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
Common tempers are O (annealed), H12/H14/H16/H18 with their H2x equivalents for sheet work, and H112 or F for thick plate; the temper is chosen by the forming operation and the final strength required.
EN 573-3 and ISO 209 define the chemical composition, EN 485-2 the mechanical properties of sheet, GB/T 3880.2 the Chinese equivalent, and ASTM B209 the US product standard.
Store dry and off the floor with the protective interleaving in place, keep the bundles separated from steel and other metals, and handle with care so the surface is not scratched or stained.
Yes, but weldability depends on the alloy family: 3xxx and 5xxx alloys weld readily, 6xxx alloys weld with good strength, and 1xxx pure alloys weld easily for non-structural service.
Mill finish is standard; bright, embossed, anodized and color-coated finishes are available for architectural and decorative service, and the finish is specified on the order.
Sheet is typically supplied from 0.2 mm to 6.0 mm and plate from 6 mm upward, with coil widths from 500 mm to about 2000 mm depending on mill capability and the ordered temper.
