AW 5754 H111 vs H22: A Complete Comparison Guide for Engineers and Fabricators

Introduction: Same Alloy, Different Temper — Why It Matters

When sourcing EN AW-5754 aluminum sheet or plate, specifying the correct alloy number is only half the decision. The temper — the condition in which the material is supplied — determines how it will behave during fabrication and in service. Two of the most common options are 5754 H111 and 5754 H22. They are made from the same aluminum-magnesium alloy, but they are not interchangeable.

In simple terms, 5754 H111 is softer and easier to form, while 5754 H22 is stronger, harder, and more resistant to dents. This fundamental difference affects bending radius, forming quality, panel flatness, weld fabrication, and the long-term performance of the final part. Choosing the wrong temper can lead to cracking during forming, insufficient structural strength, or unnecessary material costs.

This guide provides a clear, side-by-side comparison of AW 5754 H111 and H22 to help engineers, fabricators, and procurement professionals make the right selection for their specific application.

What Is EN AW-5754 Aluminum?

EN AW-5754 is a 5xxx series aluminum alloy, with magnesium (2.6–3.6%) as its primary alloying element. It is a non-heat-treatable alloy, meaning its mechanical properties are developed through work hardening (cold working) and annealing, rather than heat treatment.

Key characteristics of 5754 aluminum:

●Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in seawater and marine atmospheres

●Good weldability with common aluminum welding methods

●Higher strength than 5251 alloy

●Good formability, depending on the selected temper

●Suitable for sheet, plate, treadplate, and fabricated components

Common applications include:

●Marine panels, ship structures, and boat components

●Truck bodies, trailer panels, and vehicle side panels

●Fuel tanks, storage tanks, and pressure vessels

●Industrial flooring and aluminum treadplate

●Chemical and food processing equipment

●Architectural panels and corrosion-resistant cladding

What Do H111 and H22 Mean?

5754 H111 — Lightly Strain-Hardened The H111 temper means the material has been annealed and then lightly strain-hardened during final operations such as stretching, flattening, or shaping. It is not as hard as standard strain-hardened tempers like H22 or H32.

In workshop conditions, 5754 H111 is known for being more forgiving when parts need to be bent, rolled, pressed, or welded into complex shapes. If a design includes curved areas, flanges, or multiple forming steps, H111 is often the safer starting point.

Key characteristics of 5754 H111:

●Lower strength than 5754 H22

●Better ductility and formability

●Easier bending with lower risk of cracking

●Good weldability

●Excellent corrosion resistance

●Suitable for formed, rolled, and fabricated parts

5754 H22 — Quarter-Hard Work Hardened

The H22 temper is produced by work hardening through cold rolling, followed by partial annealing, resulting in a quarter-hard condition. This process significantly boosts yield strength while maintaining moderate ductility.

Key characteristics of 5754 H22:

●Higher strength and hardness than H111

●Better resistance to denting and deformation

●Moderate formability — requires larger bending radii

●Good weldability, but with greater strength loss in the heat-affected zone

●Excellent corrosion resistance

S●uitable for structural, load-bearing, and wear-resistant applications

Mechanical Properties Comparison

The following data highlights the key mechanical differences between 5754 H111 and H22:

Key takeaways:

●H22 has approximately 85% higher yield strength than H111 (185 MPa vs 100 MPa)

●H22 has 25–50% higher hardness (75 HV vs 55 HV), providing better dent and wear resistance

●H111 has significantly higher elongation (25% vs 15%), offering superior formability and bendability

Fabrication and Processing Differences

Forming and Bending

H111 is the clear winner for complex forming operations. Its higher ductility allows for:

●Tighter bending radii without cracking

●Deep drawing and complex shaping

●Multi-step forming operations

H22 requires more generous bending radii to prevent tension cracking. While it can still be formed, it is less forgiving and demands more careful tooling and process control.

Welding

Both tempers offer good weldability with standard MIG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW) processes. Recommended filler alloys include 5356 or 5554 to preserve corrosion resistance.

However, there is an important distinction: H22 experiences a more significant strength reduction in the weld heat-affected zone compared to H111. The cold-worked structure of H22 partially recovers during welding, leading to localized softening. This effect is less pronounced in H111, making it more predictable for welded assemblies.

Machinability

Both tempers have average machinability. The higher hardness of H22 may provide slightly better chip formation, while H111’s softness can lead to built-up edge on cutting tools. For extensive machining, tool selection and coolant application become important considerations.

Application Recommendations

Choose 5754 H111 When:

●The part requires complex bending, rolling, or deep drawing

●Multiple forming steps are involved

●Welding flexibility is important, and minimizing weld-zone strength loss is a priority

●The component has curved areas or flanges

●The design prioritizes formability over ultimate strength

●Typical applications: Shaped marine panels, tank parts, complex covers, fabricated structures, and components requiring several bending operations

Choose 5754 H22 When:

●The part requires higher strength and structural rigidity

●Surface hardness and dent resistance are important

●The application involves wear, abrasion, or impact loading

●Panel flatness must be maintained under load

●Typical applications: Structural frames, vehicle panels, flooring, pressure vessels, and load-bearing components

Quick Selection Guide

Conclusion

Choosing between AW 5754 H111 and H22 is not about which temper is “better” — it is about which temper is right for your application. 5754 H111 offers superior formability, ductility, and welding predictability, making it the preferred choice for complex fabricated components. 5754 H22 provides significantly higher strength, hardness, and dent resistance, making it ideal for structural and wear-resistant applications.

By understanding the trade-offs between strength, formability, and weldability, you can select the temper that delivers the best performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness for your specific project.

Contact Mingtai Aluminum today for free samples, technical data sheets, or a factory-direct quotation for your 5754 aluminum requirements.

Mingtai Aluminum – Marine & Industrial Aluminum Division

Phone: +86-18776078273

Email: sales@mingtai-al.com

Website: https://m.mingtai-al.com/

Factory Address: Gongyi City Industrial Agglomeration Area, Henan, China