5052 aluminum is often referred to as "Anodize Quality Aluminum", as it has excellent finishing qualities and anodized coatings are bright and clear. The major alloying element in 5052 is magnesium in sufficient quantities to cause substantial lowering of the melting point without producing brittleness. When magnesium is used as the major alloying element, or in combination with manganese, the result is a moderate to high strength non-heat treatable aluminum alloy. 5052 is far stronger than the 1100 or 3000 series aluminums, yet forms with reasonable bend radii. Weldability is very good and 5052 has good resistance to corrosion, especially in salt-water / marine atmospheres. Designed for use in trailers, aircraft fuel tanks, storm shutters, refrigerator liners, and pressure vessels.
5052 is not heat-treatable, but is stronger than most of the 5xxx series of alloys. It has very good corrosion resistance, and can be easily welded. 5052 is not a good choice for extensive machining operations, as it has only a fair machinability rating.
5052-H32 Aluminum Sheet - Aluminum alloy with magnesium added to make it much stronger than 3003 series aluminum. This grade has great corrosion resistance and has the best welding characteristics of all the aluminums. 5052 is the alloy most suited to forming operations, with good workability and higher strength than that of the 1100 aluminum or 3003 aluminum alloys that are commercially available.
The 5052 aluminum sheet with H32 temper has an unpolished (mill) surface, The 5052 aluminum alloy provides excellent corrosion resistance, even in salt water, and is stronger than 1100 or 3003 aluminum. It is not heat treatable. The aluminum has an H32 temper, meaning it has been strain hardened to a 1/4 hard temper and thermally stabilized.
Features of 5052 aluminum:
5052 aluminum provides excellent corrosion resistance, even in salt water, and is stronger than 1100 or 3003 aluminum
Unpolished (mill) surface has no finish
H32 temper has been strain hardened to a 1/4 hard temper and thermally stabilized
Standard tolerance
Alloy: 5052-H32
Characteristics: Lightweight, semi-smooth surface with a dull mill finish.
Workability: Excellent candidate for most processing techniques. High strength with good corrosion resistance. Non-heat treatable product.
Applications: Commonly machined to end-user specifications. Aircraft, Marine, and Commercial grade parts.
Mechanical Properties: Non-magnetic, Brinell = 60, Tensile = 33,000, Yield = 28,000 (+/-)
5052 aluminum sheets can be purchased in sizes between .032 and .1875 inch thick, 48 and 60 inches wide and up to 144 inches thick.