Aluminum 5156-H32 vs 5156-O
Aluminum · 5156 temper comparison
5156-H32 and 5156-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5156: H32 (strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5156-H32 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for 5156-O, about 81% more; tensile strength follows at 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 ksi). In exchange, 5156-O is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 13% for 5156-H32, and 5156-H32 is harder (75 HB vs 60 HB). On the shop floor, 5156-H32 machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
5156-H32Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5156-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
5156-H32 vs 5156-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 70.3 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.4 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 68 GPa9.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 40 MPa·√m36.4 ksi·√in
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.65 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 574°C1,065 °F · Liquidus Temperature 638°C1,180 °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) 23.9 µm/m·K13.3 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 29 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.9×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.32 µΩ·in
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
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Weldability 92 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 18 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 210 MJ/kg90,284 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.
5156-H32 vs 5156-O — frequently asked
Is 5156-H32 stronger than 5156-O?
Yes. 5156-H32 has a typical yield strength of 235 MPa (34.1 ksi) against 130 MPa (18.9 ksi) for 5156-O — about 81% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 275 MPa (39.9 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, 5156-H32 or 5156-O?
5156-H32, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for 5156-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5156-H32 and 5156-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.