What Does 5052 H112 Mean?
5052 is a non-heat-treatable aluminium-magnesium alloy with roughly 2.5 percent magnesium and 0.25 percent chromium, and it is one of the most widely used alloys for plate, sheet and coil. The H112 temper means the plate is strain hardened during rolling and then supplied without any supplementary thermal treatment, so the mechanical properties are guaranteed within a specified range rather than by a controlled amount of cold work.
Because 5052 cannot be strengthened by solution treatment and ageing, the rolling route itself determines the final strength. H112 is therefore a practical choice for plate that will be welded, formed or machined after delivery, where a moderately work hardened but still fabricable condition is wanted.
Chemical Composition of 5052
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Magnesium | 2.2 - 2.8 |
| Chromium | 0.15 - 0.35 |
| Iron | 0.40 max |
| Silicon | 0.25 max |
| Copper | 0.10 max |
| Manganese | 0.10 max |
| Zinc | 0.10 max |
| Aluminium | Remainder |
The magnesium addition provides solid solution strengthening and the basis of the alloy's corrosion resistance, while chromium refines the grain structure and improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
Typical Physical and Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.68 g/cm3 |
| Melting range | 607 - 649 C |
| Tensile strength | About 215 MPa |
| Yield strength | About 165 MPa |
| Elongation | About 12 percent |
| Thermal conductivity | About 138 W/m K |
| Elastic modulus | About 70 GPa |
Values are typical for commercial 5052 H112 plate and fall within the limits of ASTM B209, EN 485-2 and GB/T 3880.2. Because H112 covers a range rather than a single cold worked condition, the exact figures for a delivery are confirmed on the mill certificate for that lot.
Corrosion Resistance and Weldability
Alloys in the 5xxx family are the benchmark for marine service. 5052 forms a stable oxide film that resists fresh water, seawater spray, industrial atmospheres and many mild chemicals, and it performs far better than copper bearing grades in wet environments. It is not recommended for strong alkalis or for continuous service in contact with acids, and it should be isolated from steel and copper in wet joints to avoid galvanic attack.
The alloy welds readily by both TIG and MIG processes using a magnesium bearing filler wire, and welded joints retain good strength and corrosion resistance, which suits tank, duct and structural fabrication. Stress relief after welding is not required for 5052, although care should be taken with restraint and fit up to limit distortion from the high thermal expansion of aluminium.
Formability and Fabrication
Bending and rolling: H112 plate bends and rolls to generous radii without cracking; tight radii are better served by the softer O temper.
Machining: the alloy machines cleanly at moderate to high speeds with sharp tooling, producing continuous chips and a good surface finish.
Joining: welding, riveting and adhesive bonding are all used in production; fasteners should be aluminium or stainless steel compatible with the base metal.
Surface treatment: 5052 anodises to a clear or dyed finish and takes paint or laminate well after proper cleaning and pretreatment.
Comparison with 5083: 5052 is the more formable and slightly lower strength option, whereas 5083 is chosen for welded structures requiring higher strength.
Typical Applications of 5052 H112 Plate
Marine: hull plating, deck panels, superstructures and dockside equipment, where salt water exposure demands durable corrosion resistance.
Transport: truck body panels, fuel tank shells, road tanker sections and cargo containers that benefit from light weight and impact strength.
Aerospace support equipment: ground support frames, tooling plates and non-primary structures that need strength with low mass.
Building and construction: roofing, cladding, soffits, signage and architectural paneling, often with a coated or anodised finish.
Industrial equipment: pressure vessels, ducting, heat exchanger housings and fabricated platforms.
Handling, Storage and Maintenance
Plate should be stored indoors in a dry, ventilated area and kept clear of the floor, with the protective film left in place until fabrication. Cleaning is normally done with a mild neutral detergent and clean water; abrasive pads, chloride containing cleaners and prolonged contact with wet cement or soil should be avoided because they can break down the protective oxide layer. Periodic inspection of cut edges and welded zones helps catch early staining before it develops into pitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 5052 H112 heat treatable?
No. 5052 is a non-heat-treatable alloy, so its strength comes from magnesium in solid solution and from rolling strain rather than from solution treatment and ageing.
Q: How does H112 differ from H32?
H32 is a controlled strain hardened and stabilised temper with tighter strength limits, while H112 is supplied as rolled with a guaranteed strength range and slightly less cold work.
Q: Can 5052 H112 plate be welded?
Yes, it welds well with TIG and MIG using magnesium bearing filler wire, and the welded joints keep good strength and corrosion resistance.
Q: Is 5052 suitable for marine environments?
It is one of the most common marine aluminium alloys and resists seawater spray and salt laden atmospheres well, provided dissimilar metals are isolated at joints.
Q: What thicknesses are available in 5052 H112?
Plate is produced across a wide gauge range from thin sheet up to heavy plate, with the thickness confirmed against the ordered standard and application.
Q: Which is better, 5052 or 5083?
5052 offers better formability and lower cost, while 5083 provides higher strength for welded structural work; the choice depends on the load and forming route.
