Aluminum ER4045-AB vs ER4045-H18
Aluminum · ER4045 temper comparison
ER4045-AB and ER4045-H18 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ER4045: AB (as built (as printed)) versus H18 (strain hardened, full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER4045-H18 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for ER4045-AB, about 3.1 times as much; tensile strength follows at 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) vs 130 MPa (18.9 ksi). In exchange, ER4045-AB is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for ER4045-H18, and ER4045-H18 is harder (60 HB vs 48 HB). ER4045-AB runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous).
ER4045-ABChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
ER4045-H18Choose it when strength drives the design.
ER4045-AB vs ER4045-H18: 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
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 577°C1,071 °F · Liquidus Temperature 591°C1,096 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 880 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 21.3 µm/m·K11.8 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 490 J/g211 BTU/lb · 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) -0.8 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 88 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 96 / 100 · Polishability 38 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 25%
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.
ER4045-AB vs ER4045-H18 — frequently asked
Is ER4045-H18 stronger than ER4045-AB?
Yes. ER4045-H18 has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for ER4045-AB — about 3.1 times as much. Tensile strength is 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) vs 130 MPa (18.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AB or H18?
AW is the default ER4045 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither AB nor H18). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, ER4045-AB or ER4045-H18?
ER4045-H18, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 42/100 for ER4045-AB.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER4045-AB and ER4045-H18 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.