Sep 17 2012
Topics Covered
IntroductionChemical CompositionPhysical PropertiesMechanical PropertiesThermal PropertiesOther DesignationsFabrication and Heat Treatment Machinability Forming Welding Forging Hot Working Cold Working Annealing HardeningApplications
Introduction
Aluminium / Aluminum alloys have strong corrosion resistance. They are sensitive to high temperatures ranging between 200 and 250°C (392 and 482°F), and might lose some of their strength. However, the strength of the Aluminium / Aluminum alloys can be increased at subzero temperatures, making them ideal low-temperature alloys.
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy is a non-heat treatable alloy with good corrosion resistance, especially to salt water. The following datasheet will provide more details about Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy.
| Element |
Content (%) |
| Aluminium / Aluminum, Al |
97.2 |
| Magnesium, Mg |
2.5 |
| Chromium, Cr |
0.25 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy are outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
2.68 g/cm3 |
0.0968 lb/in³ |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy are tabulated below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Elastic modulus |
70-80 Gpa |
10152-11603 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio |
0.33 |
0.33 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy are tabulated below.
| Properties |
Conditions |
| T (ºC) |
Treatment |
| Thermal conductivity |
137 W/mK |
25 |
H38 |
| Thermal expansion |
23.8 x 10-6/°C |
20-100 |
- |
Other Designations
Equivalent materials to Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy are as follows.
| AMS 4004 |
AMS 4017 |
AMS 4175 |
AMS 4178 |
AMS 4348 |
ASTM B209 |
| ASTM B210 |
ASTM B211 |
ASTM B221 |
ASTM B234 |
ASTM B241 |
ASTM B313 |
| ASTM B316 |
ASTM B404 |
ASTM B483 |
ASTM B547 |
ASTM B548 |
MIL C-26094 |
| MIL G-18014 |
MIL S-12875 |
QQ A-225/7 |
QQ A-250/8 |
QQ A-430 |
QQ WW-T-700/4 |
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Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
The machinability of Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy is rated as fair. This alloy can be easily machined in hard temper than in annealed form, and the quality of finish is better. Other than in very light cuts, all other machining should be done using oil lubricants.
Forming
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy can be easily formed at room temperature. However, consecutive cold working tends to reduce the alloy’s formability
Welding
Welding can be easily performed on Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy using conventional methods. In case a filler rod is needed, it should be Aluminium / Aluminum 5356 alloy as filler. The most suitable welding methods are tungsten or consumable electrode inert gas shielded arc welding.
Forging
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy can be forged from 510°C (950°F) down to 260°C (500°F).
Hot Working
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy can be hot worked easily from 510°C (950°F) down to 260°C (500°F).
Cold Working
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy is easy to cold work. It can be formed by spinning and drawing. Depending on the extent of spinning, annealing may be required intermediately.
Annealing
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy can be annealed at 343°C (650°F) and then air cooled.
Hardening
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy can be hardened by cold working only.
Applications
Aluminium / Aluminum 5052 alloy is used in the manufacture of the following products:
- Milk crates
- Hydraulic tubes
- Appliances
- Kitchen cabinets
- Small boats home freezers
- Aircraft tube
- Fencing
This alloy is also used widely in sheet metal work and in sheet metal parts.