Aluminum 5050-H32 vs 5050-O
Aluminum · 5050 temper comparison
5050-H32 and 5050-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5050: H32 (strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5050-H32 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 5050-O, about 164% more; tensile strength follows at 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi). In exchange, 5050-O is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 9% for 5050-H32, and 5050-H32 is harder (46 HB vs 36 HB). 5050-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 150°C continuous). On the shop floor, 5050-H32 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
5050-H32Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5050-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5050-H32 vs 5050-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 68.9 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 25.9 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 75 GPa10.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.69 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 627°C1,161 °F · Liquidus Temperature 652°C1,206 °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 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 397 J/g171 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 50 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 3.45×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.36 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 75 / 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 %) 30% · Weldability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 35 / 100 · Polishability 70 / 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 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.
5050-H32 vs 5050-O — frequently asked
Is 5050-H32 stronger than 5050-O?
Yes. 5050-H32 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 55 MPa (7.98 ksi) for 5050-O — about 164% more. Tensile strength is 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) vs 145 MPa (21 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H32 or O?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, 5050-H32 or 5050-O?
5050-H32. Its machinability rates fair (40/100) against poor (30/100) for 5050-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5050-H32 and 5050-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.