Key Highlights
- 5005 aluminum alloy is enriched with 0.8% magnesium content, offering medium strength and corrosion resistance.
- Known for its excellent weldability and machinability, it is widely used in sheet and plate forms.
- The alloy’s corrosion resistance is heightened in alkaline and marine environments.
- It cannot be heat-treated but is hardenable through cold working.
- Typical applications include architectural components, appliances, and marine parts.
- Lightweight design with excellent thermal conductivity enhances its versatility across industries.
Introduction
The 5005 aluminum alloy is an incredibly versatile material known for its exceptional corrosion resistance and robust chemical composition. As part of the aluminum-magnesium series, its unique formulation enables impressive weldability while maintaining a lightweight nature. Its outstanding thermal conductivity and ease of use with cold processes make it ideal for various architectural and industrial applications. This non-heat-treatable alloy excels across multiple sectors, thanks to its adaptability to different finishes and remarkable resilience in challenging environments.
Key Physical Properties of 5005 Aluminum Alloy
The physical properties of 5005 aluminum are consistent across tempers (e.g., H32, H34, O), with minor variations in mechanical properties depending on strain-hardening. The values below are typical for the alloy in standard conditions, based on industry standards like ASTM B209 or EN 573-3.
|
Property |
Value |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Density |
2.70 g/cm³ |
Similar to pure aluminum, lightweight for structural and decorative uses. |
|
Melting Point |
~630-650°C (1,166-1,202°F) |
High enough for most industrial applications, typical for 5xxx series. |
|
Thermal Conductivity |
~200 W/m·K |
Excellent heat dissipation, higher than high-Mg 5xxx alloys (e.g., 5086). |
|
Electrical Conductivity |
~50-52% IACS |
High conductivity, suitable for electrical components like busbars. |
|
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion |
23.8 × 10⁻⁶ /°C (20-100°C) |
Moderate expansion, comparable to other aluminum alloys. |
|
Specific Heat Capacity |
~900 J/kg·K |
Standard for aluminum supports thermal management in applications. |
|
Modulus of Elasticity |
~69 GPa (10,000 ksi) |
Reflects moderate stiffness, typical for non-heat-treatable alloys. |
|
Poisson’s Ratio |
0.33 |
The standard for aluminum indicates lateral strain behavior. |
Chemical Compositions of 5005 Aluminum Alloy
5005 aluminum alloy mainly consists of aluminum and 0.8% magnesium. Minor elements include silicon, manganese, and copper, contributing to a balanced chemical structure. Its properties feature a density of 2,700 kg/m³ and a melting range of 632–655°C, suitable for various fabrication methods. The alloy demonstrates 52% IACS electrical conductivity and high thermal expansion, making it ideal for projects needing flexibility and performance.
|
Element |
Weight % (Typical Range) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Aluminum (Al) |
97.0 – 99.0% |
Base element, remainder of the alloy |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
0.50 – 1.1% |
Primary alloying element, enhances corrosion resistance and strength |
|
Manganese (Mn) |
0.0 – 0.20% |
Minor addition, improves workability |
|
Silicon (Si) |
0.0 – 0.30% |
Impurity, affects castability |
|
Iron (Fe) |
0.0 – 0.70% |
Common impurity, impacts corrosion resistance |
|
Chromium (Cr) |
0.0 – 0.10% |
Enhances corrosion resistance |
|
Zinc (Zn) |
0.0 – 0.25% |
Trace element, minimal effect |
|
Copper (Cu) |
0.0 – 0.20% |
Kept low to maintain corrosion resistance |
|
Others (each) |
0.0 – 0.05% |
Trace impurities |
|
Others (total) |
0.0 – 0.15% |
Sum of all other impurities |
Pros and Cons of 5005 Aluminum Alloy
The 5005 aluminum alloy is a fantastic choice for projects that need corrosion resistance, great anodizing quality, and flexibility in forming! It’s perfect for architectural panels, signage, and appliance trim, providing a lightweight and cost-effective solution while offering excellent weldability and electrical conductivity.
