Chemical Composition

Aluminium Development Council of Australia

Mechanical Properties

Aluminium Development Council of Australia

† For information only, proof stress is not specified or measured except by prior agreement

‡ Minimum elongation, actual value depends on thickness – thicker gauges have higher elongation

Key To Tempers

Description Aluminium 5052 is an aluminium magnesium alloy which can be hardened by cold work: it is not heat treatable to higher strength. It is about mid way through the series of aluminium magnesium alloys for alloying content and strength. It has excellent fatigue properties, with an endurance limit of 115 MPa in the H32 temper and 125 MPa in the H34 temper.

Austral Wright Metals can supply this alloy as plate, sheet and strip. See Austral Wright Metals Catalogue for normal stock sizes and tempers.

Corrosion Resistance 5052 has the same high resistance to general corrosion as other non heat treatable aluminium alloys. It also has the higher resistance to slightly alkaline conditions common to the 5000 series alloys. The resistance of 5052 to corrosion in marine atmospheres is excellent, exceeding that of 5005, hence the frequent use of 5052 in marine applications.

The corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys relies on a protective surface oxide film, which when damaged is readily repaired by the rapid reaction between aluminium and oxygen. However, the high reactivity of the base metal can give rapid corrosion if the film cannot be repaired, so aluminium alloys are not suitable for use with reducing media. 5052 can be anodised to improve the corrosion resistance by thickening the protective surface film.

Since aluminium is a reactive metal, it may corrode more quickly when in electrical contact with most other metals. The prediction of galvanic corrosion is complex; please consult Austral Wright Metals for specific advice.

Pressure Vessels AS1210 Pressure Vessels and AS4041 Pressure Piping prequalify the alloy for pressure service for temperatures up to 200°C.

Physical Properties

Fabrication Aluminium 5052 is not generally hot worked. It is very readily cold formable in the annealed condition, as it is ductile. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 7% of the thickness per side for the H32 & H34 tempers. Sharp tools are required.

Indicative Minimum Bend Radii

for 90° cold forming for various thickness, t mm

t = thickness

Machinability 5052 is readily machinable by conventional methods. It should be machined at high speed with copious lubrication to avoid thermal distortion of the workpiece. Sharp tools are essential. High speed steel or tungsten carbide may be used. Cuts should be deep and continuous, with high cutting speeds. Woodworking machinery may be suitable for short runs.

Welding 5052 is readily weldable by standard techniques. It is frequently welded with GTAW (TIG) or GMAW (MIG). Aluminium must be very dry & clean to avoid contamination & porosity of the weld. Filler metals 1100, 4043 or 4047 are used. 4043 is the most crack tolerant. Best colour match is obtained with 1188 filler metal. Shielding gas must be dry & free of hydrogen.

Heat Treatment Aluminium 5052 is annealed at 345°C, time at temperature and cooling rate are unimportant. Stress relief is rarely required, but can be carried out at about 220°C. If loss of strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.

ASTM Product Specifications

Typical Strength and Ductility of Alloys

of alloys 5005 & 5052 in the H32 & H34 tempers