1. General Overview

• Alloy Designation: 5052 is a widely used Al-Mg (aluminum-magnesium) alloy recognized globally for its corrosion resistance and moderate strength.

• Standards: Complies with ASTM B209 (USA) and GB/T 3880 (China); commonly supplied in plate, strip, and tube forms.

2. Typical Chemical Composition

• Silicon (Si)：≤ 0.25 %

• Iron (Fe)：≤ 0.40 %

• Copper (Cu)：≤ 0.10 %

• Manganese (Mn)：≤ 0.10 %

• Magnesium (Mg)：2.2 – 2.8 %

• Chromium (Cr)：0.15 – 0.35 %

• Zinc (Zn)：≤ 0.10 %

• Aluminum (Al)：Remainder

Highlights:

• Low Copper Design: Minimizes galvanic corrosion, improving environmental resistance.

• Magnesium-Driven: Mg enhances solid solution strengthening while maintaining good formability.

3. Physical Properties

• Density: 2.68 g/cm³ (approx. one-third the weight of steel)

• Melting Point: 607–650°C

• Electrical / Thermal Conductivity: ~40–50% of pure aluminum; better than most aluminum alloys

• Thermal Expansion Coefficient: 23.8 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20–100°C)

4. Mechanical Properties (O & H32 Tempers)

（1）O Temper

• Tensile Strength (MPa)：170 – 230

• Yield Strength (MPa)：70 – 100

• Elongation (%)：20 – 25

• Hardness (Vickers HV)：45 – 55

（2）H32 Temper

• Tensile Strength (MPa)：230 – 280

• Yield Strength (MPa)：180 – 220

• Elongation (%)：10 – 12

• Hardness (Vickers HV)：60 – 70

（3）Note:

• H32 temper involves cold working and stabilization treatment, which significantly boosts strength.

5. Core Characteristics

（1）Corrosion Resistance

• 5052 naturally forms a dense oxide film (Al₂O₃) on its surface, providing excellent resistance to saltwater, marine air, and industrial atmospheres.

• It is frequently used in ship components and chemical storage tanks.

（2）Workability

• Excellent for punching, bending, and welding (TIG and MIG recommended)

• Poor machinability—requires lubrication to avoid tool sticking during cutting

（3）Non-Magnetic

• Ideal for electromagnetic shielding applications in electronic housings.

6. Typical Applications

• Transportation：Aircraft fuel tanks, ship decks, auto panels

• Architecture：Curtain walls, roofing panels

• Electronics：Hard drive housings, heat sinks

• Industrial Equipment：Chemical tanks, pipelines

7. Advantages & Limitations

（1）Advantages:

• ~65% lighter than steel

• Excellent fatigue resistance

• Can be anodized and colored

（2）Limitations:

• Lower strength than 2xxx / 7xxx series

• Softens above 150°C—poor high-temperature performance

• Cost higher than general-purpose 3xxx series alloys

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can 5052 be heat treated for strengthening?
  A: No. 5xxx series alloys rely on work hardening (cold processing) and cannot be strengthened by heat treatment like the 6xxx series.

• Q: How does it compare with 3003 aluminum?
  A: 5052 offers higher strength and better corrosion resistance, especially in H32 temper. However, 3003 has better deep drawability and is more cost-effective for non-structural parts.

9. Purchasing & Processing Tips

（1）Temper Selection:

• Choose O temper for maximum formability

• Choose H32/H34 for enhanced strength

（2）Surface Treatments:

• Anodizing enhances wear resistance

• Coating/Painting is recommended for outdoor exposure

10. Conclusion

With its standout combination of light weight, toughness, and corrosion resistance, 5052 aluminum alloy excels in diverse applications where durability, formability, and aesthetic finish are key. While it doesn’t match the high-temperature strength of some advanced aluminum series, its performance in marine, outdoor, and lightweight design scenarios is unmatched.

By choosing the appropriate temper (O for formability, H32/H34 for strength) and surface treatment, users can strike an ideal balance between performance and cost. As industries move toward greener, more energy-efficient manufacturing, the value of 5052 will only continue to grow.

We Supply More Than Just Materials

Looking for high-performance stainless steel or general-purpose aluminum products? We offer a full range of stock forms—bars, plates, coils, and tubes—as well as custom processing and surface finishing services.

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