Aluminum 5457-H38
Temper
AA 5457 · UNS A95457
H38 = strain hardened and stabilized, full hard
Full-hard stabilized strip for maximum strength and springback control in flat bright trim.
Values for the H38 condition
Other 5457 tempers and conditions
5457 is listed in 8 conditions; see the grade overview at 5457.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for maximum formability in deep-drawn or severely bent bright-anodized trim. | 48 | 130 | 22 | 32 HB | 47 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard | Stabilized low-hardness temper where long-term property stability after forming matters. | 130 | 160 | 16 | 42 HB | 46 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Use when H25 is slightly too stiff and extra bend ductility is needed at similar strength. | 145 | 170 | 14 | 45 HB | 46 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, half hard | Stabilized equivalent of H24 for parts held at slightly elevated temperature in service. | 155 | 180 | 11 | 48 HB | 46 % IACS |
H25Default Strain hardened and partially annealed, intermediate temper | The standard supply condition for bright-anodized automotive and appliance trim: balanced strength, roll-forming ability and finish. | 160 | 180 | 12 | 48 HB | 46 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | Choose for stiffer trim sections with only gentle forming after rolling. | 175 | 195 | 9 | 52 HB | 46 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, full hard | Highest-strength supply temper for flat or lightly formed bright trim and reflector strip. | 185 | 205 | 6 | 55 HB | 46 % IACS |
H38This page Strain hardened and stabilized, full hard | Full-hard stabilized strip for maximum strength and springback control in flat bright trim. | 185 | 205 | 6 | 56 HB | 46 % IACS |
What is 5457-H38?
5457-H38 is 5457 in the H38 temper — full-hard stabilized strip for maximum strength and springback control in flat bright trim. 5457-H38 has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 53% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi). 5457-H38 has a density of 2.69 g/cm³ (0.0972 lb/in³), lighter than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 630°C (1,166 °F). H25 is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H38 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 88/100, better than 97% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 75/100, better than 88% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 46 % IACS, better than 87% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 176 W/m·K (101.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 110°C (230 °F), worse than 89% of aluminum grades
5457-H38 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5457-H38; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 5457 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
5457-H38 has a density of 2.69 g/cm³ (0.0972 lb/in³), lighter than 67% of aluminum grades. It melts at 630°C (1,166 °F).
Mechanical10
5457-H38 has a yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 53% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
5457-H38 is rated for continuous service to 110°C (230 °F). It conducts heat at 176 W/m·K (101.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 86% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.8 µm/m·K (13.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5457-H38 conducts electricity at 46 % IACS, better than 87% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (75/100), better than 88% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5457-H38 takes about 210 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — more than 88% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
5457-H38's machinability is fair (48/100, worse than 68% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (80/100); formability fair (38/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 5457-H38
Is 5457 easy to machine?
Soft and gummy like other Al-Mg sheet — use sharp polished-flute carbide, high rake, high speed and flood lubricant to avoid built-up edge and surface smear that would show after anodizing.
Can 5457 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW or resistance welded with 5356 or 5554 filler; the weld and HAZ revert toward O-temper strength and will anodize a different shade than the parent sheet.
Can 5457 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent roll forming, bending and moderate drawing in O/H25; in H28/H38 keep bend radii ≥2t and expect springback; avoid deep scratches or die pickup because they are amplified by bright anodizing.
What surface finishes work on 5457?
Designed for chemical or electrolytic brightening followed by clear or dyed anodizing; polishes to a mirror finish, takes conversion coating and paint well, but is a poor brazing candidate due to Mg.
5457 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Siheld low for bright anodizing | ≤ 0.08 | — |
| Feheld low for bright anodizing | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Mn | 0.15 – 0.45 | 0.3 |
| Mgprimary strengthening element | 0.8 – 1.2 | 1 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.03 | — |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
5457-H38 — frequently asked
What is 5457-H38 used for?
5457-H38 is typically used for decorative trim, bright anodized panels and appliance trim. In short: bright-anodizing trim sheet; moderate strength, clean finish; poor brazing candidate.
What is the yield strength of 5457-H38?
5457-H38 has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) — weaker than 53% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is 5457-H38 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, worse than 68% of aluminum grades). Soft and gummy like other Al-Mg sheet — use sharp polished-flute carbide, high rake, high speed and flood lubricant to avoid built-up edge and surface smear that would show after anodizing.
Can 5457-H38 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (80/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW or resistance welded with 5356 or 5554 filler; the weld and HAZ revert toward O-temper strength and will anodize a different shade than the parent sheet.
What surface finishes work on 5457-H38?
Designed for chemical or electrolytic brightening followed by clear or dyed anodizing; polishes to a mirror finish, takes conversion coating and paint well, but is a poor brazing candidate due to Mg.
Can 5457-H38 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent roll forming, bending and moderate drawing in O/H25; in H28/H38 keep bend radii ≥2t and expect springback; avoid deep scratches or die pickup because they are amplified by bright anodizing.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5457-H38?
5457-H38 is rated for continuous use to about 110°C (230 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 5457-H25 and 5457-O?
H25 is the default condition — the standard supply condition for bright-anodized automotive and appliance trim: balanced strength, roll-forming ability and finish. O: pick for maximum formability in deep-drawn or severely bent bright-anodized trim. Yield strength is 160 MPa in H25 versus 48 MPa in O.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B209 — Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate — ASTM International (2021)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- MatWeb wrought aluminum 5000-series datasheets — MatWeb LLC (2023)
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.