Alumium sheet 5052 and 6061

Both 5052 aluminum sheet and 6061 aluminum sheet are high-strength and corrosion-resistant metal sheets. One is a common marine aluminum sheet in the 5000 series, and the other is a metal sheet in the 6000 series that is more commonly used in automobiles and construction. The two alloys have similar characteristics in many aspects of strength and application, but they also have significant differences in composition and performance.

Learn about aluminum sheet 5052 6061 alloy

What is 5052 aluminum sheet? What is 6061 aluminum sheet?

Aluminum sheet 5052 is an aluminum alloy belonging to the Al-Mg series alloy, which has very good corrosion resistance and is also known as rust-proof aluminum sheet. 5052 aluminum plate has good forming and processing performance, corrosion resistance, weldability, and medium strength. It is often used to manufacture thin plate parts for aircraft fuel tanks, oil pipes, vehicles, and ships.

The main alloying elements of 6061 aluminum sheet are magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si). It is the most widely used alloy in the 6000 series. 6061 aluminum sheet has medium strength, good corrosion resistance, weldability and oxidation effect. It also has excellent plasticity and toughness. After proper heat treatment, it can obtain higher strength and hardness. 6061 aluminum sheet is easy to process and suitable for various complex processing processes.

High strength and fatigue resistance: 5052 aluminum plate has high tensile strength and yield strength, can withstand large mechanical stress, and is particularly suitable for applications that require high strength and fatigue resistance. Good corrosion resistance: Due to the addition of magnesium, 5052 aluminum plate exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and can resist the erosion of various chemical substances, especially in marine and humid environments. Excellent weldability: 5052 aluminum plate has good weldability, whether it is gas welding, arc welding or resistance welding, high-quality welds can be obtained, and it is suitable for various welding processes.

High strength and hardness: After T6 or T651 heat treatment, 6061 aluminum plate has high tensile strength and yield strength, as well as good hardness, and can withstand greater mechanical stress. Good corrosion resistance: 6061 aluminum plate has good corrosion resistance to the atmosphere, fresh water, sea water, alcohol, gasoline, engine oil, etc., and can be used for a long time in harsh environments without rusting or corroding. Excellent machinability: 6061 aluminum plate is easy to process and can be processed by casting, forging, extrusion, stamping, stretching, bending and other processes, and can also be welded, heat treated and other processes.

5052 vs 6061 aluminum

5052 vs 6061 aluminum sheet 10 differences

Difference 1: 5052 vs 6061 aluminum element

The chemical composition of 5052 aluminum sheet and 6061 aluminum sheet:

Element	5052 Aluminum Sheet	6061 Aluminum Sheet
Aluminum (Al)	Balance (~95.7–97.7%)	Balance (~95.8–98.6%)
Magnesium (Mg)	2.2–2.8%	0.8–1.2%
Silicon (Si)	0.25% max	0.4–0.8%
Chromium (Cr)	0.15–0.35%	0.04–0.35%
Copper (Cu)	0.10% max	0.15–0.40%
Manganese (Mn)	0.10% max	0.15% max
Zinc (Zn)	0.10% max	0.25% max
Iron (Fe)	0.40% max	0.70% max
Titanium (Ti)	—	0.15% max

Difference 2: Aluminum sheet 5052 vs 6061 strength

5052 vs 6061 aluminum properties

Property	5052 Aluminum Sheet	6061 Aluminum Sheet (T6)
Ultimate Tensile Strength	193–228 MPa (28,000–33,000 psi)	290–310 MPa (42,000–45,000 psi)
Yield Strength	89–138 MPa (13,000–20,000 psi)	240 MPa (35,000 psi)
Shear Strength	138 MPa (20,000 psi)	207 MPa (30,000 psi)
Brinell Hardness	60 HB	95 HB
Elongation at Break	12–20%	8–12%

Difference 3: 5052 aluminum vs 6061 density

5052 aluminum alloy has a density of 2.68 g/cm3 (0.0968 lb/in3), which is slightly lower than pure aluminum. 6061 aluminum has a density of 2.7 g/cm3 (0.0975 lb/in3). Its weight is roughly the same as pure aluminum.
More alloy densities: 1000-8000 density table

Difference 4: 5052 vs 6061 aluminum specification

Difference 5:Aluminum 5052 vs 6061 price

The prices of 5052 aluminum and 6061 aluminum vary depending on various factors such as market supply and demand, aluminum price fluctuations, specification size, heat treatment status and suppliers.

