Precious Metal 22K vs Dental Gold Type I
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal 22K and Dental Gold Type I are both precious metal grades. Dental Gold Type I is the stronger of the two: yield strength 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 22K, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi). In exchange, 22K is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 30% for Dental Gold Type I, and Dental Gold Type I is harder (60 HB vs 52 HB). Dental Gold Type I is lighter (17.2 g/cm³ vs 17.8 g/cm³ for 22K) and Dental Gold Type I is stiffer (85 GPa vs 78 GPa). On the shop floor, 22K machines more easily (50 vs 40 out of 100) and 22K welds better (excellent vs good).
22KChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Dental Gold Type IChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
22K vs Dental Gold Type I: 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
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 90 MPa13.1 ksi
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
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Formability (cold) 96 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 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 | 22K | Dental Gold Type I |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
22K vs Dental Gold Type I — frequently asked
Is Dental Gold Type I stronger than 22K?
Yes. Dental Gold Type I has a typical yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 22K — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 220 MPa (31.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 22K or Dental Gold Type I?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, 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 Dental Gold Type I?
22K, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 40/100 for Dental Gold Type I; for welding the order is 22K first (excellent, 85/100) then Dental Gold Type I (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 22K and Dental Gold Type I 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.