Aluminum 5A06-H18 vs 5A06-O
Aluminum · 5A06 temper comparison
5A06-H18 and 5A06-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, 5A06: H18 (strain hardened, full hard) versus O (annealed). 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 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 5A06-O, about 112% more; tensile strength follows at 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi). In exchange, 5A06-O is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 5% for 5A06-H18, and 5A06-H18 is harder (110 HB vs 70 HB). 5A06-O runs hotter in service (65°C vs 55°C continuous). On the shop floor, 5A06-H18 machines more easily (good vs fair).
5A06-H18Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
5A06-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
5A06-H18 vs 5A06-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 GPa10.2 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.4 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33 · Compressive Strength 165 MPa23.9 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 35 MPa·√m31.9 ksi·√in
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-H18 vs 5A06-O — frequently asked
Is 5A06-H18 stronger than 5A06-O?
Yes. 5A06-H18 has a typical yield strength of 350 MPa (50.8 ksi) against 165 MPa (23.9 ksi) for 5A06-O — about 112% more. Tensile strength is 430 MPa (62.4 ksi) vs 330 MPa (47.9 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H18 or O?
O is the default 5A06 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, 5A06-H18 or 5A06-O?
5A06-H18. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (42/100) for 5A06-O; for welding the order is 5A06-O 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-H18 and 5A06-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.