Aluminum 3203-H14 vs 3203-O
Aluminum · 3203 temper comparison
3203-H14 and 3203-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 3203: H14 (strain hardened, half hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3203-H14 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for 3203-O, about 3.5 times as much; tensile strength follows at 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi). In exchange, 3203-O is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 8% for 3203-H14, and 3203-H14 is harder (40 HB vs 28 HB). 3203-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous) and 3203-O conducts heat better (193 W/m·K vs 159 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 3203-H14 machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
3203-H14Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
3203-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3203-H14 vs 3203-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
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) 643°C1,189 °F · Liquidus Temperature 654°C1,209 °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 -270°C-454 °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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 90% · Weldability 88 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 92 / 100 · Polishability 45 / 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 25%
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.
3203-H14 vs 3203-O — frequently asked
Is 3203-H14 stronger than 3203-O?
Yes. 3203-H14 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 42 MPa (6.09 ksi) for 3203-O — about 3.5 times as much. Tensile strength is 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H14 or O?
H14 is the default 3203 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 3203-H14 or 3203-O?
3203-H14, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for 3203-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3203-H14 and 3203-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.