Aluminum AC3A vs AC4B
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AC3A and AC4B are both aluminum grades. AC4B is the stronger of the two: yield strength 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for AC3A, about 47% more; tensile strength follows at 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). In exchange, AC3A is the more ductile: elongation 6% versus 2% for AC4B, and AC4B is harder (75 HB vs 50 HB). AC3A is lighter (2.66 g/cm³ vs 2.79 g/cm³ for AC4B) and AC3A conducts heat better (130 W/m·K vs 109 W/m·K). On the shop floor, AC4B machines more easily (good vs fair) and AC3A welds better (very good vs fair).
AC3AChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
AC4BChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
AC3A vs AC4B: 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)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 3 J2.2 ft·lbf
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)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 389 J/g167 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °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
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
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 | AC3A | AC4B |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$ Standard | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
AC3A vs AC4B — frequently asked
Is AC4B stronger than AC3A?
Yes. AC4B has a typical yield strength of 110 MPa (16 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for AC3A — about 47% more. Tensile strength is 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, AC3A or AC4B?
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, AC3A or AC4B?
AC4B. Its machinability rates good (68/100) against fair (40/100) for AC3A; for welding the order is AC3A first (very good, 80/100) then AC4B (fair, 45/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC3A and AC4B 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.