Aluminum 5556-F vs 5556-O
Aluminum · 5556 temper comparison
5556-F and 5556-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5556: F (as fabricated) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5556-F is the stronger of the two: yield strength 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 5556-O, about 17% more. In exchange, 5556-O is the more ductile: elongation 24% versus 16% for 5556-F, and 5556-F is harder (75 HB vs 70 HB).
5556-FChoose it when strength drives the design.
5556-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
5556-F vs 5556-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 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.4 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.66 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 568°C1,054 °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) 24.2 µm/m·K13.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 397 J/g171 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Castability 35 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 10 / 100 · Polishability 60 / 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 15%
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.
5556-F vs 5556-O — frequently asked
Is 5556-F stronger than 5556-O?
Yes. 5556-F has a typical yield strength of 175 MPa (25.4 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for 5556-O — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 310 MPa (45 ksi) vs 300 MPa (43.5 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or O?
AW is the default 5556 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F 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, 5556-F or 5556-O?
5556-F, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 40/100 for 5556-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5556-F and 5556-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.