Aluminum 5040-H26 vs 5040-H32
Aluminum · 5040 temper comparison
5040-H26 and 5040-H32 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5040: H26 (strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard) versus H32 (strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5040-H26 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 5040-H32, about 36% more; tensile strength follows at 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi). In exchange, 5040-H32 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 8% for 5040-H26, and 5040-H26 is harder (56 HB vs 45 HB).
5040-H26Choose it when strength drives the design.
5040-H32Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
5040-H26 vs 5040-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
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69.5 GPa10.1 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 68 GPa9.9 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) 620°C1,148 °F · Liquidus Temperature 655°C1,211 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.6 µm/m·K13.1 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 120°C248 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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) -0.87 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 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 30 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 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 1,150 L/kg138 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.
5040-H26 vs 5040-H32 — frequently asked
Is 5040-H26 stronger than 5040-H32?
Yes. 5040-H26 has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 125 MPa (18.1 ksi) for 5040-H32 — about 36% more. Tensile strength is 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) vs 165 MPa (23.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H26 or H32?
H34 is the default 5040 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H26 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, 5040-H26 or 5040-H32?
5040-H26, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 44/100 against 36/100 for 5040-H32.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5040-H26 and 5040-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.