Aluminum ER5556-AW vs ER5556-H16
Aluminum · ER5556 temper comparison
ER5556-AW and ER5556-H16 are two conditions of the same aluminum grade, ER5556: AW (as-welded deposit) versus H16 (strain hardened, three-quarter hard). The chemistry is identical, so every difference below comes from the condition. ER5556-H16 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for ER5556-AW, about 100% more; tensile strength follows at 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) vs 290 MPa (42.1 ksi). In exchange, ER5556-AW is the more ductile: elongation 17% versus 6% for ER5556-H16, and ER5556-H16 is harder (105 HB vs 75 HB). On the shop floor, ER5556-H16 machines more easily (good vs fair).
ER5556-AWChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
ER5556-H16Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is machined in volume.
ER5556-AW vs ER5556-H16: 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
Reduction in Area
Compressive Strength
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 71 GPa10.3 Msi · Shear Modulus 26.5 GPa3.8 Msi · Bulk Modulus 70 GPa10.2 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Same in both: Density 2.66 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.
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 116 W/m·K67 BTU/hr·ft·°F · Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 24.2 µm/m·K13.4 µin/in·°F · Latent Heat of Fusion 397 J/g171 BTU/lb · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 65°C149 °F · Min Service Temperature -196°C-321 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 29 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 5.95×10⁻⁸ Ω·m2.34 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
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Formability (cold)
Same in both: Weldability 92 / 100 · Castability 30 / 100 · Brazeability / Solderability 15 / 100 · Polishability 55 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 205 MJ/kg88,134 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 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.
ER5556-AW vs ER5556-H16 — frequently asked
Is ER5556-H16 stronger than ER5556-AW?
Yes. ER5556-H16 has a typical yield strength of 300 MPa (43.5 ksi) against 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) for ER5556-AW — about 100% more. Tensile strength is 385 MPa (55.8 ksi) vs 290 MPa (42.1 ksi).
Which condition does FabDigit quote by default, AW or H16?
AW is the default ER5556 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, ER5556-AW or ER5556-H16?
ER5556-H16. Its machinability rates good (55/100) against fair (45/100) for ER5556-AW.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in ER5556-AW and ER5556-H16 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.