Aluminum 4643-AW vs 4643-O
Aluminum · 4643 temper comparison
4643-AW and 4643-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 4643: AW (as-welded deposit) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 4643-AW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for 4643-O, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) vs 130 MPa (18.9 ksi). In exchange, 4643-O is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for 4643-AW, and 4643-AW is harder (48 HB vs 35 HB). On the shop floor, 4643-AW machines more easily (fair vs poor).
4643-AWChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
4643-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
4643-AW vs 4643-O: 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
Shear Strength
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
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.69 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · 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
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 22 µm/m·K12.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 400 J/g172 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °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)
Same in both: Castability 80 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 45 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 20%
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.
4643-AW vs 4643-O — frequently asked
Is 4643-AW stronger than 4643-O?
Yes. 4643-AW has a typical yield strength of 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for 4643-O — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) vs 130 MPa (18.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or O?
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, 4643-AW or 4643-O?
4643-AW. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for 4643-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4643-AW and 4643-O 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.