1050-H14 Aluminum Plate: Half-Hard Specs & Uses
1050-H14 aluminum plate is the half-hard, strain-hardened temper of 1050 - the 99.5% minimum purity commercial-pure aluminum alloy. The H14 temper is the most common specification for flat sheet and plate in this alloy family because it delivers a practical balance: roughly 50% higher strength than annealed material while retaining good formability, full corrosion resistance and the alloy's excellent conductivity. This article covers the H-temper system, verified H14 data, and where H14 is the right choice.
1. What the H14 Temper Means
1050 is not heat-treatable; it is strengthened only by cold working (strain hardening).
| Temper | Condition | Typical tensile strength |
| O (annealed) | Fully soft | 76–105 MPa |
| H12 (quarter-hard) | Lightly strain hardened | 95–125 MPa |
| H14 (half-hard) | Strain hardened to half-hard | 110–145 MPa |
| H16 (three-quarter-hard) | More heavily worked | 130–165 MPa |
| H18 (full hard) | Maximum strain hardening | 150 MPa min |
2. Mechanical Properties: 1050 H14 vs 1050 O
| Property | 1050-H14 | 1050-O (for comparison) |
| Tensile strength | 110–145 MPa | 76–105 MPa |
| 0.2% yield strength | ~105 MPa | ~28 MPa |
| Elongation | ~6–12% | ≥35% |
| Hardness | ~35–45 HB | ~18–22 HB |
H14 roughly doubles the yield strength of the annealed temper at the cost of formability - the standard trade for flat product that must be rigid enough for panels, signs and ducting.
3. Composition and Physical Properties
1050 contains minimum 99.5% aluminum, with Si ≤0.25, Fe ≤0.40, Cu ≤0.05, Mn ≤0.05, Zn ≤0.07, Ti ≤0.05. Physically: density 2.71 g/cm³, melting range ~646–657 °C, thermal conductivity ~222 W/(m·K), electrical conductivity ~61% IACS, modulus ~70 GPa. The high purity is what preserves corrosion resistance and conductivity in the H14 temper - cold working does not degrade either.
4. Fabrication of 1050 H14 Aluminum Plate
- Bending: H14 supports bending at radii of about 2–4× plate thickness (versus 1× for O); tighter radii require the annealed temper or edge-relief.
- Punching and blanking: excellent - clean edges with sharp tooling; the work-hardened temper improves dimensional control compared with soft O sheet.
- Anodizing: responds well to sulphuric anodizing; the bright surface is widely used for reflectors and decorative panels.
- Welding: MIG/TIG with 4043 filler; note that H14 returns to near-O strength in the heat-affected zone.
5. Typical 1050 H14 Aluminum Plate Applications
- Signage and nameplates - flat, stiff, anodizable.
- HVAC ducting and cladding - good stiffness at low weight.
- Lighting reflectors - high reflectivity with the H14 flatness.
- General sheet-metal work: brackets, covers, panels, architectural flashings.
- Food and chemical equipment where purity, cleanliness and mild-corrosion resistance are required.
6. Global Equivalents and Ordering Notes
1050-H14 is equivalent to EN AW-1050A H14 in Europe and A1050 in Japan; US orders commonly reference AA 1050-H14 to ASTM B209. When ordering, specify the standard, temper, thickness, width/length and surface finish, and request a mill certificate confirming composition, temper and mechanical results - especially where the H14 strength minimum is a design input.
Conclusion: Choose GNEE for High-Quality 1050 Aluminum Plate
1050 aluminum plate stands out for its high purity, excellent corrosion resistance, superior conductivity, and outstanding formability. It is a dependable material for chemical processing, food equipment, heat exchangers, electrical systems, and reflective applications. Understanding its properties, tempers, and global equivalents ensures the right selection for long-term performance and cost efficiency.
Contact GNEE today to receive expert advice, detailed technical data, and competitive pricing on premium 1050 aluminum plates tailored to your specific requirements.
