Aluminum BAlSi-5-H18 vs BAlSi-5-O
Aluminum · BAlSi-5 temper comparison
BAlSi-5-H18 and BAlSi-5-O are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, BAlSi-5: H18 (strain hardened, full hard) versus O (annealed). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. BAlSi-5-H18 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for BAlSi-5-O, about 3.4 times as much; tensile strength follows at 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi). In exchange, BAlSi-5-O is the more ductile: elongation 20% versus 2% for BAlSi-5-H18, and BAlSi-5-H18 is harder (55 HB vs 35 HB). BAlSi-5-O runs hotter in service (150°C vs 110°C continuous). On the shop floor, BAlSi-5-H18 machines more easily (fair vs poor).
BAlSi-5-H18Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
BAlSi-5-OChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
BAlSi-5-H18 vs BAlSi-5-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
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.67 g/cm³0.1 lb/in³ · Melting Point (Solidus) 577°C1,071 °F · Liquidus Temperature 591°C1,096 °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) 21.4 µm/m·K11.9 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 395 J/g170 BTU/lb · 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) -0.82 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 45 / 100 · Castability 85 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 95 / 100 · Polishability 35 / 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 30%
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.
BAlSi-5-H18 vs BAlSi-5-O — frequently asked
Is BAlSi-5-H18 stronger than BAlSi-5-O?
Yes. BAlSi-5-H18 has a typical yield strength of 170 MPa (24.7 ksi) against 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) for BAlSi-5-O — about 3.4 times as much. Tensile strength is 190 MPa (27.6 ksi) vs 110 MPa (16 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, H18 or O?
O is the default BAlSi-5 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, BAlSi-5-H18 or BAlSi-5-O?
BAlSi-5-H18. Its machinability rates fair (38/100) against poor (28/100) for BAlSi-5-O.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in BAlSi-5-H18 and BAlSi-5-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.