Aluminum 5021-H12 vs 5021-H34
Aluminum · 5021 temper comparison
5021-H12 and 5021-H34 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5021: H12 (strain hardened, quarter hard) versus H34 (strain hardened and stabilized, half hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5021-H34 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 5021-H12, about 17% more; tensile strength follows at 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi). In exchange, 5021-H12 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 10% for 5021-H34, and 5021-H34 is harder (71 HB vs 62 HB). 5021-H34 runs hotter in service (130°C vs 100°C continuous).
5021-H12Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
5021-H34Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
5021-H12 vs 5021-H34: 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 70 GPa10.2 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 2.68 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 607°C1,125 °F · Liquidus Temperature 650°C1,202 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 138 W/m·K79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.8 µm/m·K13.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 35 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.93 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.85 V
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 78 / 100 · Castability 25 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 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.
5021-H12 vs 5021-H34 — frequently asked
Is 5021-H34 stronger than 5021-H12?
Yes. 5021-H34 has a typical yield strength of 210 MPa (30.5 ksi) against 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) for 5021-H12 — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 255 MPa (37 ksi) vs 225 MPa (32.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H12 or H34?
H18 is the default 5021 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H12 nor H34). 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.
When should I choose 5021-H12 over 5021-H34?
Pick 5021-H12 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 5021-H34 when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5021-H12 and 5021-H34 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.