Aluminum 5657-H26 vs 5657-H38
Aluminum · 5657 temper comparison
5657-H26 and 5657-H38 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5657: H26 (strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard) versus H38 (strain hardened and stabilized, full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5657-H38 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for 5657-H26, about 16% more; tensile strength follows at 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi). In exchange, 5657-H26 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 6% for 5657-H38, and 5657-H38 is harder (55 HB vs 45 HB). 5657-H26 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous) and 5657-H38 conducts heat better (200 W/m·K vs 176 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 5657-H38 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
5657-H26Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5657-H38Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5657-H26 vs 5657-H38: 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.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit) 62 MPa9 ksi
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.69 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 638°C1,180 °F · Liquidus Temperature 657°C1,215 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: 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.
Electrical Resistivity
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 54 % IACS
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)
Polishability
Same in both: Brazeability / Solderability 25 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
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.
5657-H26 vs 5657-H38 — frequently asked
Is 5657-H38 stronger than 5657-H26?
Yes. 5657-H38 has a typical yield strength of 185 MPa (26.8 ksi) against 160 MPa (23.2 ksi) for 5657-H26 — about 16% more. Tensile strength is 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H26 or H38?
Specify the condition in the material field or the drawing note; FabDigit prices the quote for the state you call out.
Which is easier to machine, 5657-H26 or 5657-H38?
5657-H38. Its machinability rates fair (45/100) against poor (33/100) for 5657-H26; for welding the order is 5657-H26 first (very good, 70/100) then 5657-H38 (good, 65/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5657-H26 and 5657-H38 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.