Why 5052 Aluminum Is So Popular With Buyers

5052 aluminum is a popular aluminum alloy. It is offered in various forms including 5052 aluminum angles, 5052 aluminum channels, and 5052 aluminum sheets. The primary alloying elements of 5052 aluminum include magnesium and chromium.

5052 Aluminum Properties

It has good weldability and forming characteristics, can be bent, is resistant to corrosion, and has high fatigue strength. 5052 aluminum is considered the strongest of the non-heat-treatable alloys. Its properties make it one of the most serviceable aluminum alloys available.

5052 Aluminum Applications

5052 aluminum is used for automotive parts, highway and road signs, heat exchangers, kitchen cabinets, flooring panels, natural gas tanks, and kitchen appliances. Like some other metals in the 5000 series, 5052 aluminum is corrosion-resistant and is extensively used for large marine structures that are susceptible to failure due to corrosion. Some common 5052 aluminum tempers include 5052-0, 5052-H32, 5052-H34, 5052-H36 and 5052-38.

Can 5052 Aluminum Be Heat Treated?

5052 aluminum is a non-heat-treatable alloy, meaning that it is strengthened through strain hardening or cold working – the process of working – common methods include forging or rolling a metal to improve its strength. Temper designations are indicative of the degree of strain hardening. H18, H16, H14 and H12 tempers, for example, represent full-hard, three-quarter-hard, half-hard and quarter-hard respectively.

Strain-hardened 5052 aluminum is heated above the annealing point. Partial annealing occurs at 300-400 degrees. Partial annealing is accompanied by some loss of strength.

5052 Aluminum Vs. 6061 Aluminum

6061 aluminum is one of the most commonly used aluminum grades. 6061 aluminum is a heat-treatable alloy, and is hence, more durable than 5052 aluminum. It is known for its excellent resistance to stress and cracking. 6061 aluminum also has good weldability.

Its formability is less than that of 5052 aluminum. If you want a metal that can be bent into complex shapes, 5052 aluminum might be a better choice than 6061 aluminum. The superior strength of 6061 aluminum makes it an ideal choice for engineering and structural applications.

Because 6061 aluminum is more abundant than 5052 aluminum, it is usually less expensive of the two. An important factor that can affect the cost of 6061 aluminum and 5052 aluminum sheets is their thickness and size. 5052 aluminum is made using the rolling process, whereas, 6061 aluminum is made using the hot extrusion process.

5052 Aluminum Vs. 6063 Aluminum

5052 aluminum is more corrosion-resistant as compared to 6063 aluminum, but has a lower yield strength. Like other alloys in the 6000 series, 6063 aluminum is heat-treatable, whereas, 5052 aluminum is non-heat-treatable. 6063 aluminum is usually a better choice for extrusion than 5052 aluminum.

Bayou Metal Supply offers a range of aluminum grades in different forms. Our world-class products are tested to work in harsh environments. To learn more, call (888) 201-6417.