5052 H34 aluminum sheet is a strain-hardened, partially annealed member of the aluminum-magnesium family. The H34 temper sits between the half-hard H32 and the harder H36 condition, giving balanced strength and ductility that suits marine structures, pressure vessels and transport equipment. Production starts with tightly controlled melting, casting and rolling so that composition, grain structure and final mechanical properties stay inside specification.
Chemistry and How the H34 Temper Is Produced
Magnesium is the principal alloying element at 2.2–2.8% by weight, which raises strength through solid-solution hardening while keeping the alloy ductile. Chromium at 0.15–0.35% refines the grain structure, limits the risk of weld cracking and improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking. Iron is held to 0.40% maximum, silicon to 0.25%, copper to 0.10%, manganese to 0.10% and zinc to 0.10%, with aluminium as the remainder; these limits follow the 5052 composition table of EN 573-3 and ASTM B209.
After casting, the ingot is homogenised and hot rolled, then cold rolled to the ordered gauge. In the H34 temper the cold reduction is followed by a partial anneal that removes part of the work hardening, so the sheet retains a semi-hard condition with improved elongation for subsequent forming, bending and stamping.
5052 H34 Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical value | Ordering reference |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength, ultimate | 215–265 MPa | ASTM B209 minimum 215 MPa |
| Tensile strength, yield | 160 MPa or more | ASTM B209 minimum 160 MPa |
| Elongation | 7% or more in 50 mm | ASTM B209 minimum 7% |
| Density | 2.68 g/cm³ | Physical constant |
| Modulus of elasticity | 70 GPa | Physical constant |
| Hardness | Roughly 60 HB, temper dependent | Indicative only |
The yield strength values sometimes quoted for 5052 in the annealed O condition, around 65–90 MPa, do not apply to H34. Selecting H34 means the designer expects at least 160 MPa proof strength together with the ductility needed for cold forming.
Properties That Matter in Marine Service
Corrosion resistance - the copper-free composition and stable magnesium oxide film resist seawater, salt spray and chloride attack, so the surface does not pit the way copper-bearing alloys can.
Strength with plasticity - 215–265 MPa tensile strength carries hydrodynamic, wind and wave loads, while the partially annealed condition permits bulkhead stamping and hull plate bending.
Fatigue performance - repetitive wave slamming and vibration loads are absorbed without premature fatigue cracking in properly designed joints.
Weldability - gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding and friction stir welding are all used with 5052, and filler alloy 5356 or 5556 generally matches the parent metal strength.
Formability and finish - the sheet takes anodising, painting and anti-slip coatings, which is valuable for deck and superstructure panels.
Typical Marine and Industrial Applications
Hull plating, inner bulkheads and collision bulkheads benefit from the combination of strength and corrosion resistance. Deck plating acts as the base for anti-slip finishes and must resist abrasion from cargo handling. Superstructure parts such as cabins and cockpits use the sheet because it is light and easy to fabricate. Piping systems for fuel oil, fresh water and other liquid media are frequently made from 5052 tube and plate, and ancillary items including railings, ladders and container frames are formed from the same alloy. Beyond marine work, the temper is used for automotive body panels, pressure vessels, fuel tanks, road signs and architectural cladding.
Sheet and Plate Specification
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 5052 |
| Temper | O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H22, H24, H26, H32, H34, H36, H38 |
| Thickness | 0.2–200 mm |
| Width | 20–2650 mm |
| Length | Cut to order, normally up to 12000 mm |
| Standards | ASTM B209, EN 573-3, EN 485, GB/T 3880 |
| Surface finish | Mill finish, anodised, colour coated, polished, embossed, brushed |
| Tolerance | Thickness within 0.02 mm and width within 2 mm on standard stock sizes |
| Coil core | 405 mm, 505 mm, 508 mm, 605 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the H34 temper mean?
H34 indicates a strain-hardened sheet that has been partially annealed to the three-quarter hard level, giving strength between H32 and H36 with improved elongation for forming.
Q: Is 5052 H34 suitable for seawater contact?
Yes. The alloy contains no copper and forms a protective oxide layer, so it performs well in saltwater, salt spray and chloride-bearing environments.
Q: Can 5052 H34 be welded without losing strength?
It welds readily by arc and friction stir methods. Design allowables should be taken from the annealed weld zone rather than from the parent metal values.
Q: How does H34 compare with H32 and H36?
H32 is half hard and more formable, H34 is three-quarter hard and H36 is harder still with lower elongation. H34 is chosen when bending demands exceed what H36 can safely tolerate.
Q: What thickness range is available?
5052 sheet and plate are produced from 0.2 mm to 200 mm, with the finest thicknesses supplied as coil and the heavier gauges as cut plate.
Q: Which standards govern delivery?
ASTM B209 and EN 485 cover mechanical properties and tolerances, EN 573-3 defines the chemical composition, and GB/T 3880 applies to material supplied against Chinese standards.
