Aluminum 5A06-F vs 5A06-H18
Aluminum · 5A06 temper comparison
5A06-F and 5A06-H18 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5A06: F (as fabricated) versus H18 (strain hardened, full hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. 5A06-H18 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for 5A06-F, about 106% more; tensile strength follows at 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi). In exchange, 5A06-F is the more ductile: elongation 15% versus 5% for 5A06-H18, and 5A06-H18 is harder (110 HB vs 72 HB). 5A06-F runs hotter in service (65°C vs 55°C continuous). On the shop floor, 5A06-H18 machines more easily (good vs fair).
5A06-FChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5A06-H18Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5A06-F vs 5A06-H18: 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
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Hardness, Brinell
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.4 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.64 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.
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 117 W/m·K67.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 920 J/kg·K0.22 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 24.7 µm/m·K13.7 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 390 J/g168 BTU/lb · Min Service Temperature -253°C-423 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 26.5 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 6.5×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.56 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
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 40% · Brazeability / Solderability 20 / 100 · Polishability 50 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 210 MJ/kg90,284 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 14 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.
5A06-F vs 5A06-H18 — frequently asked
Is 5A06-H18 stronger than 5A06-F?
Yes. 5A06-H18 has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) for 5A06-F — about 106% more. Tensile strength is 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) vs 335 MPa (48.6 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, F or H18?
O is the default 5A06 condition in the FabDigit quote flow (neither F nor H18). 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, 5A06-F or 5A06-H18?
5A06-H18. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for 5A06-F; for welding the order is 5A06-F first (excellent, 88/100) then 5A06-H18 (very good, 82/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5A06-F and 5A06-H18 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.