Aluminum 5052
EN AW-5052 | 3.3523 | AlMg2,5
Aluminum 5052 is a high magnesium alloy that offers excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in salt water environments. While not heat-treatable, it can be significantly hardened through cold working, enabling a series of "H" tempers. This versatile alloy provides an optimal balance of strength, formability, and weldability for various applications.
Material Properties
Detailed specifications and characteristics of Aluminum 5052, including mechanical properties, physical properties, and chemical composition.
| Property | Value | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 170-310 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | 65-240 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 12-30 | % |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 45-70 | HB |
| Shear Strength | 115-190 | MPa |
| Fatigue Strength | 110-170 | MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 70.3 | GPa |
Applications & Features
Explore the common applications of Aluminum 5052 and discover the key features that make it ideal for various industries.
Marine Applications
Aluminum 5052's excellent corrosion resistance to salt water makes it ideal for boat hulls, marine hardware, pontoons, and other components exposed to marine environments. Its moderate strength combined with good formability allows for complex marine structures.
Electronic Enclosures
The excellent formability and good electrical conductivity of Aluminum 5052 make it perfect for electronic enclosures and housings. Its corrosion resistance ensures longevity in various environmental conditions, while its moderate strength provides adequate protection.
Food & Beverage Equipment
With its good corrosion resistance and non-toxic nature, Aluminum 5052 is extensively used in food processing equipment, commercial kitchen appliances, and containers. It meets FDA requirements for food contact and can be easily cleaned and sanitized.
Key Advantages
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Superior Corrosion ResistanceExcellent resistance to atmospheric and salt water corrosion, making it ideal for marine and outdoor applications.
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Good FormabilityCan be easily formed, drawn, and bent without cracking, allowing for complex shapes and designs.
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Excellent WeldabilityCan be readily welded using various methods including TIG, MIG, and resistance welding techniques.
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Good MachinabilityMachines well with standard tooling and techniques, allowing for precise and economical part production.
Additional Applications
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Aircraft ComponentsUsed in non-structural aircraft parts, fuel tanks, and interior components due to its good strength-to-weight ratio.
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Medical EquipmentFound in various medical devices and equipment where corrosion resistance and moderate strength are required.
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Architectural ApplicationsUsed in architectural trim, panels, and decorative elements due to its good formability and finish characteristics.
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TransportationApplied in truck and trailer bodies, signs, and various automotive components where weight reduction is important.
Machining Capabilities
BZ Metal Products has extensive experience in machining Aluminum 5052. Our advanced equipment and skilled technicians ensure precision parts with excellent finishes.
CNC Machining Process
Aluminum 5052 offers excellent machinability, with a rating of approximately 90% that of free-cutting aluminum alloys. It can be effectively machined using a variety of techniques, producing precision components with excellent surface finishes.
At BZ Metal Products, we use advanced 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centers to produce complex components from Aluminum 5052 with tight tolerances and exceptional accuracy.
Design Preparation
We review your CAD files and prepare them for CNC machining, optimizing toolpaths for efficient production and high accuracy.
Material Selection
The appropriate temper of Aluminum 5052 is selected based on your application requirements and specifications.
CNC Machining
Using advanced CNC milling or turning equipment, we machine your Aluminum 5052 parts with precision, following the programmed toolpaths for accurate material removal.
Surface Finishing
After machining, your parts can undergo various finishing processes including anodizing, bead blasting, polishing, or painting to enhance appearance and durability.
Quality Control
All Aluminum 5052 parts undergo rigorous inspection using precision measurement equipment to ensure they meet your exact specifications and quality standards.
Tolerance
Our CNC machining equipment can achieve tight tolerances for Aluminum 5052 parts, ensuring precise fit and function in your applications.
Maximum Dimensions
We can machine Aluminum 5052 parts up to these dimensions, with larger sizes available through our multi-part assembly capabilities.
