Precious Metal 10K vs 18K
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 10K and 18K are both precious metal grades. 18K is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for 10K, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). 18K is harder — 143 HB against 118 HB for 10K — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 10K is lighter (11.55 g/cm³ vs 15.5 g/cm³ for 18K) and 10K is stiffer (96 GPa vs 80 GPa).
10KChoose it when weight is the constraint.
18KChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
10K vs 18K: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all precious metal 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 precious metal 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
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Rockwell B
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) 300°C572 °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) 0.2 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Castability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 35%
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 precious metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 10K | 18K |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
10K vs 18K — frequently asked
Is 18K stronger than 10K?
Yes. 18K has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) for 10K — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 10K or 18K?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, 10K or 18K?
18K. Its weldability rates very good (82/100) against very good (75/100) for 10K.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 10K and 18K 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.