The 5052 aluminum sheet is highly resistant to corrosion. It is an alloy that contains 0.25 percent chromium and 2.5 percent magnesium. It’s widely used because of its formability and durability. It has high fatigue and medium static strength. It can be used in marine environments without worry of corrosion. This metal also has excellent thermal conductivity and low density, which is commonly found with other aluminum alloys. Its fatigue properties and endurance limit are excellent. The endurance limit is 125 MPa in an H34 temper and 115 MPa in an H32 temper.
When needed, this alloy can be hardened using cold working. Heat treatment cannot be used to make it hardenable. Compared to 5005 alloys, this grade of aluminum has better resistance in marine environments. It also has excellent corrosion resistance when used in slightly alkaline conditions. A protective surface film is over the 5052 aluminum, which gives the metal its corrosion resistance. When damage happens, the rapid reaction between aluminum and oxygen repairs it. When the film can’t be repaired, corrosion can quickly occur to the base metal. To help prevent this from happening, the metal can be anodized, which will make the protective surface film thicker.
Heat treatment can be used on this metal, which should be performed at 653 degrees F; the cooling rate and time at this temperature isn’t important. It’s rare for stress relief to be needed, but can be done at 428 degrees F. Stress relief should be used when the loss of strength is a concern. This metal is also readily machinable and weldable.
5052 aluminum sheets can be purchased in sizes between .032 and .1875 inch thick, 48 and 60 inches wide and up to 144 inches thick.