Aluminum ER4643-AW vs ER4643-F
Aluminum · ER4643 temper comparison
ER4643-AW and ER4643-F are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ER4643: AW (as-welded deposit) versus F (as fabricated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER4643-AW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ER4643-F, about 21% more; tensile strength follows at 186 MPa (27 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). In exchange, ER4643-F is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 8% for ER4643-AW.
ER4643-AWChoose it when strength drives the design.
ER4643-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ER4643-AW vs ER4643-F: 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)
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Hardness, Brinell 45 HB
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 640°C1,184 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 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 390 J/g168 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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 62 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 92 / 100 · 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 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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.
ER4643-AW vs ER4643-F — frequently asked
Is ER4643-AW stronger than ER4643-F?
Yes. ER4643-AW has a typical yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 95 MPa (13.8 ksi) for ER4643-F — about 21% more. Tensile strength is 186 MPa (27 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or F?
AW is the default ER4643 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, ER4643-AW or ER4643-F?
ER4643-AW, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for ER4643-F.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER4643-AW and ER4643-F 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.