What's-The-Difference-Between-3003-5052-Aluminum-Plate.pdf
3003 aluminum sheet and 5052 aluminum sheet are commonly referred to as "Common Alloys" since they are two of the most frequently specified alloys in the aluminum industry. However, the contrasts between them demonstrate that even modest changes in composition can have a significant impact on desirable attributes and end uses. Here are some of the distinctions between the 3003 and 5052 aluminum alloys.
What Are 3003 Aluminum & 5052 Alloyed With?
3003 is largely alloyed with manganese (Mn), whereas 5052 is primarily alloyed with magnesium. Overall, you'll notice that 3003 is an alloy of silicon, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc, whereas 5052 is an alloy of silicon, copper, magnesium, chromium, and zinc. See the table below for the percentages of alloying elements in each common alloy.
Nominal Chemical Compositions
|
Alloying Elements – Percent |
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| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti |
| 3003 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 1.0-1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| 5052 | .25 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2.2 | 0.15 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
What Are The Mechanical Properties of 3003 Aluminum & 5052?
The mechanical properties of 3003 and 5052 demonstrate how slight variations in alloy composition have a significant impact on tensile strength. 3003 H14 has an ultimate tensile strength range of 20-26 KSI, a yield of 21, an elongation of 8.3%, and a Brinell hardness of 40, whereas 5052 H32 has an ultimate tensile strength range of 31-38 KSI, a yield of 28, a 12% elongation, and a Brinell hardness of 60. The table below shows the differences in mechanical properties between the two alloys.
Mechanical Properties
|
Strength (KSI) |
Elongation % in 2 In. |
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|
Alloy & Temper |
Ultimate Min. – Max. (KSI) | Yield Set 0.2% | 1/16" Thick | ½" Dia. |
Brinell Hardness |
| 3003-0 | 14 – 19 | 6 | 30% | 40 | 28 |
| 3003-H12 | 17 – 23 | 18 | 10% | 20 | 35 |
| 3003-H14 | 20 – 26 | 21 | 8 | 16 | 40 |
| 3003-H16 | 24 – 30 | 25 | 5% | 14 | 47 |
| 3003-H18 | 27 – – | 27 | 4% | 10 | 55 |
| 5052-0 | 25 – 31 | 13 | 25% | 30 | 47 |
| 5052-H32 | 31 – 38 | 28 | 12% | 18 | 60 |
| 5052-H34 | 34 – 41 | 31 | 10 | 14 | 68 |
| 5052-H36 | 37 – 44 | 35 | 8% | 10 | 73 |
| 5052-H38 | 39 – – | 37 | 7% | 8 | 77 |
How Do They Differ in Forming & Fabricating?
In general, 3003 is relatively soft, with decent corrosion resistance, drawing, workability, moderate strength, and weldability, whereas 5052 is stronger, with superior corrosion resistance, drawing, formability, greater strength, and weldability.
3003 is the most well-known and commonly used common alloy, having approximately 20% more strength than pure aluminum 1100. It is regarded as a very practical general-purpose aluminum for moderate strength applications. It is commonly used for its good workability and drawing properties, and it can be welded and brazed using any method. It also has great corrosion resistance.
5052 is the strongest non-heat-treatable sheet and plate now in use. It is tough, strong, easy to work, and extremely corrosion-resistant. Its versatility and strength make it one of the most useful alloys. It offers excellent drawing qualities and a rapid rate of work hardening. Because of its resistance to seawater corrosion, it is often employed in marine applications.
Comparative Characteristics and Applications
| Resistance to Corrosion |
Weldability |
|||||||
| Alloy | General | Stress-Corrosion Cracking | Workability (Cold) | Machinability | Brazeability | Gas | Arc | Resistance Spot & Seam |
| 3003-0 | A | A | A | E | A | A | A | B |
| 3003-H14 | A | A | B | D | A | A | A | A |
| 5052-O | A | A | A | D | C | A | A | B |
| 5052-32 | A | A | B | D | C | A | A | A |
How Do the Common End Uses of 3003 Aluminum & 5052 Compare?
3003 aluminum is commonly used in cooking utensils, food containers, chemical equipment, pressure vessels, general sheet metal fabrication, hardware, tanks, and cabinets. 5052 is commonly used for higher strength sheet metal fabrication, appliances, vessels, tanks, automotive, marine, food service, and medical equipment.
The Paradox of 3003 Aluminum & 5052
When analyzing 3003 and 5052 in greater depth, it is obvious that, despite their chemical compositions appear to be comparable, they are alloys with many similarities and significant differences. While 3003 and 5052 may be appropriate for distinct applications, such as cooking utensils and hydraulic tubes, many others, such as sheet metal work, are interchangeable.
