Precious Metal Gold 14K-H vs Gold 14K-O
Precious Metal · Gold 14K temper comparison
Gold 14K-H and Gold 14K-O are two conditions of the same precious metal grade, Gold 14K: H (hardened) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. Gold 14K-H is the stronger of the two: yield strength 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Gold 14K-O, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi). In exchange, Gold 14K-O is the more ductile: elongation 38% versus 2% for Gold 14K-H, and Gold 14K-H is harder (218 HB vs 130 HB). Gold 14K-O runs hotter in service (350°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, Gold 14K-H machines more easily (very good vs good) and Gold 14K-O welds better (very good vs good).
Gold 14K-HChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
Gold 14K-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Gold 14K-H vs Gold 14K-O: 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
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Shear Modulus 29 GPa4.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.37
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 13.07 g/cm³0.47 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 802°C1,476 °F · Liquidus Temperature 879°C1,614 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 220 J/kg·K0.05 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 15.5 µm/m·K8.6 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 105 J/g45.1 BTU/lb · 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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 90 / 100 · Polishability 95 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 145,000 MJ/kg6.23×10⁷ BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12,000 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 90,000 L/kg10,784 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 30%
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.
Gold 14K-H vs Gold 14K-O — frequently asked
Is Gold 14K-H stronger than Gold 14K-O?
Yes. Gold 14K-H has a typical yield strength of 700 MPa (102 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for Gold 14K-O — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 800 MPa (116 ksi) vs 400 MPa (58 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H or O?
O is the default Gold 14K 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 is easier to machine, Gold 14K-H or Gold 14K-O?
Gold 14K-H. Its machinability rates very good (74/100) against good (60/100) for Gold 14K-O; for welding the order is Gold 14K-O first (very good, 75/100) then Gold 14K-H (good, 60/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Gold 14K-H and Gold 14K-O 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.