile strength is 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4006 or 4032?
4006 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 4032 is standard ($$). 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, 4006 or 4032?
4032. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (38/100) for 4006; for welding the order is 4006 first (very good, 78/100) then 4032 (fair, 40/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4006 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.