Aluminum 4043 vs 4643
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 4043 and 4643 are both aluminum grades, both heat resistant al. 4043 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for 4643, about 71% more; tensile strength follows at 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). In exchange, 4643 is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 12% for 4043, and 4043 is harder (50 HB vs 45 HB). 4043 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 4643 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
4043Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
4643Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part is machined in volume.
4043 vs 4643: 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 105 MPa15.2 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 574°C1,065 °F · Liquidus Temperature 632°C1,170 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22 µm/m·K12.2 µin/in·°F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Same in both: Specific Stiffness (E / density) 25.7 MN·m/kg · Thermal Diffusivity 67.6 mm²/s
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 | 4043 | 4643 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.
4043 vs 4643 — frequently asked
Is 4043 stronger than 4643?
Yes. 4043 has a typical yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 70 MPa (10.2 ksi) for 4643 — about 71% more. Tensile strength is 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4043 or 4643?
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, 4043 or 4643?
4643. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for 4043.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4043 and 4643 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.