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Precious Metal 18K White Gold 1/4H vs 18K White Gold Annealed

Precious Metal · 18K White Gold temper comparison

18K White Gold 1/4H and 18K White Gold Annealed are two conditions of the same precious metal grade, 18K White Gold: 1/4H (quarter hard) versus Annealed. The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 18K White Gold 1/4H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 18K White Gold Annealed, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi). In exchange, 18K White Gold Annealed is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 18% for 18K White Gold 1/4H, and 18K White Gold 1/4H is harder (157 HB vs 128 HB). 18K White Gold Annealed runs hotter in service (400°C vs 250°C continuous).

18K White Gold 1/4HChoose it when strength drives the design.

18K White Gold AnnealedChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.

18K White Gold 1/4H vs 18K White Gold Annealed: properties

18K White Gold 1/4H18K White Gold Annealed

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

620 MPa89.9 ksi
520 MPa75.4 ksi

Yield Strength (0.2% offset)

430 MPa62.4 ksi
300 MPa43.5 ksi

Elongation at Break

18%
35%

Reduction in Area

35%
45%

Shear Strength

380 MPa55.1 ksi
320 MPa46.4 ksi

Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)

240 MPa34.8 ksi
200 MPa29 ksi

Hardness, Brinell

157 HB
128 HB

Hardness, Rockwell B

83 HRB
74 HRB

Hardness, Vickers

165 HV
135 HV

Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 95 GPa13.8 Msi · Shear Modulus 36 GPa5.2 Msi · Bulk Modulus 145 GPa21 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.38

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Same in both: Density 15.8 g/cm³0.57 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 1,130°C2,066 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,200°C2,192 °F

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

34 W/m·K19.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F
35 W/m·K20.2 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Max Service Temperature (continuous)

250°C482 °F
400°C752 °F

Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 155 J/kg·K0.04 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 14.5 µm/m·K8.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 70 J/g30.1 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -200°C-328 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Conductivity

6.3 % IACS
6.5 % IACS

Electrical Resistivity

2.75×10⁻⁷ Ω·m10.8 µΩ·in
2.7×10⁻⁷ Ω·m10.6 µΩ·in

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) 0.2 V · Corrosion Resistance 92 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

62 / 100
58 / 100

Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)

55%
50%

Weldability

70 / 100
75 / 100

Formability (cold)

70 / 100
85 / 100

Same in both: Castability 72 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100 · Polishability 93 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 190,000 MJ/kg8.17×10⁷ BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12,000 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 200,000 L/kg23,965 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%

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.

50100200500101520Density (g/cm³)Yield strength (MPa) — log scale18K White Gold

18K White Gold 1/4H vs 18K White Gold Annealed — frequently asked

Is 18K White Gold 1/4H stronger than 18K White Gold Annealed?

Yes. 18K White Gold 1/4H has a typical yield strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) against 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) for 18K White Gold Annealed — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 620 MPa (89.9 ksi) vs 520 MPa (75.4 ksi).

Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, 1/4H or Annealed?

Annealed is the default 18K White Gold condition in the FabDigit quote flow. The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.

Which welds better, 18K White Gold 1/4H or 18K White Gold Annealed?

18K White Gold Annealed. Its weldability rates very good (75/100) against very good (70/100) for 18K White Gold 1/4H.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 18K White Gold 1/4H and 18K White Gold Annealed 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.