Aluminum 5A02-H38
Temper
GB 5A02
H38 = strain hardened and stabilized, full hard
Choose the full-hard, stabilized temper for spring or wear-facing thin parts that will not be formed again; 245 MPa yield, 6% elongation and a 65 °C service ceiling.
Values for the H38 condition
Other 5A02 tempers and conditions
5A02 is listed in 14 conditions; see the grade overview at 5A02.
Compare all 14 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODefault Annealed | Use the annealed soft temper for deep drawing, bending, spinning and blanks for welded parts; 22% elongation and 92 formability come at only 85 MPa yield. | 85 | 180 | 22 | 47 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | Use the as-hot-worked temper with guaranteed property limits as the standard delivery state for hot-rolled plate and extruded tube or bar; 90 MPa yield, 16% elongation, weldability 85. | 90 | 185 | 16 | 50 HB | 35 % IACS |
As fabricated | Pick as-fabricated extrusion or forging stock when mechanical properties need not be guaranteed and the blank will be machined, formed or annealed afterwards. | 90 | 180 | 16 | 48 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, quarter hard | Choose this strain-hardened then partially annealed quarter-hard sheet when more stable ductility than H12 is needed; 14% elongation at a similar 150 MPa yield. | 150 | 210 | 14 | 57 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, quarter hard | Pick lightly cold-worked quarter-hard sheet or strip when 155 MPa yield is needed but the part still has to be bent; formability drops to 75 from the annealed state. | 155 | 210 | 12 | 58 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard | Choose quarter-hard cold work plus low-temperature stabilizing to stop natural age softening and intergranular-corrosion sensitization in Al-Mg sheet while keeping 14% elongation. | 160 | 215 | 14 | 58 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Use the half-hard, partially annealed plate or tube when parts must be re-bent after delivery; 11% elongation beats H14 at a comparable 175 MPa yield. | 175 | 235 | 11 | 62 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, half hard | Choose the half-hard strain-hardened temper for general sheet-metal work needing 180 MPa yield with moderate bending; elongation falls to 9% and formability to 60. | 180 | 235 | 9 | 63 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, half hard | Use the half-hard stabilized temper for structural sheet metal and fuel tanks; it balances 185 MPa yield, long-term stability and 10% elongation for moderate forming. | 185 | 240 | 10 | 65 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | Pick three-quarter-hard, partially annealed strip for 200 MPa yield work that still needs slightly more ductility (8% elongation) than the H16 temper offers. | 200 | 255 | 8 | 68 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, three-quarter hard | Use three-quarter-hard strain-hardened sheet and strip where 210 MPa yield is required and forming is limited to shallow bends; 7% elongation restricts tight radii. | 210 | 255 | 7 | 70 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, three-quarter hard | Pick three-quarter-hard stabilized sheet or strip when 215 MPa yield must remain stable over long service; forming is limited by 8% elongation. | 215 | 260 | 8 | 71 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, full hard | Pick the full-hard cold-worked temper for spring elements, gaskets and flat panels that need no further forming; 240 MPa yield, 5% elongation and 65 °C service limit. | 240 | 270 | 5 | 76 HB | 35 % IACS |
H38This page Strain hardened and stabilized, full hard | Choose the full-hard, stabilized temper for spring or wear-facing thin parts that will not be formed again; 245 MPa yield, 6% elongation and a 65 °C service ceiling. | 245 | 275 | 6 | 77 HB | 35 % IACS |
What is 5A02-H38?
5A02-H38 is 5A02 in the H38 temper — choose the full-hard, stabilized temper for spring or wear-facing thin parts that will not be formed again; 245 MPa yield, 6% elongation and a 65 °C service ceiling. 5A02-H38 has a yield strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — stronger than 64% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 5A02-H38 has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 607°C (1,125 °F). O is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H38 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 76/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 82/100, better than 76% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 65°C (149 °F), worse than 97% of aluminum grades
5A02-H38 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5A02-H38; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 5A02 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
5A02-H38 has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 607°C (1,125 °F).
