Copper Alloy AlBC4-AW vs AlBC4-F
Copper Alloy · AlBC4 temper comparison
AlBC4-AW and AlBC4-F are two conditions of the same copper alloy grade, AlBC4: AW (as-welded deposit) versus F (as fabricated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. AlBC4-AW is the stronger of the two: yield strength 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for AlBC4-F, about 5% more. In exchange, AlBC4-F is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 16% for AlBC4-AW, and AlBC4-AW is harder (170 HB vs 159 HB).
AlBC4-AWChoose it when strength drives the design.
AlBC4-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
AlBC4-AW vs AlBC4-F: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all copper alloy 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 copper alloy 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
Compressive Strength
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 117 GPa17 Msi · Shear Modulus 44 GPa6.4 Msi · Bulk Modulus 108 GPa15.7 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.32
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 7.64 g/cm³0.28 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,043°C1,909 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,060°C1,940 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 42 W/m·K24.3 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 419 J/kg·K0.1 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 16.2 µm/m·K9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 210 J/g90.3 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 300°C572 °F · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °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) -0.25 V
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 70 / 100 · Castability 72 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 55 MJ/kg23,646 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 4.2 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 250 L/kg30 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 40%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every copper alloy grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
AlBC4-AW vs AlBC4-F — frequently asked
Is AlBC4-AW stronger than AlBC4-F?
Yes. AlBC4-AW has a typical yield strength of 290 MPa (42.1 ksi) against 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) for AlBC4-F — about 5% more. Tensile strength is 600 MPa (87 ksi) vs 620 MPa (89.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or F?
F is the default AlBC4 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.
When should I choose AlBC4-AW over AlBC4-F?
Pick AlBC4-AW when strength drives the design. Pick AlBC4-F when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in AlBC4-AW and AlBC4-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.