MATERIALS · ALUMINIUM
AA 5052-H32. 5052 is a non-heat-treatable aluminium–magnesium alloy (about 2.5% Mg) that gets its strength from cold work; H32 is the common quarter-hard sheet temper. It has very good corrosion resistance in marine and industrial atmospheres, good formability and very good weldability, so it is widely used for sheet-metal work, tanks, treadplate and marine parts.
DENSITY
2.68 g/cm³HARDNESS
~60 HBTENSILE STRENGTH
210–265 MPaMACHINABILITY
FairTURNING, CARBIDE
300–800 m/minCALCULATOR
Enter your part size and your own rates. Density and a starting cutting speed are filled in for this material.
EQUIVALENT GRADES
Nearest equivalents across standards. Check the exact standard on critical parts.
| Standard | Grade |
|---|---|
| UNS | A95052 |
| EN / ISO | EN AW-5052 / AlMg2.5 |
| IS | 52000 (nearest IS grade; Mg 1.7–2.6%, not identical) |
Also known as: 5052-H32, AA5052, AlMg2.5, A95052, EN AW-5052
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Mg | 2.20–2.80 |
| Cr | 0.15–0.35 |
| Fe | 0–0.40 |
| Si | 0–0.25 |
| Cu | 0–0.10 |
| Mn | 0–0.10 |
| Zn | 0–0.10 |
| Al | Balance |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
| Condition | H32 sheet and plate (ranges run from specification minimum to typical value; minimum elongation rises with thickness) |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 210–265 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 130–195 |
| Elongation (%) | 4–14 |
| Hardness | ~60 HB |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.68 |
MACHINING
| Turning, carbide (m/min) | 300–800 |
| Turning, HSS (m/min) | 100–150 |
| Machinability | Fair |
5052 is softer than 6061-T6 (about 60 HB in H32), so it smears and builds up on the cutting edge more readily. Use very sharp, polished uncoated carbide or HSS with a high positive rake, high cutting speed and generous coolant or lubricant to stop chips welding and to avoid heat distortion of thin sheet. Take deep, continuous cuts rather than light rubbing passes. Clamp and back up thin sheet well when milling or drilling to prevent chatter and lifting. Expect heavier burrs than on 6061 and plan a deburring step. The H32 temper gives a cleaner finish than annealed O material.
APPLICATIONS
INDUSTRIES THAT USE IT
PROCESSING
| Heat treatment | Not heat-treatable; strength comes from cold work, and H32 is strain-hardened then stabilised to quarter-hard. Annealing to the O temper is done at about 345 °C. |
| Welding | Very good by TIG or MIG; 5356 filler is common, and 4043 is also used. |
| Supplied as | Sheet, Plate, Treadplate, Strip and coil |
QUESTIONS
No. 5052 gains strength only by cold work, and the H32 temper is strain-hardened and stabilised to about quarter-hard. It can be softened by annealing at about 345 °C but cannot be hardened again by heat treatment.
5052-H32 bends more easily and has better resistance to seawater, so it is preferred for formed sheet parts, enclosures, tanks and marine work. 6061-T6 is stronger and machines better but needs larger bend radii, so it suits machined and structural parts.
H32 means the sheet has been strain-hardened by rolling and then stabilised by a low-temperature heat treatment to a quarter-hard condition. It gives a useful rise in strength over annealed (O) 5052 while keeping good formability for bending.
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Data reviewed 2026-10-02 against:
Typical values for reference. Always check the mill certificate and the standard your customer specifies.
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