3003 aluminum and 5052 aluminum are two of the most widely specified alloys in the aluminum industry.Them both typically known as “Common Alloys”.But it isn’t always easy to differentiate the two. So, what is the difference?
Different metal compositions
3003 aluminum alloy Chemical Composition
3003 is primarily alloyed with Manganese (Mn) and the primary alloy ingredient for 5052 is Magnesium (Mg).See the table below for the percentage of alloying elements in each common alloy.
3003 h14 aluminum sheet
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti | Others: Each |
Others: Total |
| 3003 | 0.60 | 0.70 | 0.05~0.20 | 1.0~1.5 | – | – | 0.10 | – | 0.05 | 0.15 |
5052 aluminum alloy Chemical Composition
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti | Others: Each |
Others: Total |
Al: Min. |
| 5052 | 0.25 | 0.40 | 0.10 | 0.10 | 2.2~2.8 | 0.15~0.35 | 0.10 | – | 0.05 | 0.15 | remainder |
In all, you’ll see that 3003 is an alloy of Silicon, Iron, Copper, Magnesium, and Zinc, while 5052 is an alloy of Silicon, Copper, Manganese, Magnesium, Chromium, and Zinc.
5mm 5052 aluminum plate
It is clear that while the chemical compositions look similar, they are alloys that both have much in common and also substantial differences.
Different in intensity
3003 is fairly soft and has good corrosion resistance, good drawing, good workability, moderate strength, and is weldable, while 5052-h32 is stronger and has better corrosion resistance, good drawing, good formability, higher strength, and also is weldable.
3003 is considered a very practical general-purpose aluminum for moderate strength applications. Normally chosen for its excellent workability and drawing characteristics, it can be welded and brazed by all methods and has excellent corrosion resistance.
The strongest non-heat-treatable sheet and plate in common use, 5052 is tough, strong, easily worked, and highly corrosion-resistant. Its versatility and strong value make it one of the most serviceable alloys.
The extension strength of 3003H24 aluminum sheet is 115Rm/MPa. The extension strength of 5052H24 aluminum plate is 150Rm/MPa. Therefore, the performance of 5052 aluminum alloy plate is significantly better than that of 3003 aluminum plate.
Different in specification
In terms of common specifications, 3003 aluminum sheet is mainly used in the plate, and the application of the thick plate is not much, while 5052 aluminum sheet is widely used both in thin plate and thick plate.
Different in uses
While 3003 and 5052 aluminum may be ideal for different applications, for example, you’ll see 3003 recommended for cooking utensils and 5052 for hydraulic tube, for many others they are in fact interchangeable, like in sheet metal work.
3003 aluminum sheet is mainly used in humid environment, such as product packaging, refrigerator, air conditioning, cold storage, ventilation ducts, etc..
While 5052 aluminum sheet is used in electrical enclosure, transportation vehicles, pressure vessels, etc., and it is the common material of the manufacture of automobiles, aircraft fuel tanks and oil tubes.
Difference in price
From the price of aluminum sheet, the price of 3003 alloy aluminium sheet is slightly higher than that of pure aluminum sheet, while the price of 5052 aluminum sheet is significantly higher than that of 3003 aluminum sheet. According to different specifications and thicknesses, the price of a ton of 5052 aluminum sheet is about 2000-3000 yuan higher than the price of a ton of 3003 aluminum sheet.
Signi aluminum manufactures and stocks high quality 3003 aluminum alloy products including 3003 aluminum sheet, 3003 aluminum coil and 3003 aluminum round sheet / disk, to determine if there is a suitable 3003 aluminum alloy size for you, we invite you to email aluminumtigers@gmail.com today. One of our representatives will help you make the best decision for you.
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