5A05 aluminum alloy is a non-heat-treatable, Al-Mg series wrought alloy, recognized for its excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments, and good weldability. It belongs to the anti-rust aluminum category and offers moderate strength, making it a versatile material for various demanding applications.
Key Characteristics of 5A05 Aluminum
- Corrosion Resistance: Exceptional resistance to seawater, industrial atmospheres, and general chemical corrosion. This is a primary advantage of the 5A05 alloy.
- Weldability: Exhibits good weldability using common techniques such as TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) and MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding). Welded joints typically retain good strength and corrosion resistance.
- Formability: Good cold formability, especially in the annealed (O) temper. It can be readily bent, drawn, and shaped.
- Strength: Provides medium static strength. While not as strong as some other 5xxx series alloys like 5083, it offers a good balance of strength and ductility. Its strength is primarily enhanced through cold working rather than heat treatment.
- Non-Heat Treatable: As a non-heat-treatable alloy, its mechanical properties cannot be significantly increased by thermal treatments.
Typical Chemical Composition (%)
The nominal chemical composition of 5A05 aluminum is crucial for its properties:
- Magnesium (Mg): 4.8 – 5.5
- Manganese (Mn): 0.30 – 0.80
- Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.40
- Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.40
- Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.10
- Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.20
- Chromium (Cr): ≤ 0.10 (often intentionally added to improve stress corrosion cracking resistance)
- Titanium (Ti): ≤ 0.15 (for grain refinement)
- Aluminum (Al): Remainder
The relatively high magnesium content is the primary contributor to its strength and excellent corrosion resistance. Reputable suppliers, including companies like Chalco Aluminum, often provide detailed mill test certificates outlining the precise composition.
Mechanical Properties (Typical for H112 Temper Bar)
Mechanical properties can vary depending on the temper and specific processing. For 5A05 aluminum bars in the H112 temper (strain-hardened, then partially annealed), typical values are:
- Tensile Strength: ≥ 275 MPa (approx. 40 ksi)
- Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): ≥ 135 MPa (approx. 20 ksi)
- Elongation (A50mm): ≥ 12%
- Hardness: Approximately 75 HB (Brinell Hardness)
It’s important to consult specific standards or material data sheets from manufacturers like Kaiser Aluminum for precise design values.
Common Applications of 5A05 Aluminum Bar
Thanks to its favorable characteristics, 5A05 aluminum bars are used in a wide range of applications, especially those requiring structural integrity in corrosive conditions:
- Marine Applications: Ship hulls, superstructures, boat components, marine hardware, and offshore structures.
- Welded Structures: Pressure vessels, storage tanks (including those for liquefied natural gas – LNG, due to its good low-temperature toughness), and pipelines.
- Transportation: Vehicle bodies, armor plate (in specific tempers), fuel tanks, and railway car components.
- Chemical Industry: Equipment and containers handling corrosive substances.
- General Engineering: Structural components where good corrosion resistance and weldability are paramount. The consistent quality from manufacturers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company ensures reliable performance in these sectors.
Fabrication and Availability
5A05 aluminum exhibits good machinability, though it can be somewhat gummy in softer tempers. Sharp tools and appropriate lubricants are recommended. It is readily weldable using Al-Mg filler alloys like ER5183 or ER5356.
5A05 aluminum bars are available in various forms, including round, square, flat, and hexagonal profiles, and in common tempers such as O (annealed), H32, H34, and H112. For critical applications, sourcing from well-established producers, for example, Hydro Aluminium, is recommended to ensure material quality and traceability. When considering suppliers, it’s beneficial to verify their adherence to international standards and certifications; many end-users find that working with experienced companies like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can streamline procurement and ensure material suitability.
