Aluminum 5051A-H26 vs 5051A-O
Aluminum · 5051A temper comparison
5051A-H26 and 5051A-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5051A: H26 (strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5051A-H26 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) for 5051A-O, about 3.0 times as much; tensile strength follows at 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi). In exchange, 5051A-O is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 5% for 5051A-H26, and 5051A-H26 is harder (65 HB vs 45 HB). 5051A-O runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, 5051A-H26 machines more easily (52 vs 38 out of 100).
5051A-H26Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5051A-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5051A-H26 vs 5051A-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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.4 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) 610°C1,130 °F · Liquidus Temperature 652°C1,206 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 155 W/m·K89.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.7 µm/m·K13.2 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -270°C-454 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 35 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.93×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.94 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 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 75 / 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.
5051A-H26 vs 5051A-O — frequently asked
Is 5051A-H26 stronger than 5051A-O?
Yes. 5051A-H26 has a typical yield strength of 205 MPa (29.7 ksi) against 68 MPa (9.86 ksi) for 5051A-O — about 3.0 times as much. Tensile strength is 250 MPa (36.3 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H26 or O?
O is the default 5051A condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 5051A-H26 or 5051A-O?
5051A-H26, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 52/100 against 38/100 for 5051A-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5051A-H26 and 5051A-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.