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ISO 9001 • IATF 16949 • 5‑Axis CNC • Welding (TIG/MIG) • Anodizing & Surface Finishing
Marine‑grade 5052 is a non‑heat‑treatable Al‑Mg alloy known for excellent corrosion resistance, superior formability, and reliable weldability. Ideal for enclosures, tanks, boat structures, and food‑equipment components.
Typical temper in sheets: H32 (strain‑hardened & stabilized).
Typical properties, H32: UTS ≈ 228 MPa (33 ksi), YS ≈ 193 MPa (28 ksi), elongation >7–12% (A50).
Strength‑to‑weight: excellent for medium‑load formed parts; outstanding salt‑spray performance.
| Element | % (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2.2 – 2.8 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.15 – 0.35 |
| Fe, Cu, Si | Trace |
| Property | Metric | Imperial | Notes |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | ~228 MPa | ~33 ksi | typical center of published range |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ~193 MPa | ~28 ksi | thickness‑dependent |
| Elongation (A50) | 7–12 % | 7–12 % | depends on gage |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 69 GPa | 10 Msi | typical for Al |
| Density | 2.68 g/cm³ | 0.097 lb/in³ |
| Temper | Description | Best for |
| H32 | Strain‑hardened then stabilized | Structural sheet, brackets, formed chassis |
| O | Annealed, very soft | Deep draw, complex forming |
| H34 | More cold‑work than H32 | Higher strength where bend radii allow |
| Attribute | 5052 | 6061‑T6 | 5083‑H116 | 3003‑H14 |
| Corrosion (marine) | Excellent | Good | Excellent (higher Mg) | Good |
| Strength | Moderate | High | High | Low‑moderate |
| Formability | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Typical uses | Marine tanks, enclosures | Frames, machined parts | Hulls, pressure vessels | HVAC, signage |
For long‑term seawater immersion, 5083 is preferred for primary hulls; 5052 is widely used for tanks, decks, cabinets, and covers.
5052’s Mg level (<3%) lowers susceptibility to stress‑corrosion cracking seen in higher‑Mg 5xxx alloys (e.g., 5083) under sustained stress at elevated temperatures. Use proper isolation from dissimilar metals and specify anodizing or paint systems when galvanic couples are likely.
| Joint type | Recommended filler | Why |
| 5052 to 5052 | ER5356 | Higher Mg; strong, corrosion‑resistant joints |
| 5052 to 6xxx | ER4043 or ER5356 | 4043 lowers crack sensitivity; 5356 for higher strength/colour‑match |
Tips: Clean oxide before welding; control heat input to maintain HAZ properties; for cosmetic anodize, test coupon for colour match.
Machinability: moderate. Use sharp carbide, positive rake, flood coolant to limit built‑up edge.
Bending: air‑bend with appropriate inner radius (see table below). Avoid too‑tight radii in H32 to prevent micro‑cracking.
Finishing: anodize or powder coat for enhanced durability; bead‑blast pre‑anodize for uniform sheen. See our Surface Finishing Guide for textures, colours, and corrosion classes.
Guide values (convert from industry tables; verify with SPI tooling).
| Thickness (in) | Thickness (mm) | Min Inside Radius (in) | Min Inside Radius (mm) | R/t |
| 0.032 | 0.813 | 0.031 | 0.794 | 0.98 |
| 0.040 | 1.016 | 0.031 | 0.794 | 0.78 |
| 0.050 | 1.270 | 0.031 | 0.794 | 0.63 |
| 0.063 | 1.600 | 0.063 | 1.588 | 1.00 |
| 0.090 | 2.286 | 0.094 | 2.381 | 1.04 |
| 0.125 | 3.175 | 0.125 | 3.175 | 1.00 |
| 0.190 | 4.826 | 0.250 | 6.350 | 1.32 |
| 0.250 | 6.350 | 0.375 | 9.525 | 1.50 |
Source class: industry bend‑radius charts. Use as a starting point; final values depend on alloy lot, grain direction, tooling, and required finish. Always trial on coupons.
Welding: Use ER5356 filler for strong, corrosion-resistant joints.
Bending: Avoid small inside bend radii, especially with H32.
Machining: Use sharp tools and proper coolants to reduce wear.
You can purchase 5052 aluminum sheet and extrusions from:
Local metal suppliers
Online metal platforms like Metals Hub
Industrial distributors such as Ryerson or Metal Supermarkets
Look for mill finish or pre-anodized finishes depending on the application.
Q1. Is 5052 aluminum corrosion‑resistant in seawater?
Yes. Its Al‑Mg chemistry and stable oxide layer provide excellent resistance for marine splash and tank applications when properly finished and isolated from dissimilar metals.
Q2. Can 5052 be welded?
Yes—TIG or MIG with ER5356 (5052 to 5052) or ER4043/ER5356 (to 6xxx). Prepare edges and clean oxide before welding.
Q3. 5052‑H32 vs 6061‑T6—how to choose?
Choose 5052 for corrosion + formability; choose 6061‑T6 for higher strength and machined structures.
Q4. What bend radius should I use for 2–3 mm sheet?
Start with ~t to 1.5t for H32 (see table) and validate with shop trials.
Helpful links inline: Learn more about our 5‑Axis CNC Machining and Surface Finishing options
Brand reassurance: Explore Super‑ingenuity, Ltd for capabilities and case studies.
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