Tough enough to hold up on fuel tanks, yet adaptable enough to be used in utensils and fan blades, what makes 5052 aluminum such a versatile alloy?
Let’s start with the basics. 5052 aluminum is:
• Part of the 5xxx series of aluminum. Grades in this family are alloyed using magnesium (2.5%) and possess moderate-to-high strength characteristics. These grades are considered to have good weldability and resistance to corrosion. 5052 aluminum also includes .25% chromium.
• A non-heat treatable common aluminum alloy, which means it is strengthened through cold working. Cold working is the action of “working” (e.g., rolling or forging methods) the metal to make it stronger.
Properties of Aluminum
Aluminum is the most widely used non-ferrous metal and is available in a wide selection of alloys and tempers.
Property |
The difference it makes: |
Light weight |
This is ideal is such industries as automotive and transportation, helping improve fuel economy and increase payload.
|
Corrosion resistant |
When exposed to atmospheric conditions, aluminum forms a thin layer of aluminum oxide. This protects the material from corrosion caused by oxygen, moisture, and various chemicals.
|
Easily formed |
Aluminum can be easily formed. For example, grade 3003 aluminum has excellent formability. Other grades such as 5052, 6061, 6063 have good formability.
|
Highly conductive |
Heat moves quickly through aluminum, which is ideal for exchangers, heat sinks, cooling vanes, plastic injection molds, and process vessels.
|
Strength |
Commercially pure aluminum has a tensile strength of 13 KSI. Through cold working methods and/or the addition of alloying elements, the strength of aluminum can read 100 KSI for use in structural applications.
|
What is Aluminum Used For?
From solar panels to transportation applications, aluminum is essential everywhere in modern society.
Lightweight and corrosion resistant with the ability to be easily formed, aluminum can help reduce costs and improve product performance in many different applications.
Across all industries, aluminum’s infinite recyclability supports sustainable manufacturing and helps improve energy efficiency.
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Transportation
• Heavy Industrial
• Marine
How strong is 5052 aluminum?
Strength, KSI | Tension | Elong. In 2" | Brinell Hardness (500kg load; 10mm ball.) | Ultimate Shear Strenght, KSI | Endurance* Limit, KSI | Mod. ** of Elast. KSIx10*** | ||
Ultimate | Yield | 1/16" Th. | 1/2" Th. | |||||
5052-0 | 28 | 13 | 25 | 30 | 47 | 18 | 16 | 10.2 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5052-H32 | 33 | 28 | 12 | 18 | 60 | 20 | 17 | 10.2 |
5052-H34 | 38 | 31 | 10 | 14 | 68 | 21 | 18 | 10.2 |
5052-H36 | 40 | 35 | 8 | 10 | 73 | 23 | 19 | 10.2 |
5052-H38 | 42 | 37 | 7 | 8 | 77 | 24 | 20 | 10.2 |
What is the difference between 5052 and 6061 aluminum?
Due to its strength, 6061 aluminum is used in structural and engineering applications. However, 5052 aluminum is more formable than 6061 aluminum.
What are the differences between 5052 and 3003 aluminum?
Due to the presence of copper, 3003 aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion. This grade also features excellent workability and weldability. Common applications for 3003 aluminum include sheet metal work, commercial signage, and refrigerator liners.
What are the applications of 5052 aluminum sheet?
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