Aluminum 3102-H12 vs 3102-H16
Aluminum · 3102 temper comparison
3102-H12 and 3102-H16 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 3102: H12 (strain hardened, quarter hard) versus H16 (strain hardened, three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3102-H16 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 135 MPa (19.6 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 3102-H12, about 50% more; tensile strength follows at 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi). In exchange, 3102-H12 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 5% for 3102-H16, and 3102-H16 is harder (42 HB vs 30 HB). 3102-H12 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 130°C continuous).
3102-H12Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3102-H16Choose it when strength drives the design.
3102-H12 vs 3102-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 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.71 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 654°C1,209 °F · Liquidus Temperature 658°C1,216 °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.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 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: Brazeability / Solderability 85 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 gal/lb · Typical Recycled Content 35%
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.
3102-H12 vs 3102-H16 — frequently asked
Is 3102-H16 stronger than 3102-H12?
Yes. 3102-H16 has a typical yield strength of 135 MPa (19.6 ksi) against 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) for 3102-H12 — about 50% more. Tensile strength is 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H12 or H16?
O is the default 3102 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H12 nor H16). The other condition is available on request or by drawing note — specify it in the material field or the part notes and the quote is priced for it.
Which is easier to machine, 3102-H12 or 3102-H16?
3102-H16. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (32/100) for 3102-H12.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3102-H12 and 3102-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.