5052 aluminum sheet is popular because it is one of the most versatile aluminum alloys . It is strong enough for fuel tanks but adaptable enough for cutlery. Why is 5052 aluminum sheet such a popular choice with our customers? Here's the in-depth answer.
The benefits in 5052 aluminum sheet include good weldability, very good corrosion resistance and high fatigue strength. Because the benefits are so varied, you'll see 5052 aluminum plate in a variety of applications: in marine environments due to its corrosion resistance, in buildings subject to high vibration due to its high fatigue strength, and in pressure vessels and containers due to its good weldability. But the benefits don't stop there. 5052 aluminum sheet also happens to be the strongest non-heat-treated sheet and plate in tons of common use. 5052 aluminum sheet is not only easy to weld and highly corrosion-resistant, it is also strong and durable. It has good tensile properties and a high work-hardening rate. Its overall versatility, not to mention excellent value, makes it one of the most practical alloys available.
What are the applications of 5052 aluminum sheet?
Marine Applications
Along with several other 5000 series alloys, 5052 aluminum sheet is also resistant to seawater and salt spray corrosion. Its corrosion resistance means that it can be used in large marine structures that are sensitive to failure, such as the fuel tanks of gas tankers. That's why you typically see 5052 aluminum sheet on ships.
Architecture
You'll often see 5052 aluminum panels on building facades.
Home Office
You'll often see 5052 aluminum panels in kitchen cabinets, appliances, fans and fan blades, home freezers, clock dials, fences and more.
Transportation
5052 aluminum sheet has found its way into aircraft, bus and truck manufacturing, road and name signs, fuel lines and tanks, street lights, and other signs for the transportation industry.
Manufacturing
5052 aluminum sheet is commonly used in general sheet metal fabrication, heat exchangers, flooring, rivets and wire, chemical drums and other equipment, pressure vessels, treads, containers and more.
How strong is 5052 aluminum sheet?
Typically, the strength of a metal is measured by taking the yield strength and tensile strength into account together. Yield strength takes into account the strength of a metal shape by measuring the point at which the metal deforms, while tensile strength (or ultimate strength) measures how much the metal will stretch before it breaks.The strength of 5052 aluminum plate also depends on the temper.
Can 5052 aluminum sheet be heat treated?
The main difference between 5052 aluminum sheet is that it is a non-heat treatable alloy, which means that it can be strengthened by cold working or strain hardening (e.g. rolling or forging). The degree of strain hardening is indicated by the temper designation. For example, the tempering of H12 and H18 represents quarter-hard and full-hard, respectively. 5052 aluminum plate such as other non-heat treatable alloys containing alloying components that are essentially maintained in solid solution or insoluble at all temperatures. Other non-heat treatable alloys with high purity aluminum can be found in the 1,000, 3,000 and 5,000 series. Strain-hardened materials can be restored to a completely soft state by heating above the annealing point under controlled cooling conditions. Partial annealing occurs at 300-400°F with some loss of strength.
Can I bend 5052 aluminum sheet?
5052 aluminum sheet is a good candidate for bending. Although the elongation is not as high as 3003 aluminum alloy, you will still see a large difference between yield and tensile strength. You'll see higher strengths compared to other non-heat treated grades, not to mention the excellent corrosion resistance of 5052 aluminum sheet. Once annealed, 5052 aluminum plate can even beat 3003 alloy as far as tolerability is concerned.