Aluminum 3103-H12 vs 3103-O
Aluminum · 3103 temper comparison
3103-H12 and 3103-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 3103: H12 (strain hardened, quarter hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3103-H12 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for 3103-O, about 133% more; tensile strength follows at 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi). In exchange, 3103-O is the more ductile: elongation 30% versus 9% for 3103-H12, and 3103-H12 is harder (37 HB vs 28 HB). 3103-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 120°C continuous) and 3103-O conducts heat better (190 W/m·K vs 163 W/m·K).
3103-H12Choose it when strength drives the design.
3103-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3103-H12 vs 3103-O: 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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.73 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 645°C1,193 °F · Liquidus Temperature 655°C1,211 °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 893 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.2 µm/m·K12.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 70 / 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 · Brazeability / Solderability 75 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 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 1,200 L/kg144 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.
3103-H12 vs 3103-O — frequently asked
Is 3103-H12 stronger than 3103-O?
Yes. 3103-H12 has a typical yield strength of 105 MPa (15.2 ksi) against 45 MPa (6.53 ksi) for 3103-O — about 133% more. Tensile strength is 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H12 or O?
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, 3103-H12 or 3103-O?
3103-H12, by a small margin. Both rate poor for machinability — 32/100 against 25/100 for 3103-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3103-H12 and 3103-O 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.