Aluminum ER1188 vs ER4009
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum ER1188 and ER4009 are both aluminum grades. ER4009 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for ER1188, about 6.3 times as much; tensile strength follows at 200 MPa (29 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi). In exchange, ER1188 is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 3% for ER4009, and ER4009 is harder (60 HB vs 18 HB). ER1188 conducts heat better (234 W/m·K vs 145 W/m·K). On the shop floor, ER4009 machines more easily (good vs poor) and ER1188 welds better (96 vs 85 out of 100).
ER1188Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when it will be welded.
ER4009Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
ER1188 vs ER4009: 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)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
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
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: 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)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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 | ER1188 | ER4009 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 4 finishes: Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Silver Plating.
ER1188 vs ER4009 — frequently asked
Is ER4009 stronger than ER1188?
Yes. ER4009 has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) against 20 MPa (2.9 ksi) for ER1188 — about 6.3 times as much. Tensile strength is 200 MPa (29 ksi) vs 50 MPa (7.25 ksi).
Which is cheaper, ER1188 or ER4009?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, ER1188 or ER4009?
ER4009. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against poor (25/100) for ER1188; for welding the order is ER1188 first (excellent, 96/100) then ER4009 (excellent, 85/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER1188 and ER4009 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.