cation. Stabilization usually improves ductility.

This designation is applicable

only to those alloys that, unless stabilized, gradually age-soften at room
temperature.
The number following this designation indicates the degree of strainhardening
remaining after the stabilization has occurred, for example, 5005-
H34.
H4 Strain-hardened and lacquered or painted. Applies to products that
are strain-hardened and subjected to some thermal operation during subsequent
painting or lacquering. The number following this designation indicates
the degree of strain-hardening remaining after the product has been thermally
treated as part of the painting or lacquering curing. The corresponding H2X
or H3X mechanical property limits apply.
The digit following the designation H1, H2, H3, or H4 indicates the degree
of strain-hardening. Number 8 is for the tempers with the highest ultimate
tensile strength normally produced and is sometimes called full-hard. Number
4 is for tempers whose ultimate strength is approximately midway between
that of the O temper and the HX8 temper, and so is sometimes called halfhard.
Number 2 is for tempers whose ultimate strength is approximately midway
between that of the O temper and the HX4 temper, which is called
quarter hard. Number 6 is for tempers whose ultimate strength is approximately
midway between that of the HX4 temper and the HX8 temper called
three-quarter hard. Numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7 similarly designate intermediate
tempers between those defined above. Number 9 designates tempers whose
minimum ultimate tensile strength exceeds that of the HX8 tempers by 2 ksi
[15 MPa] or more. An example of the effect of the second digit is shown in
Table 2.4.
The third digit, when used, indicates a variation in the degree of temper
or the mechanical properties of a two-digit temper. An example is pattern or
embossed sheet made from the H12, H22, or H32 tempers; these are assigned
H124, H224, or H324 tempers, respectively, since the additional strain hardening
from embossing causes a slight change in the mechanical properties.