5052 Aluminum Plate

5052 aluminum plate is a versatile Al-Mg alloyrenowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making it a preferred choice in industries ranging from aerospace to automotive and marine applications. Here's a detailed breakdown of its key characteristics and applications:

1. Composition

• Primary Alloying Elements:

• Magnesium (Mg): 2.2–2.8% (primary strengthener, enhances toughness and corrosion resistance).

• Chromium (Cr): 0.15–0.35% (improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking).

• Impurities: Silicon (≤0.25%), Iron (≤0.4%), Copper (≤0.1%), and Manganese (≤0.1%).

• Density: 2.72 g/cm³ (consistent with most sources, though some references cite 2.68 g/cm³ due to minor variations in alloy composition).

2. Mechanical Properties

• Tensile Strength:

• O (Annealed): 170–215 MPa

• H32 (Strain Hardened + Stabilized): 210–270 MPa

• H34 (Higher Strain Hardening): 230–290 MPa

• Yield Strength:

• H32: 160–215 MPa

• H34: 185–240 MPa

• Elongation:

• O: 20–25%

• H32: 12–20%

• H34: 8–15%

• Hardness:

• H32: 150–180 HV

• H34: 180–210 HV

• Elastic Modulus: 69–70.7 GPa.

3. Key Advantages

• Corrosion Resistance:

• Excellent in marine environments and against salt spray (500+ hours without pitting per ASTM B117).

• Welded joints retain high corrosion resistance compared to other alloys like 6061.

• Formability:

• High ductility allows deep drawing, bending, and cold rolling (up to 85% reduction).

• Bending Radius: 0.5T (O ) to 1.2T (H32).

• Weldability:

• Suitable for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, with reaching 90–95% of the base metal.

• Argon-helium mixed gas (Ar+25%He) is recommended to reduce cracking risks.

• Surface Finish:

• Ideal for anodizing (Type II, 15–25 μm film thickness) and powder coating, enhancing aesthetics and durability.

4. Applications

• Aerospace:

• Aircraft fuel tanks, fuselage panels, and structural components requiring lightweight and corrosion resistance.

• Automotive:

• Body panels, fuel tanks, radiator cores, and interior components (e.g., dashboard frames).

• Marine:

• Boat hulls, decking, and offshore equipment due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion.

• Industrial & Construction:

• Chemical storage tanks, high-pressure switchgear shells, and architectural curtain walls.

• Consumer Goods:

• Trolley cases, electronic device housings (e.g., laptops), and kitchenware.

5. Heat Treatment & Tempering

• Annealing:

• Conducted at 345°C to restore ductility after cold working.

• Cold Working (H32/H34):

• H32: 20–30% cold reduction + partial annealing to balance strength and formability.

• H34: 30–40% cold reduction for higher strength but lower ductility.

• Stress Relief:

• Heating to 260°C for materials with ≥70% cold work to eliminate internal stresses.

6. Processing Considerations

• Machining:

• Annealed (O) material has poor machinability, but cold-worked states (H32/H34) improve chip control.

• Warpage:

• Minimize by using proper clamping and post-weld stress relief.

• Cost:

• Generally cheaper than 6061 but more expensive than 3003 aluminum, reflecting its balanced performance.

7. Standards & Specifications

• ASTM: A952/A952M (sheet and plate), A902/A902M (general requirements).

• AMS: AMS 4015, AMS 4016, AMS 4017 (aerospace applications).

• ISO: ISO 6362-1 (aluminum and aluminum alloys for structural applications).

8. Comparison with Other Alloys

9. Supplier Recommendations

• Mingtai Aluminum: Offers ultra-wide (up to 2650 mm) and thick (up to 600 mm) 5052 plates with competitive pricing.

• Chalco: Specializes in aerospace-grade 5052 sheets meeting AMS and QQ-A-250/8 standards.

10. Handling & Storage

• Surface Protection: Use polyethylene film to prevent scratches and oxidation during transit.

• Environmental Control: Store in dry, ventilated areas to avoid moisture-induced corrosion.

By leveraging its unique combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, 5052 aluminum plate remains a cornerstone material in modern manufacturing, balancing performance and cost-effectiveness across diverse industries.

The Product Specification