Aluminum 5021-H16 vs 5021-H32
Aluminum · 5021 temper comparison
5021-H16 and 5021-H32 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5021: H16 (strain hardened, three-quarter hard) versus H32 (strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5021-H16 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) for 5021-H32, about 30% more; tensile strength follows at 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). In exchange, 5021-H32 is the more ductile: elongation 13% versus 6% for 5021-H16, and 5021-H16 is harder (78 HB vs 62 HB). 5021-H32 runs hotter in service (130°C vs 100°C continuous).
5021-H16Choose it when strength drives the design.
5021-H32Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5021-H16 vs 5021-H32: 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 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: 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-H16 vs 5021-H32 — frequently asked
Is 5021-H16 stronger than 5021-H32?
Yes. 5021-H16 has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) for 5021-H32 — about 30% more. Tensile strength is 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H16 or H32?
H18 is the default 5021 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H16 nor H32). 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, 5021-H16 or 5021-H32?
5021-H16, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 43/100 against 38/100 for 5021-H32.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5021-H16 and 5021-H32 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.