That said, it’s important to note that its moderate strength and non-heat-treatable nature, along with limited wear resistance, might not make it the best fit for high-load, high-friction, or extreme marine environments. In those cases, stronger alloys like 5083 or 6061 are preferred.
|
Pros (Benefits) |
Cons (Limitations) |
|---|---|
|
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Resists atmospheric and mild chemical corrosion due to low magnesium (0.50-1.1%) and copper (≤0.20%), ideal for outdoor use. |
Moderate Strength: Tensile strength (~145-185 MPa, H32) is lower than 5052 or 6061, unsuitable for high-load structural applications. |
|
Superior Anodizing Quality: Produces bright, uniform finishes when anodized, perfect for decorative panels and trim. |
Not Heat-Treatable: Strength cannot be enhanced through heat treatment, limiting its use compared to 6061 or 7075. |
|
Good Formability: High ductility allows easy bending and shaping, especially in O or H32 tempers, outperforming 5083. |
Limited Wear Resistance: Lacks the silicon content of 4032, making it less durable in high-friction environments. |
|
Excellent Weldability: Easily welded with MIG/TIG using fillers like 5356 or 4043, supporting complex assemblies. |
Lower Strength than 5xxx Peers: Weaker than 5086 or 5083, restricting use in marine or heavy-duty applications. |
|
Lightweight: Density of 2.70 g/cm³ ensures weight savings for architectural and vehicle applications. |
Fair Machinability: Softer composition can produce gummy chips, less machinable than 6061. |
|
High Electrical Conductivity: ~50-52% IACS, suitable for busbars and conductor strips, better than 5086. |
Not Ideal for Extreme Environments: Less corrosion-resistant than 5083 in harsh marine conditions. |
|
Cost-Effective: More affordable than specialized alloys like 4032 or 5083, ideal for general-purpose uses. |
Limited High-Temperature Use: Strength drops above ~150°C, unlike 4032 or 2618. |
Typical Applications of 5005 Aluminum Alloy
5005 aluminum alloy is integral to a wide range of applications due to its excellent combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight design.
In the architectural world, it is commonly used for curtain walls, decorative panels, and roofing systems, where aesthetics and durability are key requirements.
The alloy is widely used in appliances and utensils for its machinability and wear resistance. It greatly benefits marine applications due to its strength and resistance to atmospheric corrosion in salty environments. Its effectiveness in sheet metal work, foil production, and gas lines showcases its versatility. This synergy of properties ensures its prominence in high-performance materials across industries.
5005 Aluminum vs. Other Aluminum Alloys
The 5005 aluminum alloy stands out due to its superior corrosion resistance in mildly alkaline and marine settings. While it shares some similarities with alloys like 3003 and 5052, its balance of magnesium content and cold work hardening sets it apart.
5005 aluminum’s weldability and medium strength make it ideal for architectural and industrial uses, compared to more complex alloys requiring specialized treatments or temper adjustments. These features make it a trusted choice for multipurpose applications.
5005 vs. 3003 Aluminum
5005 aluminum is the go-to choice for anodized, decorative applications like architectural panels and signage, offering better corrosion resistance, strength, and electrical conductivity than 3003. Conversely, 3003 aluminum excels in cost-sensitive, general-purpose uses like cookware and roofing, with slightly better formability but inferior anodizing quality and strength. Choose 5005 for aesthetics and conductivity, 3003 for economy and deep forming.
|
Characteristic |
5005 Aluminum |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Primary Alloying Element |
Magnesium (0.50-1.1%) |
Manganese (1.0-1.5%) |
|
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
~145-185 (H32 temper) |
~110-150 (H14 temper) |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent (atmospheric, mild chemical) |
Very Good (general-purpose, slightly less in harsh conditions) |
|
Anodizing Quality |
Superior (bright, uniform finish) |
Good (may show slight discoloration) |
|
Formability |
Excellent (high ductility) |
Excellent (slightly better for deep drawing) |
|
Weldability |
Excellent (MIG/TIG with 5356, 4043 fillers) |
Excellent (MIG/TIG with 4043, 1100 fillers) |
|
Electrical Conductivity |
~50-52% IACS (high, good for conductors) |
~40-42% IACS (moderate) |
|
Typical Applications |
Architectural panels, signage, anodized trim |
Cookware, roofing, general sheet metal |
5005 vs. 6061 Aluminum
5005 aluminum is perfect for decorative and non-structural purposes, such as signage and panels. It delivers excellent corrosion resistance, superior anodizing, and high formability, though it has moderate strength. In contrast, 6061 aluminum is better suited for structural applications like frames and extrusions, offering greater strength (heat-treatable) and improved machinability, albeit with slightly reduced corrosion resistance and anodizing quality. Opt for 5005 when aesthetics are a priority, and select 6061 for its strength.
