Aluminum 5040-H32
Temper
AA 5040 · UNS A95040 · EN AW-5040, AlMg1.5Mn
H32 = strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard
Stabilized quarter-hard sheet where dimensional/property stability over time is required with good formability.
Values for the H32 condition
Other 5040 tempers and conditions
5040 is listed in 10 conditions; see the grade overview at 5040.
Compare all 10 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for deep drawing, spinning or severe bending where maximum ductility matters. | 55 | 130 | 25 | 35 HB | 38 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | For hot-rolled plate and extruded/forged shapes supplied without deliberate cold work. | 70 | 150 | 16 | 40 HB | 38 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, quarter hard | Light temper for parts still needing substantial forming after supply. | 125 | 165 | 12 | 44 HB | 37 % IACS |
H32This page Strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard | Stabilized quarter-hard sheet where dimensional/property stability over time is required with good formability. | 125 | 165 | 12 | 45 HB | 37 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Best all-round bend-and-form temper: moderate strength with sheet still able to take tight radii. | 150 | 190 | 10 | 50 HB | 37 % IACS |
H34Default Strain hardened and stabilized, half hard | Default stock condition: balanced strength, formability and stability for general sheet metal and tanks. | 155 | 195 | 9 | 52 HB | 37 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | Higher-strength partially annealed sheet for panels needing stiffness with only mild forming. | 170 | 205 | 8 | 56 HB | 36.5 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, three-quarter hard | Stabilized three-quarter-hard sheet for higher-strength panels, shutters and lightly formed enclosures. | 180 | 215 | 7 | 58 HB | 36.5 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, full hard | Maximum-strength partially annealed condition for flat, minimally formed parts. | 190 | 225 | 6 | 62 HB | 36 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, full hard | Highest strength strain-hardened condition; use for flat stock, cladding and stampings with generous radii only. | 200 | 235 | 5 | 64 HB | 36 % IACS |
What is 5040-H32?
5040-H32 is 5040 in the H32 temper — stabilized quarter-hard sheet where dimensional/property stability over time is required with good formability. 5040-H32 has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 75% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 69.5 GPa (10.1 Msi). 5040-H32 has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 620°C (1,148 °F). H34 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H32 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 76/100, better than 87% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 73/100, better than 86% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 36/100, worse than 84% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 125 MPa (18.1 ksi), worse than 75% of aluminum grades
5040-H32 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5040-H32; 18 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 5040 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
5040-H32 has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 620°C (1,148 °F).
Mechanical10
5040-H32 has a yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 75% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 12% and the elastic modulus is 69.5 GPa (10.1 Msi).
Thermal6
5040-H32 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 156 W/m·K (90.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 73% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.6 µm/m·K (13.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5040-H32 conducts electricity at 37 % IACS, better than 58% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (73/100), better than 86% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5040-H32 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability7
5040-H32's machinability is fair (36/100, worse than 84% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability very good (76/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 5040-H32
Is 5040 easy to machine?
Gummy in soft tempers — use sharp polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed and flood emulsion or MQL to avoid built-up edge; harder H26/H36 tempers chip better.
Can 5040 be welded?
Readily GMAW/GTAW welded with ER5356 (or ER5183 for strength); the HAZ reverts toward O temper so design joints for annealed properties, and avoid resistance-weld electrode pickup without cleaning oxide first.
Can 5040 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in O/H32/H34; allow for springback and use bend radii ≥1t (O) to ≥2.5t (H36/H38) transverse to rolling.
What surface finishes work on 5040?
Takes clear and colour sulphuric anodizing well and is easy to paint after chromate-free conversion coating; mechanical polishing gives a fair bright finish but Mn-Fe constituents limit mirror quality.
5040 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.3 | 0.15 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.7 | 0.35 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Mngrain-structure control | 0.9 – 1.4 | 1.1 |
| Mgprimary strengthening solute | 1 – 1.5 | 1.3 |
| Cr | 0.1 – 0.3 | 0.2 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
5040-H32 — frequently asked
What is 5040-H32 used for?
5040-H32 is typically used for light structural sheet, decorative wall and ceiling panels, industrial machine panels, roll-formed trim profiles, enclosure and cabinet sheet and signage panels. In short: low-Mg formable 5000 series; good corrosion resistance; below 5052 in strength.
What is the yield strength of 5040-H32?
5040-H32 has a typical yield strength of 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) — weaker than 75% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 10 listed tempers.
Is 5040-H32 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (36/100, worse than 84% of aluminum grades). Gummy in soft tempers — use sharp polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed and flood emulsion or MQL to avoid built-up edge; harder H26/H36 tempers chip better.
Can 5040-H32 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). Readily GMAW/GTAW welded with ER5356 (or ER5183 for strength); the HAZ reverts toward O temper so design joints for annealed properties, and avoid resistance-weld electrode pickup without cleaning oxide first.
What surface finishes work on 5040-H32?
Takes clear and colour sulphuric anodizing well and is easy to paint after chromate-free conversion coating; mechanical polishing gives a fair bright finish but Mn-Fe constituents limit mirror quality.
Can 5040-H32 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in O/H32/H34; allow for springback and use bend radii ≥1t (O) to ≥2.5t (H36/H38) transverse to rolling.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5040-H32?
5040-H32 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 5040-H34 and 5040-O?
H34 is the default condition — default stock condition: balanced strength, formability and stability for general sheet metal and tanks. O: pick for deep drawing, spinning or severe bending where maximum ductility matters. Yield strength is 155 MPa in H34 versus 55 MPa in O.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B209 / B209M — Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate — ASTM International (2021)
- EN 573-3 / EN 485-2 — Wrought aluminium: composition and sheet/plate mechanical properties — CEN (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.