Aluminum 5356-AW vs 5356-F
Aluminum · 5356 temper comparison
5356-AW and 5356-F are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5356: AW (as-welded deposit) versus F (as fabricated). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5356-F is the stronger of the two: yield strength 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for 5356-AW, about 38% more. In exchange, 5356-AW is the more ductile: elongation 22% versus 12% for 5356-F, and 5356-F is harder (72 HB vs 68 HB).
5356-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
5356-FChoose it when strength drives the design.
5356-AW vs 5356-F: 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
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Shear Strength 179 MPa26 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.64 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 575°C1,067 °F · Liquidus Temperature 635°C1,175 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 116 W/m·K67 BTU/hr·ft·°F · 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 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °F · Min Service Temperature -270°C-454 °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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.87 V · Corrosion Resistance 76 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 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 20%
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.
5356-AW vs 5356-F — frequently asked
Is 5356-F stronger than 5356-AW?
Yes. 5356-F has a typical yield strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for 5356-AW — about 38% more. Tensile strength is 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) vs 290 MPa (42.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or F?
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 5356-AW over 5356-F?
Pick 5356-AW when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded. Pick 5356-F when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5356-AW and 5356-F 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.