Precious Metal 18K vs Dental Gold Type IV
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 18K and Dental Gold Type IV are both precious metal grades. Dental Gold Type IV is the stronger of the two: yield strength 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for 18K, about 138% more; tensile strength follows at 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi). In exchange, 18K is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 6% for Dental Gold Type IV, and Dental Gold Type IV is harder (240 HB vs 143 HB). Dental Gold Type IV is stiffer (95 GPa vs 80 GPa) and 18K runs hotter in service (300°C vs 250°C continuous). On the shop floor, 18K welds better (very good vs good).
18KChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Dental Gold Type IVChoose it when strength drives the design.
18K vs Dental Gold Type IV: 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
Hardness, Rockwell C
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 15.5 g/cm³0.56 lb/in³
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)
Min Service Temperature
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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 45%
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 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
18K vs Dental Gold Type IV — frequently asked
Is Dental Gold Type IV stronger than 18K?
Yes. Dental Gold Type IV has a typical yield strength of 570 MPa (82.7 ksi) against 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) for 18K — about 138% more. Tensile strength is 750 MPa (109 ksi) vs 450 MPa (65.3 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 18K or Dental Gold Type IV?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 IV?
Dental Gold Type IV. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for 18K; for welding the order is 18K first (very good, 82/100) then Dental Gold Type IV (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 18K and Dental Gold Type IV 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.