Mechanical10
5A02-H38 has a yield strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — stronger than 64% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 6% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
5A02-H38 is rated for continuous service to 65°C (149 °F). It conducts heat at 138 W/m·K (79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 55% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.8 µm/m·K (13.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5A02-H38 conducts electricity at 35 % IACS, better than 52% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (76/100), better than 90% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5A02-H38 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
5A02-H38's machinability is fair (48/100, worse than 68% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (82/100); formability poor (30/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 5A02-H38
Is 5A02 easy to machine?
Annealed material sticks to the tool and raises burrs; use sharp high-rake carbide, high spindle speed and emulsion or alcohol-based coolant. H1x and H3x tempers break chips more readily and give a better surface finish.
Can 5A02 be welded?
TIG and MIG weldability is excellent with ER5356 or ER5183 filler; do not use 4043, which forms brittle Mg-Si phases. Joint strength approaches that of the annealed base metal, provided the oxide film, oil and moisture are fully removed before welding.
Can 5A02 be formed, bent or molded?
O and H32 material bends, deep-draws and spins well; harder tempers need larger bend radii or an intermediate anneal at roughly 340-400 °C. Avoid prolonged soaking at 65-200 °C, which sensitises the alloy through beta-phase precipitation.
What surface finishes work on 5A02?
Sulfuric anodizing and chemical (conductive) conversion coating both work well and the surface accepts dyeing; mechanical polishing or blasting before anodizing gives a uniform appearance. Brazing is difficult, so use welding or structural adhesive for joints instead.
5A02 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 |
|---|---|---|
| SiSi+Fe total ≤0.60 | ≤ 0.4 | — |
| FeSi+Fe total ≤0.60 | ≤ 0.4 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Mnsome standard versions allow Cr 0.15–0.35 in place of Mn | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mg | 2 – 2.8 | 2.4 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Tiwhen used as grain refiner | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Others (each)each other impurity | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total)total other impurities | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
5A02-H38 — frequently asked
What is 5A02-H38 used for?
5A02-H38 is typically used for fuel tanks, welded pipe and duct, cold-formed sheet parts and instrument housings. In short: most formable Al-Mg grade; 5052-class weldable sheet; low machinability, gummy annealed.
What is the yield strength of 5A02-H38?
5A02-H38 has a typical yield strength of 245 MPa (35.5 ksi) and a tensile strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) — stronger than 64% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 14 listed tempers.
Is 5A02-H38 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (48/100, worse than 68% of aluminum grades). Annealed material sticks to the tool and raises burrs; use sharp high-rake carbide, high spindle speed and emulsion or alcohol-based coolant. H1x and H3x tempers break chips more readily and give a better surface finish.
Can 5A02-H38 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (82/100). TIG and MIG weldability is excellent with ER5356 or ER5183 filler; do not use 4043, which forms brittle Mg-Si phases. Joint strength approaches that of the annealed base metal, provided the oxide film, oil and moisture are fully removed before welding.
What surface finishes work on 5A02-H38?
Sulfuric anodizing and chemical (conductive) conversion coating both work well and the surface accepts dyeing; mechanical polishing or blasting before anodizing gives a uniform appearance. Brazing is difficult, so use welding or structural adhesive for joints instead.
Can 5A02-H38 be formed, bent or molded?
O and H32 material bends, deep-draws and spins well; harder tempers need larger bend radii or an intermediate anneal at roughly 340-400 °C. Avoid prolonged soaking at 65-200 °C, which sensitises the alloy through beta-phase precipitation.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5A02-H38?
5A02-H38 is rated for continuous use to about 65°C (149 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 5A02-O and 5A02-H38?
O is the default condition — use the annealed soft temper for deep drawing, bending, spinning and blanks for welded parts; 22% elongation and 92 formability come at only 85 MPa yield. H38: choose the full-hard, stabilized temper for spring or wear-facing thin parts that will not be formed again; 245 MPa yield, 6% elongation and a 65 °C service ceiling. Yield strength is 85 MPa in O versus 245 MPa in H38.
Sources
- GB/T 4436 / GB/T 6893 (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys (5052 ) — ASM International (1990)
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.