Aluminum 5A06-H18
Temper
GB 5A06
H18 = strain hardened, full hard
Full-hard thin sheet/strip for maximum strength flat parts; almost no bending capability and highest SCC sensitivity.
Values for the H18 condition
Other 5A06 tempers and conditions
5A06 is listed in 6 conditions; see the grade overview at 5A06.
Compare all 6 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODefault Annealed | Default stocked plate/sheet condition: maximum ductility and best corrosion/SCC behaviour for deep forming and welded structures. | 165 | 330 | 20 | 70 HB | 26.5 % IACS |
As fabricated | Use for forgings, free-machining bar and profiles where no property limits are guaranteed and parts are machined all over. | 170 | 335 | 15 | 72 HB | 26.5 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | Choose for thick hot-rolled plate and extrusions where slightly higher strength than O is wanted with no cold work. | 175 | 340 | 16 | 75 HB | — |
Strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard | Stabilized quarter-hard sheet/plate: modest strength gain over O with the low-temperature stabilization anneal that restores resistance to exfoliation/SCC. | 235 | 355 | 12 | 85 HB | — |
Strain hardened, half hard | Half-hard sheet for stiffer panels and skins where moderate bending is still needed. | 295 | 395 | 8 | 100 HB | 115 W/m·K |
H18This page Strain hardened, full hard | Full-hard thin sheet/strip for maximum strength flat parts; almost no bending capability and highest SCC sensitivity. | 350 | 430 | 5 | 110 HB | — |
What is 5A06-H18?
5A06-H18 is 5A06 in the H18 temper — full-hard thin sheet/strip for maximum strength flat parts; almost no bending capability and highest SCC sensitivity. 5A06-H18 has a yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 83% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi). 5A06-H18 has a density of 2.64 g/cm³ (0.0954 lb/in³), lighter than 94% of aluminum grades. It melts at 568°C (1,054 °F). O is the default condition FabDigit quotes; H18 is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Tough — resists crack growth — 35 MPa·√m (31.9 ksi·√in), better than 91% of aluminum grades
- High strength — 350 MPa (50.8 ksi), better than 83% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 82/100, better than 76% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 55°C (131 °F), worse than 100% of aluminum grades
- High embodied carbon — 14 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 95% of aluminum grades
- Low electrical conductivity — 26.5 % IACS, worse than 89% of aluminum grades
- Poor heat conductor — 117 W/m·K (67.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of aluminum grades
5A06-H18 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5A06-H18; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 5A06 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
5A06-H18 has a density of 2.64 g/cm³ (0.0954 lb/in³), lighter than 94% of aluminum grades. It melts at 568°C (1,054 °F).
Mechanical12
5A06-H18 has a yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 83% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
5A06-H18 is rated for continuous service to 55°C (131 °F). It conducts heat at 117 W/m·K (67.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 83% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 24.7 µm/m·K (13.7 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5A06-H18 conducts electricity at 26.5 % IACS, worse than 89% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (58/100), better than 57% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5A06-H18 takes about 210 MJ of energy and emits 14 kg of CO₂ — more than 88% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 15%.
Manufacturability7
5A06-H18's machinability is good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (82/100); formability poor (25/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 5A06-H18
Is 5A06 easy to machine?
Gummy in the O temper — use sharp polished high-rake carbide, high speed, generous emulsion or vegetable-oil coolant, and interrupt chips to prevent built-up edge.
Can 5A06 be welded?
Excellent for TIG/MIG with 5A06 (AMg6) or 5556-type filler; keep interpass temperature low, no preheat beyond ~80 °C, and avoid long exposure above 65 °C to prevent β-phase sensitization.
Can 5A06 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in the annealed state; allow for high springback and strong work hardening, use larger bend radii than 5052, and consider warm forming at 150–250 °C for deep draws.
What surface finishes work on 5A06?
Takes sulfuric clear and hard anodize (slightly grey tone), plus chromate-free Ti/Zr or chromate conversion for paint; degrease thoroughly since Mg-rich surfaces oxidize quickly.
5A06 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mg | 5.8 – 6.8 | 6.3 |
| Mn | 0.5 – 0.8 | 0.65 |
| Tigrain refiner | 0.02 – 0.1 | 0.06 |
| Si | ≤ 0.4 | — |
| Fe | ≤ 0.4 | — |
| Cu | ≤ 0.1 | — |
| Zn | ≤ 0.2 | — |
| Be0.0001–0.005 % permitted, mainly for welding-wire product | ≤ 0.01 | — |
| Others (each)total ≤0.10 % | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Al | balance | — |
5A06-H18 — frequently asked
What is 5A06-H18 used for?
5A06-H18 is typically used for aircraft welded structures, high-strength sheet parts and military vehicle panels. In short: high-strength weldable Al-Mg; no heat treatment required; stronger than 5A05.
What is the yield strength of 5A06-H18?
5A06-H18 has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) — stronger than 83% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 6 listed tempers.
Is 5A06-H18 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades). Gummy in the O temper — use sharp polished high-rake carbide, high speed, generous emulsion or vegetable-oil coolant, and interrupt chips to prevent built-up edge.
Can 5A06-H18 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (82/100). Excellent for TIG/MIG with 5A06 (AMg6) or 5556-type filler; keep interpass temperature low, no preheat beyond ~80 °C, and avoid long exposure above 65 °C to prevent β-phase sensitization.
What surface finishes work on 5A06-H18?
Takes sulfuric clear and hard anodize (slightly grey tone), plus chromate-free Ti/Zr or chromate conversion for paint; degrease thoroughly since Mg-rich surfaces oxidize quickly.
Can 5A06-H18 be formed, bent or molded?
Form in the annealed state; allow for high springback and strong work hardening, use larger bend radii than 5052, and consider warm forming at 150–250 °C for deep draws.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5A06-H18?
5A06-H18 is rated for continuous use to about 55°C (131 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 5A06-O and 5A06-H18?
O is the default condition — default stocked plate/sheet condition: maximum ductility and best corrosion/SCC behaviour for deep forming and welded structures. H18: full-hard thin sheet/strip for maximum strength flat parts; almost no bending capability and highest SCC sensitivity. Yield strength is 165 MPa in O versus 350 MPa in H18.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties of Wrought Aluminum Alloys (5000 series) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B — Corrosion of Aluminum Alloys — 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.