Aluminum 1145-H12 vs 1145-H16
Aluminum · 1145 temper comparison
1145-H12 and 1145-H16 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 1145: H12 (strain hardened, quarter hard) versus H16 (strain hardened, three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1145-H16 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 1145-H12, about 53% more; tensile strength follows at 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) vs 90 MPa (13.1 ksi). In exchange, 1145-H12 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 6% for 1145-H16, and 1145-H16 is harder (38 HB vs 28 HB). 1145-H12 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous).
1145-H12Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
1145-H16Choose it when strength drives the design.
1145-H12 vs 1145-H16: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum 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 aluminum 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.
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.7 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 646°C1,195 °F · Liquidus Temperature 657°C1,215 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 230 W/m·K133 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.6 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 397 J/g171 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -270°C-454 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 60 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 2.87×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.13 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.84 V · Corrosion Resistance 72 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 90 / 100 · Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 60 / 100 · Polishability 80 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 15%
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
1145-H12 vs 1145-H16 — frequently asked
Is 1145-H16 stronger than 1145-H12?
Yes. 1145-H16 has a typical yield strength of 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 1145-H12 — about 53% more. Tensile strength is 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) vs 90 MPa (13.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H12 or H16?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, 1145-H12 or 1145-H16?
1145-H16, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 34/100 against 26/100 for 1145-H12.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1145-H12 and 1145-H16 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.