Precious Metal 18K vs 18K Rose Gold
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 18K and 18K Rose Gold are both precious metal grades. 18K is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for 18K Rose Gold, about 14% more. 18K is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 32% for 18K Rose Gold. 18K Rose Gold is stiffer (88 GPa vs 80 GPa) and 18K conducts heat better (150 W/m·K vs 130 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 18K welds better (very good vs good).
18KChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
18K vs 18K Rose 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)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Hardness, Brinell 143 HB · Hardness, Rockwell B 80 HRB · Hardness, Vickers 150 HV
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
Same in both: 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) 0.2 V
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)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 200,000 L/kg23,965 gal/lb
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 | 18K | 18K Rose Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
18K vs 18K Rose Gold — frequently asked
Is 18K stronger than 18K Rose Gold?
Yes. 18K has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) for 18K Rose Gold — about 14% more. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 460 MPa (66.7 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 18K or 18K Rose Gold?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 18K or 18K Rose Gold?
18K Rose Gold. Its machinability rates good (58/100) against fair (50/100) for 18K; for welding the order is 18K first (very good, 82/100) then 18K Rose Gold (good, 62/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 18K and 18K Rose 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.