Aluminum 5654-H38 vs 5654-O
Aluminum · 5654 temper comparison
5654-H38 and 5654-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5654: H38 (strain hardened and stabilized, full hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5654-H38 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) against 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) for 5654-O, about 135% more; tensile strength follows at 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi). In exchange, 5654-O is the more ductile: elongation 25% versus 10% for 5654-H38, and 5654-H38 is harder (80 HB vs 58 HB). On the shop floor, 5654-H38 machines more easily (50 vs 35 out of 100).
5654-H38Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5654-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
5654-H38 vs 5654-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 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Hardness, Rockwell B 25 HRB
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.66 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 593°C1,099 °F · Liquidus Temperature 643°C1,189 °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 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °F · Min Service Temperature -270°C-454 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Same in both: Electrical Resistivity 5.4×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.13 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 20 / 100 · Polishability 65 / 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 kg CO₂/kg · Embodied Water 1,150 L/kg138 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.
5654-H38 vs 5654-O — frequently asked
Is 5654-H38 stronger than 5654-O?
Yes. 5654-H38 has a typical yield strength of 270 MPa (39.2 ksi) against 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) for 5654-O — about 135% more. Tensile strength is 330 MPa (47.9 ksi) vs 240 MPa (34.8 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H38 or O?
O is the default 5654 condition in the FabDigit quote flow. 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, 5654-H38 or 5654-O?
5654-H38, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 50/100 against 35/100 for 5654-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5654-H38 and 5654-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.