In architectural sheet-metal work, which temper is frequently used for aluminum?

• A. Half hard
• B. Soft
• C. Annealed
• D. Bright rolled

Answer: (A)

Temper describes how hard aluminum is after forming, which determines how easily you can shape it and how well it will hold its bends and edges in service. Half-hard offers a useful balance: it’s been work-hardened to increase yield strength and resist springback, yet it remains workable with standard forming and fabrication processes. This makes architectural aluminum sheets stiff enough to maintain panel tolerances and resist denting, while still forming without excessive cracking or tearing. Soft or annealed would be too easy to dent and would deform more readily, and bright rolled is a surface finish, not a temper.