5000 Series Alloys Aluminum
The 5000(*) series of aluminium alloys with magnesium as the primary alloying element. These alloys are readily weldable and used in a wide variety of applications including pressurised vessels, buildings and automotive. The 5000 series includes different grades such as the 5052, 5083, 5251 and 5754 discussed briefly below.
(*) Aluminum alloys are named in accordance with a four-digit naming system developed by the US Aluminum Association to characterize a wide range of alloys on the basis of their main alloying elements.
Common 5000 Series Alloys Aluminum
5052 Aluminum Alloy is an aluminium alloy, with magnesium and chromium as the primary alloying elements. It is frequently used for general sheet metal work, heat exchangers, flooring panels, rivets and wires, chemical drums and other equipment, pressure vessels, treadplate, containers, and applications. Although It is non heat-treatable, it is the highest strength alloy of the more non-heat-treatable grades. Its resistance to fatigue is better than most grades of aluminum. The 5052 alloy has a good marine atmosphere corrosion resistance of saltwater and excellent workability.
A noticeable feature of 5052 aluminum alloy is its increased resistance to caustic environments. All aluminum alloys form an oxide layer in the presence of air/water, which protects the chemically-active aluminum from further reacting with the outside environment. The amount of corrosion resistance is dependent upon temperature, airborne chemicals, and the proximal working environment; however, under ambient circumstances, 5052 aluminum holds up exceptionally well. Type 5052 aluminum does not contain any copper, which means it does not readily corrode in a saltwater environment that can attack and weaken copper metal composites. 5052 aluminum alloy is, therefore, the preferred alloy for marine, electronics and chemical applications, where other aluminum would weaken with time. Due to its high magnesium content, 5052 is particularly good at resisting corrosion from concentrated nitric acid, ammonia and ammonium hydroxide. Any other caustic effects can be mitigated/removed by using a protective layer coating, making 5052 aluminum alloy highly attractive for applications which need an inert-yet-tough material.
This alloy is comparable to the 6061 aluminum alloy. Similarities and differences are listed below:
Aluminum 5052: Non heat-treatable, Excellent weldability, High corrosion resistance, Smooth surface, Lightweight, High-tensile strength.
Aluminum 6061: Heat-treatable, Excellent machinability, Excellent corrosion resistance, Semi-smooth surface, Lightweight, High-tensile strength.
5083 aluminium alloy is well known for its exceptional performance in the most extreme environments. The alloy displays high resistance to both seawater and industrial chemical environments. It offers the highest strength of all the non-heat-treatable alloys but should not be used in temperatures above 65°C. The material combines excellent ductility with good formability and weldability and performs well in low-temperature service. Typical applications include pressure vessels, vehicle bodies, shipbuilding, rail cars, tipper trucks bodies, mine skips & cages.
5251 (formerly known as BS NS4) aluminium alloy is a non-heat-treatable rolled aluminium sheet designed for general sheet metal work where higher mechanical properties are required together with a degree of formability. Equivalent to EN AW 5251 H22 – AlMg2 grade. The higher strength and extra hardness of grade 5251 over pure aluminium give improved machinability properties. Machinability of the alloy is reasonable, though not as good when compared to the machining of heat-treated alloys. The alloy finds suitability in applications, including marine environments.
5754 aluminium alloy is a higher strength material than 5251 offering good workability and excellent weldability. It features superior resistance to both seawater and industrial chemical corrosion with applications in marine, oil & gas, chemical and nuclear sectors.
Aluminum alloy metals from different series are offered as part of our own labelled (AVIATIONEU NEW ERA) product lines in various forms (tubes/pipes, sheets/plates, bars/rods). Sourced from quality producers, they are offered in different cross-sections (for tubes or bars) such as round, hexagonal, square and others, tempers, specifications (depending on the selected product) dimensions/thicknesses, pre-cut or cut-to-order lengths to meet order quantity and application requirements. They can be supplied in pieces or tons depending on the wanted order quantity. For additional information, please refer to our Brief Guide on Aluminum Grades & Temper Designations, the individual product presentations or contact us.
