5052-H32 Aluminum Data

What is 5052-H32 Aluminum?

5052-H32 is an aluminum-magnesium alloy, specifically treated to enhance its strength and durability. The “H32” designation refers to the alloy being strain-hardened and stabilized, which improves its mechanical properties while maintaining its workability.

Chemical Composition

 

Al	Mg	Cr	Si	Fe	Cu	Mn	Zn
95.7 – 97.7%	2.2 – 2.8%	0.15 – 0.35%	≤ 0.25%	≤ 0.40%	≤ 0.10%	≤ 0.10%	≤ 0.10%

Elements and Their Roles:

• Aluminum (Al)  95.7 – 97.7%
  Base metal, providing lightweight and corrosion resistance.

• Magnesium (Mg) 2.2 – 2.8%
  Enhances corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments, and contributes to strength.

• Chromium (Cr) ≤ 0.25%
  Aids in processing and enhances workability.

• Silicon (Si) ≤ 0.040%
  Phosphorus improves machinability and strength, but excessive amounts can decrease ductility and increase brittleness. Its presence is carefully controlled.

• Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.40%
  May be present as an impurity, minimal impact on properties.

• Copper (Cu) ≤ 0.10%
  Present in trace amounts, improving machinability slightly.

• Manganese (Mn) ≤ 0.10%
  Adds minor improvements to strength and corrosion resistance.

• Zinc (Zn) ≤ 0.10%
  Minimal impact, occasionally added for strength adjustments.

 

Key Highlights of the Alloy Composition

• Magnesium Content
  The high magnesium content (2.2–2.8%) is the defining feature of 5052 aluminum, making it highly resistant to corrosion.

• Chromium Addition
  Chromium enhances corrosion resistance and prevents stress corrosion cracking, improving durability in outdoor and industrial applications.

• Low Iron and Silicon
  Keeping iron and silicon levels low ensures excellent corrosion resistance and maintains the material’s lightweight and formable properties.

5052-H32 aluminum’s chemical composition makes it one of the best choices for outdoor kitchen cabinets in harsh or humid environments, offering a unique combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and workability.

Specifications

5052-H32 aluminum meets AMS QQ-A-250/8 and ASTM B209 criteria means that the 5052-H32 aluminum alloy conforms to specific industry standards for material properties, production processes, and performance requirements.

AMS QQ-A-250/8

This specification, governed by the Aerospace Material Specification (AMS), outlines the requirements for aluminum and aluminum alloy sheet and plate materials.

• QQ-A-250/8 is a specific section under this standard that focuses on 5052 aluminum in H32 temper (strain-hardened and stabilized).
• It defines the material’s mechanical properties, chemical composition, and allowable tolerances for thickness, flatness, and surface quality.
• This standard is particularly important in aerospace and military applications where precision and performance are critical.

ASTM B209

This is an industry standard established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), specifying the requirements for aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate materials used in a wide range of applications, including construction, transportation, and industrial manufacturing.

ASTM B209 sets guidelines for:

• Chemical composition of aluminum alloys.
• Physical properties, such as tensile strength, elongation, and yield strength.
• Dimensions and tolerances for sheet and plate products.
• Surface quality and finishes for commercial and industrial use.