5052 is one of the alloys that can be CNC machined and used as components for aircraft, marine, and some other industries. To understand this material, here is an introduction to 5052 aluminum, along with its designation, characteristics, composition, properties, tempers, and comparison with other aluminum grades.
What Is 5052 Aluminum?
5052 aluminum is an aluminum-magnesium alloy that primarily consists of aluminum, magnesium, and a small amount of chromium. The designation 5052 comes from a standardized naming system developed by the Aluminum Association, which assigns a four-digit code to each aluminum alloy based on its elements. The first digit – 5, indicates that magnesium is the main alloying element. The second number, 0, means that this alloy has standard levels of impurities, while the last two digits specify the particular alloy. Al 5052 has good formability and weldability; it can be shaped and molded easily. It is also relatively easy to machine. So, 5052 is an ideal material for sheet metal fabrication and CNC machining.
Is 5052 Aluminium Heat Treatable?
Unlike some other aluminum grades, 5052 aluminum alloy can’t be made stronger by heating; instead, it can be made stronger by working with it while it’s cold, like bending or shaping it.
Is 5052 Aluminium Corrosion Resistant?
One of the standout features of 5052 aluminum is its excellent corrosion resistance. CNC machined 5052 aluminum parts are typically applied in aerospace, automotive, architectural, and marine fields, such as fuel tanks, deck plates, and more.
Is 5052 Aluminum Bendable?
Yes, 5052 aluminum is one of the most bendable types. This is why it is often used in sheet metal work where bending or shaping is required. It is known for its formability, which means it can easily be shaped into different forms without cracking or breaking.
Is 5052 Aluminum Weldable?
Yes, 5052 aluminum alloy is capable of being welded with ease. It is recognised for having good weldability with standard industry practices like MIG and TIG welding. Moreover, alloy 5052 has an outstanding corrosion resistance, which makes it favourable for marine applications.
5052 Aluminum Chemical Composition
- Magnesium: 2.2%-2.8%
- Chromium: 0.15%-0.35%
- Copper: 0.1% maximum
- Iron: 0.4% maximum
- Manganese: 0.1% maximum
- Silicon: 0.25% maximum
- Zinc: 0.1% maximum
- Aluminium: Remainder
5052 Aluminum Material Properties (Physical, Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical)
- Density: 2.68 g/cm3
- Hardness, Brinell: 60
- Shear Modulus: 25.9 GPa (3,760 ksi)
- Modulus of Elasticity: 70.3 GPa (10,200 ksi)
- Yield Strength: 193 MPa (28,000 psi)
- Ultimate Strength: 228 MPa (33,000 psi)
- Shear Strength: 138 MPa (20,000 psi)
- Fatigue Strength: 117 MPa (17000 psi)
- Elongation at break: 7-27%
- Poisson’s ratio: 0.33
- Melting temperature: 607 °C (1,125 °F)
- Thermal conductivity: 138 W/m*K
- Specific heat capacity: 880 J/kg*K
- Volume resistivity: 49.3-49.9 nOhm* m
5052 Aluminum Tempers
Al 5052 has lots of variations, for example, 5052-H32 represents one of its tempers. The common 5052 tempers are 5052-H and 5052-O. The O” temper designation stands for annealed, and H temper indicates that the aluminum has undergone strain hardening. The H designation is followed by two digits that provide more specific information about the degree of strain hardening and any additional treatments applied. Common types of 5052 H tempers include:
- 5052 H32: Work hardened then stabilised by low-temperature heat or thermal treatment to quarter hard.
- 5052 H34: Work hardened then stabilised by low-temperature heat treatment to half hard.
- 5052 H36: Work hardened then stabilised by low-temperature heat treatment to three-quarter hard.
- 5052 H38: Work hardened then stabilised by low-temperature heat treatment to fully hard.
5052 Aluminum vs 6061 Aluminum – Differences Between 5052 and 6061
| Feature | 5052 Aluminum | 6061 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Higher Content of Mg | Higher Content of Si, Fe, Cu, Zn |
| Tempers | F, O, H (H32, H34, etc.) | F, O, T (T4, T6, etc.) |
| Density | 2.68 g/cm³ | 2.7 g/cm³ |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | 228 MPa | 310 MPa (higher) |
| Yield Strength | 193MPa | 276 MPa (higher) |
| Fatigue Strength | 117 MPa (higher) | 96.5 MPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 138 W/m-K | 167 W/m-K |
| Elasticity | Higher | Lower |
| Machinability | More difficult | Easier to machine |
| Heat Treatment | Non-heat-treatable | Heat-treatable |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent, especially in marine | Good, but less than 5052 |
| Applications | Marine, architectural, home appliances | Food, automotive, aerospace |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
5052 Aluminum vs 3003 Aluminum – Differences Between 5052 and 3003
| Feature | 3003 Aluminum | 5052 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Composition | Primarily alloyed with Manganese | Primarily alloyed with Magnesium |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Yield Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Brinell Hardness | 40 | 60 |
| Forming and Fabrication | Softer, easier to work with | Tougher, better formability |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Superior, especially in saltwater |
| Weldability | Weldable, easier to work with | Weldable, welding parameters are more important |
| Common Applications | Cooking utensils, chemical equipment | Marine, automotive, and medical equipment |
| Cost | Generally cheaper per pound | Slightly more expensive per pound |
| Density | 0.099 lb/in³ | 0.097 lb/in³ |
5052 Aluminum vs 5083 Aluminum – Differences Between 5052 and 5083
| Feature | 5052 Aluminum | 5083 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | 2.2-2.8% Magnesium | 4.0-4.9% Magnesium |
| Tensile Strength | 170 MPa (5052-H112) | 270 MPa (5083-H112) |
| Yield Strength | 70 MPa (5052-H112) | 125 MPa (5083-H112) |
| Weldability | Good, less likely to crack | Excellent, better with GTAW |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good, suitable for marine use | Superior, preferred for marine applications |
| Machinability | Easier to machine | More challenging due to high strength |
| Formability | Excellent, great for bending | Good, but less formable than 5052 |
| Applications | Automotive, marine, and decorative | Marine fittings, construction, and low-temperature applications |
| Low-Temperature Performance | Excellent | Retains properties at cryogenic temperatures |
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