Precious Metal Gold 18K vs Gold 24K
Precious Metal · grade comparison
Precious Metal Gold 18K and Gold 24K are both precious metal grades. Gold 18K is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for Gold 24K, about 6.7 times as much; tensile strength follows at 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 125 MPa (18.1 ksi). In exchange, Gold 24K is the more ductile: elongation 45% versus 40% for Gold 18K, and Gold 18K is harder (140 HB vs 25 HB). Gold 18K is lighter (15.5 g/cm³ vs 19.32 g/cm³ for Gold 24K) and Gold 24K runs hotter in service (700°C vs 400°C continuous). On the shop floor, Gold 18K machines more easily (good vs fair).
Gold 18KChoose it when strength drives the design, or when weight is the constraint.
Gold 24KChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Gold 18K vs Gold 24K: 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.
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Reduction in Area
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 78 GPa11.3 Msi
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)
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) 0.25 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Castability
Polishability
Same in both: Weldability 85 / 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 | Gold 18K | Gold 24K |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | O | O |
| Relative cost | $$$$$ Specialty | $$$$$ Specialty |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Gold 18K vs Gold 24K — frequently asked
Is Gold 18K stronger than Gold 24K?
Yes. Gold 18K has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 30 MPa (4.35 ksi) for Gold 24K — about 6.7 times as much. Tensile strength is 450 MPa (65.3 ksi) vs 125 MPa (18.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, Gold 18K or Gold 24K?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$$, specialty); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, Gold 18K or Gold 24K?
Gold 18K. Its machinability rates good (60/100) against fair (40/100) for Gold 24K.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Gold 18K and Gold 24K 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.