Precious Metal 22K vs 9K
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 22K and 9K are both precious metal grades. 9K is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 22K, about 180% more; tensile strength follows at 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi). 9K is harder — 115 HB against 52 HB for 22K — which matters for wear surfaces and threads. 9K is lighter (11.3 g/cm³ vs 17.8 g/cm³ for 22K) and 9K is stiffer (92 GPa vs 78 GPa). On the shop floor, 22K forms better (96 vs 85 out of 100).
22KChoose it when the part sees heat.
9KChoose it when strength drives the design, or when surface hardness matters.
22K vs 9K: 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)
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Hardness, Rockwell B
Same in both: Elongation at Break 35%
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).
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 | 22K | 9K |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
22K vs 9K — frequently asked
Is 9K stronger than 22K?
Yes. 9K has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 22K — about 180% more. Tensile strength is 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 22K or 9K?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 22K or 9K?
9K. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (50/100) for 22K; for welding the order is 22K first (excellent, 85/100) then 9K (very good, 78/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 22K and 9K 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.