Aluminum 5251-H14 vs 5251-H32
Aluminum · 5251 temper comparison
5251-H14 and 5251-H32 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5251: H14 (strain hardened, half hard) versus H32 (strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5251-H14 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 5251-H32, about 20% more; tensile strength follows at 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi). In exchange, 5251-H32 is the more ductile: elongation 10% versus 7% for 5251-H14, and 5251-H14 is harder (64 HB vs 57 HB). 5251-H32 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous).
5251-H14Choose it when strength drives the design.
5251-H32Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5251-H14 vs 5251-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 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 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) 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 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) 23.8 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 34 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.1×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.01 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.86 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 88 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 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 30%
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.
5251-H14 vs 5251-H32 — frequently asked
Is 5251-H14 stronger than 5251-H32?
Yes. 5251-H14 has a typical yield strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 5251-H32 — about 20% more. Tensile strength is 230 MPa (33.4 ksi) vs 210 MPa (30.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H14 or H32?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
When should I choose 5251-H14 over 5251-H32?
Pick 5251-H14 when strength drives the design. Pick 5251-H32 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5251-H14 and 5251-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.