Precious Metal 18K vs Dental Gold Type III
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 18K and Dental Gold Type III are both precious metal grades. 18K is the stronger of the two: tensile strength 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Dental Gold Type III, about 7% more. 18K is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 30% for Dental Gold Type III, and 18K is harder (143 HB vs 125 HB). Dental Gold Type III is stiffer (95 GPa vs 80 GPa) and Dental Gold Type III runs hotter in service (400°C vs 300°C continuous). On the shop floor, Dental Gold Type III machines more easily (good vs fair).
18KChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Dental Gold Type IIIChoose it when the part sees heat, or when the part is machined in volume.
18K vs Dental Gold Type III: 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)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
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
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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
Same in both: Polishability 98 / 100
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 | 18K | Dental Gold Type III |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
18K vs Dental Gold Type III — frequently asked
Is 18K stronger than Dental Gold Type III?
Yes. 18K has a typical tensile strength of 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) against 420 MPa (60.9 ksi) for Dental Gold Type III — about 7% more.
Which is cheaper, 18K or Dental Gold Type III?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 Dental Gold Type III?
Dental Gold Type III. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (50/100) for 18K; for welding the order is 18K first (very good, 82/100) then Dental Gold Type III (very good, 75/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 18K and Dental Gold Type III 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.