Choose 5052-H32 for fabricated parts
Because 5052-H32 aluminum is not heat-treated, it embodies high fatigue strength and elasticity, making it ideal for forming. Approved Sheet Metal provides crack-free aluminum fabrication for high-quality 5052 sheet metal parts with surprisingly smooth surface finishes.
And at approximately $2 less per pound than 6061 aluminum, 5052-H32 makes more sense for your fabricated parts based on price alone!
The properties of 5052-H32 aluminum include:
- Yield strength: 193 MPa (28,000 psi)
- Ultimate tensile strength: 228 MPa (33,000 psi)
- Primary alloying elements: magnesium and chromium
Common applications for 5052-H32 include:
Custom Aluminum Fabrication at Approved Sheet Metal
Our customers often request 6061-T6 aluminum for enclosures or boxes with lids—a totally reasonable material callout. Yet when the customer’s design specifies tight radii, we’ll almost always recommend a material swap to 5052-H32 aluminum. The cracking and breaking risks posed by 6061 frequently makes 5052 a significantly better choice, and we will highlight this substitution as an exception in your quote.
When you need to see for yourself…
We get it: engineers and buyers are visual learners. So please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss a material swap we’ve recommended for your project. We’re happy to show you examples of parts formed from both aluminum alloys. You’ll be able to see for yourself how 6061-T6 can crack during aluminum fabrication.
Even when reviewing a simple 90-degree bracket design for 6061-T6 fabrication, we almost always recommend a material swap to 5052-H32 so we can ensure optimum quality and prevent potentially costly complications.
When you’ve read that 6061-T6 is “easy to form…”
A quick online search will surface articles suggesting that 6061 aluminum is easily fabricated—and it’s true that aluminum fabrication with 6061 is possible! To ensure the material holds up to the forming process, however, additional considerations invariably apply.
We may need you to increase the internal bend radii, or it may be necessary to begin with a T0 temper and then heat-treat the finished part. No matter how we’ll need to prep your 6061 material, you should anticipate a longer lead time and additional costs.
When a material swap isn’t possible…
When you need your parts formed with 6061-T6 aluminum, Approved Sheet Metal can help. Contact us to discuss your unique needs, learn how we’ll approach your project, and review any major concerns. Whenever possible, we’ll do whatever we can to get you the part you need made just the way you need it.
Get a quote for your next custom aluminum fabrication project.