Minimum Wall Thickness
Our precision machining processes can achieve thin-walled features down to 0.5 mm in Aluminum 5052, providing lightweight yet strong components.
Surface Finish
We can produce excellent surface finishes on Aluminum 5052, from standard machined finishes to near-mirror polishing.
Thread Features
Precision threading capabilities for Aluminum 5052 parts, including tapped holes, threaded standoffs, and other threaded features.
Batch Sizes
From single prototypes to high-volume production runs, our CNC machining services for Aluminum 5052 are scalable to your needs.
Surface Finishing Options
Enhance the appearance, durability, and performance of your Aluminum 5052 parts with our range of high-quality surface finishing options.
Anodizing (Type II)
A decorative and protective electrochemical process that creates a durable oxide layer, available in various colors. Offers good corrosion resistance and wear protection.
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Bead Blasting
Creates a uniform matte finish by propelling fine glass beads at the surface. Excellent for removing tool marks and creating an even, non-reflective appearance.
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Polishing
Mechanical or chemical polishing produces a highly reflective, mirror-like surface finish. Ideal for aesthetic applications or where smooth surfaces are required.
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Powder Coating
Applies a thick, durable finish available in countless colors and textures. Provides excellent corrosion protection and impact resistance for exterior applications.
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Brushed Finish
Creates a satin-like directional texture that reduces the visibility of fingerprints and scratches. Popular for architectural and aesthetic applications.
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Wet Painting
Traditional painting creates a smooth, uniform color with good protection. Available in virtually any color with various gloss levels and specialized coatings.
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Chemical Conversion
Also known as Alodine or chromate conversion, this treatment enhances corrosion resistance and provides a good base for paint adhesion.
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As Machined
The natural finish directly from the CNC machine, with visible tool marks. Cost-effective for non-aesthetic applications or where further processing is planned.
Learn moreCustom Finishing Solutions
Not sure which finish is right for your Aluminum 5052 parts? Our finishing experts can recommend the optimal surface treatment based on your specific application requirements, environmental conditions, aesthetic preferences, and budget constraints. We can also develop custom multi-stage finishing processes for specialized applications. Contact us to discuss your project needs.
Design Guide for Aluminum 5052
Optimize your designs for Aluminum 5052 CNC machining with these practical tips and recommendations for better quality, reduced costs, and improved manufacturability.
Designing for Machinability
Aluminum 5052 offers excellent machinability, but proper design considerations can help you achieve better results, reduce costs, and ensure your parts meet both functional and aesthetic requirements.
The following design guidelines will help you optimize your components for CNC machining in Aluminum 5052, taking advantage of the material's properties while avoiding common pitfalls.
Wall Thickness
Maintain a minimum wall thickness of 0.8mm for standard parts and 0.5mm for precision features. Thinner walls can cause vibration during machining and may lead to distortion or dimensional inaccuracies.
Internal Corners
Design internal corners with a radius of at least 1/3 the depth of the pocket. Sharp internal corners require additional machining time and tool changes, increasing costs and production time.
Hole Dimensions
For through holes, maintain a minimum diameter equal to the hole depth divided by 4. For blind holes, the depth should not exceed 4 times the diameter to avoid tool breakage and ensure accuracy.
Thread Engagement
For tapped holes in Aluminum 5052, ensure thread engagement is at least 1.5 times the diameter to provide adequate strength. Consider thread inserts for high-stress applications.
Deep Pockets
For deep pockets, design with a slight draft angle (1-3°) to facilitate machining and improve surface finish. This reduces machining time and produces better results.
Tolerances
Specify tight tolerances (±0.05mm) only where functionally necessary. Aluminum 5052 can achieve high precision, but overly tight tolerances increase cost without adding value.
Need Help with Your Design?
Our engineering team can review your designs and provide recommendations specific to your Aluminum 5052 components. We offer design for manufacturability (DFM) analysis to help optimize your parts for quality, cost, and performance.
Ready to Start Your CNC Machining Project?
Contact us now for a free quote and professional advice
