Aluminum 5252-H38 vs 5252-O
Aluminum · 5252 temper comparison
5252-H38 and 5252-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5252: H38 (strain hardened and stabilized, full hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5252-H38 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for 5252-O, about 182% more; tensile strength follows at 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi). In exchange, 5252-O is the more ductile: elongation 23% versus 5% for 5252-H38, and 5252-H38 is harder (105 HB vs 47 HB). 5252-O runs hotter in service (200°C vs 120°C continuous). On the shop floor, 5252-H38 machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100) and 5252-O welds better (80 vs 70 out of 100).
5252-H38Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5252-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5252-H38 vs 5252-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 68 GPa9.9 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Density 2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 607°C1,125 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 138 W/m·K79.7 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 397 J/g171 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °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).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Water 1,200 L/kg144 gal/lb
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.
5252-H38 vs 5252-O — frequently asked
Is 5252-H38 stronger than 5252-O?
Yes. 5252-H38 has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) against 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) for 5252-O — about 182% more. Tensile strength is 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) vs 180 MPa (26.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H38 or O?
H25 is the default 5252 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither H38 nor O). 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, 5252-H38 or 5252-O?
5252-H38, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for 5252-O; for welding the order is 5252-O first (very good, 80/100) then 5252-H38 (very good, 70/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5252-H38 and 5252-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.