Aluminum AC4A vs AC4CH
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum AC4A and AC4CH are both aluminum grades. AC4CH is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for AC4A, about 8% more. AC4CH is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for AC4A, and AC4A is harder (90 HB vs 85 HB). On the shop floor, AC4CH machines more easily (good vs fair) and AC4CH welds better (very good vs good).
AC4CHChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AC4A vs AC4CH: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 90 MPa13.1 ksi · Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT) 4 J3 ft·lbf
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 2.68 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 557°C1,035 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 963 J/kg·K0.23 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 21.5 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 150°C302 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 39 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.73 µΩ·in
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 Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 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 | AC4A | AC4CH |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
AC4A vs AC4CH — frequently asked
Is AC4CH stronger than AC4A?
Yes. AC4CH has a typical tensile strength of 280 MPa (40.6 ksi) against 260 MPa (37.7 ksi) for AC4A — about 8% more.
Which is cheaper, AC4A or AC4CH?
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, AC4A or AC4CH?
AC4CH. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (50/100) for AC4A; for welding the order is AC4CH first (very good, 75/100) then AC4A (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AC4A and AC4CH 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.