5052 is an Al-Mg series, non-heat-treatable, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy (formerly designated as LF2 under the old Chinese national standard). It derives its strength from solid-solution strengthening via magnesium and chromium; it cannot be strengthened through quenching and aging. It exhibits excellent plasticity, good formability for bending and stamping, and superior weldability, while offering resistance to atmospheric corrosion and mild salt-spray exposure. Its strength is lower than that of 5083, though it can be increased through strain hardening (cold working). Common tempers include O (annealed/soft) and H112; the density is 2.68 g/cm³.

Key comparisons: Higher plasticity than 5083; good corrosion resistance (though slightly inferior to 5083); easy to bend and form, making it well-suited for sheet metal applications.

Chemical composition

Executive Standards

Chinese National Standard (GB): GB/T 3191-2019 "Extruded Bars of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys"; Chemical Composition: GB/T 3190

American Standard (ASTM): ASTM B221

European Standard (EN): EN AW-5052 (AlMg2.5), EN 573-3

Specifications

Shape: Round bar (standard/most common), square bar, hexagonal bar

Temper/Condition: O, H112 (T6/T651 not available; non-heat-treatable)

Tolerance: Standard extrusion tolerance / High-precision tolerance (for precision-machined/turned bright bars)

Mechanical properties

Note: O-temper (annealed): Tensile strength 170–230 MPa, yield strength ≥65 MPa; features high elongation and excellent bending and deep-drawing properties. Strength cannot be increased through heat treatment.

Application Scenarios

1. Sheet metal stamping: Bent parts, deep-drawn components, and blanks for fuel tank shells.

2. General structural applications: Brackets for outdoor equipment, chassis bases, and guardrail fittings.

3. Transportation: Vehicle fuel tanks, interior linings for vehicle compartments, and lightweight welded components.

4. Instrumentation and equipment: Instrument housings, protective covers, and non-load-bearing decorative structural parts.

5. Marine environments (mild corrosion): Coastal equipment, freshwater containers, and components exposed to mild salt-spray conditions.

6. Industrial and consumer goods: Aluminum alloy pipe fittings and non-pressure-bearing components for pressure vessels.

Caution: Cannot be strengthened by heat treatment; for harsh marine environments, 5083 alloy is preferred. Due to high ductility, machining tends to produce long, continuous metal chips.