1060 is a commercially pure aluminum alloy with a minimum aluminum content of 99.6%. It is chosen for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and formability rather than for strength. The same 1060 alloy can be supplied in very different conditions, and the two most common are the fully annealed O temper and the strain-hardened, partially annealed H24 temper. This guide compares them so you can specify the right one.
What the Tempers Mean
1060-O (Annealed)
The O temper is fully annealed: the material is heated and slowly cooled so that all work hardening is removed. The result is the softest, most ductile condition of the alloy, with the lowest strength and the highest formability. 1060-O is the standard starting point for deep drawing, spinning, and severe forming operations.
1060-H24 (Strain Hardened, Partially Annealed)
H24 means the sheet was strain hardened to the half-hard condition and then partially annealed to stabilize the properties. The combination yields roughly twice the yield strength of the O temper while retaining enough ductility for bending and moderate forming. H24 also delivers a flatter, more uniform surface, which is why it is common in roofing, signage, and decorative panels.
Typical Mechanical Properties
Values below follow ASTM B209 for sheet and plate in common gauges; EN 485-2, GB/T 3880, and JIS H4000 give comparable figures.
| Property | 1060-O | 1060-H24 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 70-105 MPa | 105-145 MPa |
| Yield strength (min) | 28-30 MPa | 75 MPa |
| Elongation | 25% min (up to 43%) | 3-12% |
| Density | 2.71 g/cm3 (identical for both tempers) | |
| Electrical conductivity | About 62% IACS | |
Note that temper does not change density: work hardening alters strength and ductility, not weight. For a given volume, O and H24 plate weigh exactly the same.
Formability, Machining, and Welding
1060-O is the most formable version of the alloy: it deep-draws, spins, and embosses easily, making it ideal for cookware, reflectors, nameplates, and complex pressings. 1060-H24 requires more force to form and is best suited to bending and roll forming with generous radii; sharp bends risk cracking. In machining, the soft O temper can tear and gum tools, so H24 machines more cleanly. Both tempers weld well with TIG or MIG using 1100 or 4043 filler; the O temper welds with slightly less distortion risk, and welding always softens H24 locally to the annealed condition in the heat-affected zone.
Applications: Which Temper Fits Where
Typical 1060-O applications:
Deep-drawn cookware, bakeware, and utensils;
Spun lamp shades, reflectors, and decorative items;
Chemical and electrical components requiring maximum ductility;
Parts that will be formed first and used in the annealed state.
Typical 1060-H24 applications:
Roofing sheets, flashing, and rainware;
Traffic signs, nameplates, and signage panels;
Capacitor cases and electrical enclosures needing flatness;
Trim, fascias, and light structural panels.
Surface Treatment and Corrosion Resistance
Both tempers offer excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric, fresh-water, and mild chemical environments thanks to the natural, self-healing oxide film on high-purity aluminum. Both can be anodized or painted: the H24 surface is slightly more uniform and holds anodized and painted finishes with good consistency, while the softer O temper accepts the same treatments for decorative purposes. For outdoor architectural use, an anodized or coated finish is recommended to preserve appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between O and H24 in simple terms?
O is fully annealed and soft with maximum formability; H24 is strain hardened to half-hard and partially annealed, giving about double the yield strength and better flatness at the cost of formability.
Q2: Which temper is stronger, 1060-O or 1060-H24?
H24. Its minimum yield strength of about 75 MPa is roughly 2.5 times that of the O temper, which is why H24 is used for panels and roofing that must resist handling loads.
Q3: Is 1060-H24 heavier than 1060-O?
No. Density is identical for both tempers (2.71 g/cm3); work hardening does not change weight. Any perceived difference comes from gauge tolerances, not temper.
Q4: Can 1060-O plate be hardened afterward?
Yes. Cold rolling or other cold work will strain harden it, and it can then be partially annealed to an H24-type condition; heat-treating does not harden 1xxx alloys, only cold work does.
Q5: Which is better for deep drawing?
1060-O. Deep drawing needs maximum ductility; H24 will split or wrinkle in severe draws. Use O for deep draws and H24 only for shallow forming and bending.
Q6: What standards cover 1060 sheet and plate?
ASTM B209 in North America, EN 485 and EN 573 in Europe (EN AW-1060), JIS H4000 in Japan, and GB/T 3880 in China; confirm the applicable standard with your supplier and mill certificate.
Choosing Between 1060-O and 1060-H24?
Tell us your forming process, application, gauge, width, length, and quantity. We supply 1060 sheet and plate in O and H24 tempers with mill test certificates and export-standard packaging.
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