5052-H32 is the sheet alloy to choose when you need strong, lightweight panels that are easy to form and able to endure demanding environments. Its H32 temper offers a good balance between strength and bendability: corners bend cleanly at the brake without cracking, and MIG/TIG welds are neat.
Thanks to its magnesium content, it excels in corrosion resistance—particularly in marine, coastal, or de-icing salt environments—and accepts paint or powder coating well. More docile in bending than 6061 and stiffer than pure alloy series, it covers a broad spectrum of uses from 0.040" to 0.375" (≈1.0 to 9.5 mm): lightweight covers, signage, enclosures, flanges, trays, and architectural facades.
Alloy Nature
5052-H32 is a non-heat-treatable aluminum, alloyed with magnesium, renowned for its combination of formability, practical strength, and corrosion resistance. The H32 temper means strain-hardened then stabilized, hence consistency in bending and dimensional stability after forming. In the shop: it bends tight, welds well, and withstands the elements.
Primary Uses
Everywhere moisture, salt, or mild chemicals are present: boat and dock panels, coastal architectural cladding, parts exposed to road salts, utility vehicle bodies. In general uses: machine covers and guards, electrical enclosures and lids, signage and POP, clean-room or food-grade panels, HVAC ducts/plenums, fuel/water tanks, trays and custom supports.
What It Does Well
Corrosion resistance: excellent in marine and de-icing salt, reducing need for heavy coatings.
Formability: bends, hems, and ribs form with low cracking risk compared to harder alloys; suitable for moderate deep draws and formed corners.
Weldability: clean, strong MIG/TIG welds; simple post-weld finishing.
Stiffness/weight ratio: while less strong than 6061-T6, it offers necessary stiffness for most sheet metal parts without excess mass.
Thickness Selection and Indicative Applications (0.040"–0.375")
0.040"–0.080" (≈1.0–2.0 mm): lightweight covers, housings, signage, drawer components and formed skins with small radii and low weight.
0.090"–0.190" (≈2.3–4.8 mm): enclosures, cabinets, vehicle panels, medium-service flanges and tanks subject to vibration and splashing.
0.250"–0.375" (≈6.4–9.5 mm): robust plates, structural gussets, wear panels, mounting bases and tank bottoms where stiffness is paramount.
Fabrication Notes
Cutting: laser, waterjet, and CNC provide clean edges; chip evacuation and sharp tools limit burrs in machining.
Forming: account for grain direction—cross-grain bends accept tighter radii. Use adequate die nose radius and smooth tooling to preserve finish.
Welding: select filler according to service environment; heat-affected zone remains less strong—normal for non-heat-treatable alloys.
Assembly: works very well with rivets, self-clinching inserts, and threaded fasteners; provide galvanic isolation with dissimilar metals.
Finish: mill finish paints/powders well after cleaning and preparation. 5052 anodizes with uniform, durable oxide suitable for architecture and marine environments. Brushed and clear-varnished appearance common for visible parts.
When to Choose Something Else
For high stiffness and tight machining on plate, 6061-T6 may be more suitable. For mirror polish or very deep decorative anodizing, 3003/1100 series sometimes finish more easily. For most formed parts called to face the elements, 5052-H32 remains the practical and reliable choice.
Common Applications
Robotics and automation, hinges and hardware, fencing and light bumpers, marine applications, heat exchangers, signage, panels and cladding, bodies and guards, trays and platforms.