|
Characteristic |
5005 Aluminum |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Primary Alloying Elements |
Mg (0.50-1.1%) |
Mg (0.8-1.2%), Si (0.4-0.8%), Cu (0.15-0.4%) |
|
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
~145-185 (H32 temper) |
~310 (T6 temper) |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent (ideal for anodizing, outdoor use) |
Very Good (less resistant due to Cu) |
|
Formability |
Excellent (highly ductile) |
Good (less ductile in T6 temper) |
|
Weldability |
Excellent (MIG/TIG with 5356/4043) |
Excellent (MIG/TIG with 4043/5356) |
|
Machinability |
Fair (gummy chips) |
Very Good (precise machining) |
|
Heat Treatable |
No (work-hardened only) |
Yes (T6 temper boosts strength) |
|
Anodizing Quality |
Superior (bright, uniform finish) |
Good (slightly less uniform) |
|
Typical Applications |
Architectural panels, signage, appliance trim |
Structural frames, extrusions, marine fittings |
5005 vs. 5052 Aluminum
5005 aluminum is ideal for decorative applications like anodized panels and signage, offering superior anodizing quality and lower cost but with lower strength (~145-185 MPa). 5052 aluminum excels in marine and structural uses, providing higher strength (~210-260 MPa) and better marine corrosion resistance, though it’s less suited for anodizing and slightly more expensive. Choose 5005 for aesthetics, 5052 for durability.
|
Characteristic |
5005 Aluminum |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Primary Alloying Element |
Magnesium (0.50-1.1%) |
Magnesium (2.2-2.8%) |
|
Tensile Strength (MPa) |
~145-185 (H32 temper) |
~210-260 (H32 temper) |
|
Yield Strength (MPa) |
~120-160 (H32 temper) |
~160-200 (H32 temper) |
|
Corrosion Resistance |
Excellent (atmospheric, mild environments) |
Excellent (superior in marine environments) |
|
Anodizing Quality |
Superior (bright, uniform finish) |
Good (less uniform than 5005) |
|
Formability |
Excellent (highly ductile) |
Very Good (slightly less than 5005) |
|
Weldability |
Excellent (MIG/TIG) |
Excellent (MIG/TIG) |
|
Typical Applications |
Architectural panels, signage, anodized trim |
Marine parts, fuel tanks, sheet metal |
|
Cost |
Lower (more cost-effective) |
Moderate (slightly higher than 5005) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 5005 aluminum alloy is a versatile material with remarkable properties and numerous applications. Its unique strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent workability make it an ideal choice across various industries, from architectural frameworks to marine environments. By understanding its chemical and physical attributes and comparing it to other aluminum alloys, you can make informed decisions when selecting the right material for your projects. If you need more information or assistance utilizing 5005 aluminum alloy effectively, don’t hesitate to contact our experts. Your next project deserves the best materials available.
Why Choose Linsy Aluminum
As one of the leading aluminum brands and a top supplier in China, Linsy Aluminum emphasizes quality and reliability in all its products. Our advanced aluminum factory in China manufactures high-performance aluminum alloys that satisfy the toughest industry requirements. Dedicated to excellence, we provide precision, durability, and tailored options to accommodate your specific project needs, establishing us as a trusted partner for businesses globally searching for exceptional aluminum solutions. GET A QUOTE
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5005 aluminum heat treatable?
No, 5005 aluminum is not heat treatable. It relies solely on cold working to enhance its hardness and mechanical properties. While it can undergo annealing at 345°C for stress relief, heat treatment methods do not improve additional strength.
What are the common tempers of 5005 aluminum?
Common tempers of 5005 aluminum include O (annealed), H32 (¼ hard), H34 (½ hard), and H38 (full hard). These temper conditions influence machinability, hardness, and elongation, offering flexibility in structural and industrial applications based on design requirements.
Is 5005 aluminum suitable for marine environments?
Yes, 5005 aluminum is highly suitable for marine environments due to its enhanced corrosion resistance. Its chemical composition, including magnesium, ensures durability in salty and mildly alkaline conditions, making it popular for boat components and coastal architecture.
