Aluminum 1230-H12 vs 1230-H16
Aluminum · 1230 temper comparison
1230-H12 and 1230-H16 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 1230: H12 (strain hardened, quarter hard) versus H16 (strain hardened, three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 1230-H16 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 1230-H12, about 60% more; tensile strength follows at 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) vs 95 MPa (13.8 ksi). In exchange, 1230-H12 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 5% for 1230-H16, and 1230-H16 is harder (33 HB vs 25 HB).
1230-H12Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
1230-H16Choose it when strength drives the design.
1230-H12 vs 1230-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 68 GPa9.9 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.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.84 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 45 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 70 / 100 · Polishability 85 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 10%
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.
1230-H12 vs 1230-H16 — frequently asked
Is 1230-H16 stronger than 1230-H12?
Yes. 1230-H16 has a typical yield strength of 120 MPa (17.4 ksi) against 75 MPa (10.9 ksi) for 1230-H12 — about 60% more. Tensile strength is 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) vs 95 MPa (13.8 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, 1230-H12 or 1230-H16?
1230-H16. Its machinability rates fair (35/100) against poor (30/100) for 1230-H12.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1230-H12 and 1230-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.