5052 aluminum sheet is one of the most versatile and widely used aluminum alloys globally. As a non-heat-treatable alloy in the 5xxx magnesium series, it combines excellent corrosion resistance with good formability and moderate strength, making it the go-to choice for marine applications, fuel tanks, automotive body panels, and general sheet metal fabrication.
The H32 temper—quarter-hard, strain-hardened and stabilized—represents the optimal balance between strength and workability for most applications. With superior resistance to saltwater and industrial atmospheres, 5052 outperforms both 3003 and 1100 aluminum while remaining easy to weld and form.
Table of Contents
What is 5052 Aluminum Sheet?
5052 aluminum sheet is a widely used non-heat-treatable alloy in the 5xxx series, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and moderate strength. It contains magnesium as the primary alloying element (2.2-2.8%), which provides higher strength than pure aluminum while maintaining good ductility.
This alloy is commonly specified for applications requiring good weldability and resistance to saltwater corrosion, making it a popular choice for marine components, fuel tanks, sheet metal work, and general fabrication. The H32 temper is the most widely used condition for 5052 sheet.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2.2 – 2.8 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.15 – 0.35 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 5052 aluminum vary with temper. Common tempers include O (annealed), H32 (strain-hardened and stabilized), and H34/H36/H38 (increasing work hardening).
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O (Annealed) | 170 – 215 | ≥ 65 (typ. 90) | 18 – 25 |
| H32 | 215 – 265 | ≥ 160 (typ. 195) | 7 – 12 |
| H34 | 235 – 285 | ≥ 180 (typ. 215) | 6 – 10 |
| H36 | 255 – 300 | ≥ 200 (typ. 235) | 4 – 8 |
| H38 | ≥ 270 (typ. 290) | ≥ 220 (typ. 255) | 4 – 7 |
Ranges are ASTM B209 min–max limits; "typ." values are typical properties from the ASM Handbook. Elongation depends on thickness. Actual values are stated on the mill test certificate.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.68 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 607 – 650 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 138 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 35% IACS |
| Elastic Modulus | 70.3 GPa |
| Shear Strength (H32) | 138 MPa |
| Fatigue Strength (H32, 5×10⁸ cycles) | 117 MPa |
Common Tempers Explained
- O (Annealed): Softest condition with maximum formability. Used for deep drawing and complex forming operations.
- H32: Quarter-hard, strain-hardened and stabilized. Balances strength and formability; most common commercial temper.
- H34: Half-hard, offering higher strength with reduced ductility compared to H32.
- H36 / H38: Three-quarter-hard and full-hard respectively. Highest strength but limited formability.
Key Characteristics
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Superior performance in marine and industrial atmospheres, including saltwater exposure.
- Good Formability: Can be easily formed, bent, and deep drawn, especially in O and H32 tempers.
- Weldable: Good weldability using common techniques (TIG, MIG, resistance welding). Filler alloy 5356 or 5554 recommended.
- Moderate Strength: Higher strength than 1xxx and 3xxx series, though lower than heat-treatable 6xxx alloys.
- Non-Heat-Treatable: Strength is achieved through work hardening (H tempers) rather than heat treatment.
- Fatigue Resistance: Good fatigue resistance makes it suitable for dynamic loading applications.
Common Applications
- Marine components: hulls, decks, superstructures
- Automotive and transportation: fuel tanks, hydraulic tubes, body panels
- Chemical equipment: tanks, pressure vessels, piping
- Sheet metal work: enclosures, panels, trapdoors
- Architectural applications: roofing, siding, gutters
- Food processing equipment
- Electrical and electronic chassis
Comparison with Other Alloys
| Property | 3003 | 5052 | 5754 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Lower | Medium | Higher |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Formability | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Typical Use | General sheet metal | Marine, fuel tanks | Automotive, marine |
5052 offers better corrosion resistance than 3003 and better formability than 5754.
Weight Reference
| Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) | 1220 × 2440 mm sheet (kg) | 1250 × 2500 mm sheet (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.34 | 3.99 | 4.19 |
| 1 | 2.68 | 7.98 | 8.38 |
| 1.5 | 4.02 | 11.97 | 12.56 |
| 2 | 5.36 | 15.96 | 16.75 |
| 3 | 8.04 | 23.93 | 25.13 |
| 4 | 10.72 | 31.91 | 33.50 |
| 5 | 13.40 | 39.89 | 41.88 |
| 6 | 16.08 | 47.87 | 50.25 |
| 8 | 21.44 | 63.82 | 67.00 |
| 10 | 26.80 | 79.78 | 83.75 |
| 12 | 32.16 | 95.73 | 100.50 |
| 20 | 53.60 | 159.56 | 167.50 |
Weight (kg) = thickness (mm) × width (m) × length (m) × density (g/cm³). Theoretical values; actual weight varies within thickness tolerance.
Supply Specifications
Thickness Range: 0.2 mm – 200 mm
Width: Up to 2600 mm
Length: Up to 12000 mm (cut-to-length) or coil
Tempers Available: O, H32, H34, H36, H38
Standards: ASTM B209, EN 485, GB/T 3880
Surface Finish: Mill finish, bright finish, embossed (stucco, diamond, five-bar)
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| AA / ASTM | 5052 |
| UNS | A95052 |
| EN | AlMg2.5 / EN AW-5052 |
| ISO | Al-Mg2.5 |
| JIS | A5052 |
| GB (China) | 5052 / LF2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 5052 O and 5052 H32?
5052-O is the annealed (softest) condition with maximum formability and lower strength (tensile ~190 MPa). 5052-H32 is quarter-hard, strain-hardened to increase strength (tensile ~230 MPa) while retaining good formability. H32 is the most common commercial temper.
Can 5052 aluminum be welded?
Yes, 5052 has excellent weldability. It can be welded using TIG, MIG, and resistance welding. Recommended filler alloys are 5356 or 5554. No post-weld heat treatment is required.
Is 5052 aluminum suitable for marine use?
Yes, 5052 is widely used in marine applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater environments. It is commonly specified for boat hulls, decks, fuel tanks, and marine hardware.
What is the weight of 5052 aluminum sheet?
The weight of 5052 aluminum sheet is calculated as: thickness (mm) × width (m) × length (m) × 2.68 (g/cm³). For example, a 3mm × 1220mm × 2440mm sheet weighs approximately 24.0 kg.
Can 5052 aluminum be anodized?
Yes, 5052 can be anodized, but the finish may not be as uniform or bright as 6xxx series alloys due to its magnesium content. It is often anodized for corrosion protection rather than decorative purposes.
Related Grades
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