Aluminum 3A21-H112 vs 3A21-H26
Aluminum · 3A21 temper comparison
3A21-H112 and 3A21-H26 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 3A21: H112 (strain hardened from hot working only) versus H26 (strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 3A21-H26 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for 3A21-H112, about 3.2 times as much; tensile strength follows at 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 115 MPa (16.7 ksi). In exchange, 3A21-H112 is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 8% for 3A21-H26, and 3A21-H26 is harder (46 HB vs 30 HB). 3A21-H112 runs hotter in service (200°C vs 130°C continuous) and 3A21-H112 conducts heat better (190 W/m·K vs 155 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 3A21-H26 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
3A21-H112Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3A21-H26Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
3A21-H112 vs 3A21-H26: 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 25 GPa3.6 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 -250°C-418 °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 90 / 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) 13 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,100 L/kg132 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.
3A21-H112 vs 3A21-H26 — frequently asked
Is 3A21-H26 stronger than 3A21-H112?
Yes. 3A21-H26 has a typical yield strength of 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for 3A21-H112 — about 3.2 times as much. Tensile strength is 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) vs 115 MPa (16.7 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H112 or H26?
H14 is the default 3A21 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H112 nor H26). 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, 3A21-H112 or 3A21-H26?
3A21-H26. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (32/100) for 3A21-H112; for welding the order is 3A21-H112 first (excellent, 95/100) then 3A21-H26 (excellent, 90/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3A21-H112 and 3A21-H26 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.