In the diverse world of aluminum alloys, where specific demands for corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and exceptional workability intersect, 5052 aluminum stands as a preeminent solution. Supplied in the H112 temper, this non-heat treatable alloy offers a reliable and versatile profile for engineers and fabricators. This technical overview details the composition, properties, and applications of 5052 H112 aluminum bar, demonstrating why it is the material of choice for demanding environments.
1. Chemical Composition: Engineered for Corrosion Resistance and Formability
5052 is a primary alloy within the 5000 series (Al-Mg), renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance derived from its magnesium content and the absence of copper as a major alloying element. This composition provides an optimal balance between performance and manufacturability.
The standard composition is defined as follows:
· Aluminum (Al): Remainder (Approximately 97.2%)
· Magnesium (Mg): 2.2%~2.8% (Primary solid-solution strengthener and corrosion resistance enhancer)
· Chromium (Cr): 0.15%~0.35% (Grain refiner; improves resistance to stress-corrosion cracking)
· Iron (Fe): ≤0.40%
· Silicon (Si): ≤0.25%
· Copper (Cu): ≤0.10% (Deliberately kept low to maximize corrosion resistance)
· Manganese (Mn): ≤0.10%
· Zinc (Zn): ≤0.10%
· Other Elements (Each): ≤0.05%
Metallurgical Insight: 5052 derives its strength primarily from solid-solution strengthening via magnesium and from strain hardening (cold work). The H112 temper indicates the bar has been hot worked (e.g., extruded or hot-rolled) and may have experienced some strain hardening from the process, but not to the controlled extent of an H32 or H34 temper. It guarantees a specified minimum mechanical property. The low copper content is critical, as it prevents the formation of galvanic couples within the microstructure, granting the alloy outstanding resistance to a wide range of corrosive media, particularly saltwater.
2. Mechanical and Functional Properties
As a non-heat treatable alloy, the properties of 5052 are controlled by the degree of cold work. The H112 temper represents a baseline with good strength and maximum ductility.
Mechanical Properties (Typical for 5052 H112):
· Tensile Strength: 25~29 ksi (170~200 MPa)
· Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): 13,000 psi (90 MPa) min.
· Elongation: 12%~18% in 2 inches (Indicating high ductility)
· Shear Strength: Approximately 17 ksi (117 MPa)
· Hardness (Brinell): 47 HB
· Fatigue Strength: 14 ksi (97 MPa)
Functional and Processing Characteristics:
· Excellent Corrosion Resistance: This is the hallmark of 5052. It exhibits superb resistance to marine atmospheres and saltwater corrosion, outperforming most other aluminum alloys except those specifically designed for marine use (like 5083/5086). It also shows good resistance to industrial chemicals.
· Outstanding Formability and Workability: In the softer H112 temper, 5052 offers excellent cold workability. It can be readily bent, rolled, formed, and spun without cracking. This makes it ideal for complex fabrication processes.
· Good Machinability: While not a free-machining alloy like 2011, 5052-H112 has fair machinability. It produces stringy chips, requiring proper chip breakers and tool geometry. Its relative softness allows for good surface finishes.
· High Weldability: 5052 possesses excellent weldability using all common techniques, including Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), and resistance welding. The weld zone retains good strength and corrosion resistance.
· Superb Anodic Coating Response: It is an excellent candidate for anodizing, producing a clear, uniform, and protective oxide layer that can be dyed. It is also readily paintable and bondable.
· Moderate Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Offers a balance between the high strength of 6000/7000 alloys and the extreme formability of 1000 series, making it a robust yet workable structural choice.
3. Application Scope: Ruling the Realm of Durability and Fabrication
The combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability makes 5052 H112 bar stock indispensable across several key industries.
A. Marine and Offshore Applications:
· Boat and Shipbuilding: Hull plates, decks, superstructures, railings, and ladder components.
· Marine Hardware: Cleats, chocks, hatches, and fuel tanks.
· Offshore Platform Components: Walkways, non-critical structural parts, and covers exposed to splash zones.
B. Transportation and Vehicle Manufacturing:
· Automotive Body Panels: Interior panels, trim, and non-structural body parts requiring formability.
· Commercial Vehicle Bodies: Truck and trailer siding, flooring, and components.
· Railway Carriages: Interior linings, ducting, and decorative trim.
C. General Fabrication and Architecture:
· Chemical Processing Equipment: Tanks, piping, and covers for handling specific chemicals.
· Architectural Trim and Facades: Decorative elements, kick plates, and signage where corrosion resistance is needed.
· Appliance and Electronics: Chassis, panels, and housings for consumer and industrial appliances.
D. Manufacturing and Tooling:
· Jigs, Fixtures, and Templates: Where non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant tooling is required.
· Prototype Development: Excellent for forming and testing design concepts due to its ease of fabrication.
Why Source 5052 H112 Aluminum Bar from Our Expertise?
We are your dedicated partner for aluminum solutions, providing not just material, but also the technical acumen to ensure your project’s success.
· Certified Material Provenance: Our 5052 H112 bars are supplied with full traceability and certification to ASTM B211 or equivalent international standards, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
· Integrated Precision Machining Services: Beyond supplying raw bar stock, our advanced CNC machining division is proficient in working with 5000 series alloys. We can deliver precision-machined components from 5052, maintaining its inherent properties and meeting your exact specifications.
· In-Depth Technical Partnership: Our team provides more than a transaction. We offer consultative support on material selection, temper options (e.g., advising if a strain-hardened temper like H32 is more suitable), and fabrication best practices for 5052, helping you optimize for corrosion performance, strength, and manufacturability.
Navigate towards a reliable and versatile material solution. For projects where corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability are paramount, 5052 H112 is the proven choice. Contact our technical sales team today to request a quote, material certifications, or to discuss your specific application requirements with our engineering specialists. Let us supply the material and expertise that forms the foundation of your durable designs.
Post time: Feb-04-2026