Precious Metal 14K vs 18K White Gold
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 14K and 18K White Gold are both precious metal grades. 18K White Gold is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for 14K, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). 14K is lighter (13.07 g/cm³ vs 15.8 g/cm³ for 18K White Gold) and 18K White Gold is stiffer (95 GPa vs 80 GPa). On the shop floor, 14K forms better (95 vs 85 out of 100).
14KChoose it when weight is the constraint.
18K White GoldChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
14K vs 18K White Gold: 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)
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elongation at Break 35% · Reduction in Area 45%
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
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14.5 µm/m·K8.1 µin/in·°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 precious metal grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 14K | 18K White Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
14K vs 18K White Gold — frequently asked
Is 18K White Gold stronger than 14K?
Yes. 18K White Gold has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 220 MPa (31.9 ksi) for 14K — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 520 MPa (75.4 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 14K or 18K White Gold?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which welds better, 14K or 18K White Gold?
14K. Its weldability rates very good (80/100) against very good (75/100) for 18K White Gold.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 14K and 18K White Gold 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.