FabDigitFabDigit

Aluminum 4032 vs 4045

Aluminum · grade comparison

Aluminum 4032 and 4045 are both aluminum grades, both heat resistant al. 4032 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for 4045, about 7.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi). In exchange, 4045 is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 9% for 4032, and 4032 is harder (120 HB vs 30 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 fair) and 4045 welds better (very good vs fair).

4032Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.

4045Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.

4032 vs 4045: properties

40324045

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

79 GPa11.5 Msi
71 GPa10.3 Msi

Shear Modulus

30 GPa4.4 Msi
26.5 GPa3.8 Msi

Bulk Modulus

70 GPa10.2 Msi
72 GPa10.4 Msi

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

380 MPa55.1 ksi
110 MPa16 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

315 MPa45.7 ksi
45 MPa6.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

9%
20%

Shear Strength

260 MPa37.7 ksi
75 MPa10.9 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

110 MPa16 ksi
50 MPa7.3 ksi

Fracture Toughness (K_IC)

20 MPa·√m18.2 ksi·√in
—

Hardness, Brinell

120 HB
30 HB

Hardness, Vickers

128 HV
—

Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

2.69 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³
2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³

Melting Point (Solidus)

532°C990 °F
577°C1,071 °F

Liquidus Temperature

571°C1,060 °F
591°C1,096 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

141 W/m·K81.5 BTU/hr·ft·°F
165 W/m·K95.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

864 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F

Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)

19.4 µm/m·K10.8 µin/in·°F
21 µm/m·K11.7 µin/in·°F

Latent Heat of Fusion

389 J/g167 BTU/lb
490 J/g211 BTU/lb

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

175°C347 °F
150°C302 °F

Same in both: Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 40 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.3×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.69 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

45 / 100
48 / 100

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

55 / 100
38 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

90%
30%

Weldability

40 / 100
70 / 100

Formability (cold)

20 / 100
70 / 100

Brazeability / Solderability

35 / 100
98 / 100

Polishability

45 / 100
40 / 100

Castability

—
88 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb
200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb

Embodied Carbon (primary production)

12.5 kg CO₂/kg
12 kg CO₂/kg

Embodied Water

1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb

Typical Recycled Content

25%
35%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

142 kN·m/kg
41 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

29.4 MN·m/kg
26.6 MN·m/kg

Modulus of Resilience

628 kJ/m³
14 kJ/m³

Thermal Diffusivity

60.8 mm²/s
68.7 mm²/s

Thermal Shock Resistance Index

35
12

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.

20501002005002.22.42.62.83Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale40324045

Manufacturing and finishing

Capability40324045
CNC machiningYes—
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall0.8 mm—
Best machined surfaceRa 1.6 µm—
DLCYes—

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.

4032 vs 4045 — frequently asked

Is 4032 stronger than 4045?

Yes. 4032 has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for 4045 — about 7.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 380 MPa (55.1 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).

Which is cheaper, 4032 or 4045?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

Which is easier to machine, 4032 or 4045?

4032. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (38/100) for 4045; for welding the order is 4045 first (very good, 70/100) then 4032 (fair, 40/100).

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4032 and 4045 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.