5052 aluminum: As of October 25, 2024, the price range of 5052 aluminum alloy plate was reported to be between RMB 24,430 and RMB 24,830 per ton.
6061 aluminum: Similarly, as of October 25, 2024, the price range of 6061-H112 aluminum alloy plate was RMB 24,030 to RMB 24,430 per ton, while the price range of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy plate was RMB 27,030 to RMB 27,430 per ton.

Difference 6:5052 vs 6061 corrosion resistance

Aluminum Alloy	Corrosion Resistance Characteristics	Specific Corrosion Resistance in Environments
5052	Excellent corrosion resistance	– Resistant to corrosion in oxidizing media over long periods<br>- Effective against corrosive agents such as oxidants, strong acids, and strong bases<br>- Possesses a dense oxide film on the surface, providing resistance to acids and bases<br>- Outstanding corrosion resistance in alkaline environments<br>- Good corrosion resistance in salt spray environments, suitable for marine environments or other situations with high chloride content<br>- Resistant to some common corrosive liquids, such as acetic acid, paraffin, naphthalene, etc.
6061	Moderate to good corrosion resistance	– Relatively good corrosion resistance, but not as high as some other aluminum alloys<br>- Corrosion resistance can be further enhanced through surface treatment techniques such as anodizing

• 5052 aluminum alloy is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments and situations with high chloride content.
• 6061 aluminum alloy, while also possessing good corrosion resistance, is slightly inferior to 5052 in this regard. However, through appropriate surface treatment techniques, such as anodizing, the corrosion resistance of 6061 aluminum alloy can be further improved..

Difference 7: Aluminum sheet 5052 vs 6061 melting point

the melting points of aluminum sheets 5052 and 6061:

Aluminum Alloy	Melting Point Range (°C)
5052 sheet	Approximately 607 – 650
6061 sheet	Approximately 600 – 650

• Both aluminum alloy 5052 and 6061 have melting point ranges that overlap, falling between approximately 600°C and 650°C.
• The specific melting point of a given alloy can vary depending on factors such as composition, purity, and heat treatment state.

 

Difference 8: Aluminum sheet 5052 vs 6061 application

Aluminum Sheet 5052 Applications:

• Aviation Industry: Utilized in various components due to its high fatigue strength and corrosion resistance.
• Marine Environments: Excellent resistance to seawater and salt spray makes it suitable for shipbuilding and other marine applications.
• Automotive Industry: Used in body panels, fuel tanks, and other components requiring good corrosion resistance.
• Architectural Applications: Suitable for exterior cladding, roofing, and other architectural elements due to its aesthetic appeal and corrosion resistance.
• Electronic Industry: Can be used in components where good corrosion resistance and moderate strength are required.

Aluminum Sheet 6061 Applications:

• Precision Machinery: Due to its excellent machinability and mechanical properties, it is often used in the manufacture of precision machinery parts.
• Automotive Components: Utilized in wheels, structural components, and other parts requiring high strength and corrosion resistance.
• Aerospace Industry: Suitable for various aerospace components due to its combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability.
• Electronic Products: Often used in cases, housings, and other structural parts of electronic devices.
• Shipbuilding: Good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties make it suitable for various shipbuilding applications.

Both 5052 and 6061 aluminum sheets have a wide range of applications, but they excel in different areas.5052 aluminum sheet is particularly suitable for applications requiring high corrosion resistance, such as marine environments and architectural applications.6061 aluminum sheet is more suited for applications requiring high strength and machinability, such as precision machinery and automotive components.

Difference 9:5052 vs 6061 aluminum temper

Difference 10:5052 aluminum vs 6061 Anodizing performance

5052 aluminum sheet has better anodizing performance and higher gloss after treatment.
6061 aluminum sheet can also be anodized and colored, but the glossiness may be slightly inferior to 5052.

Difference 11: 5052 aluminum vs 6061 heat treatment effect

5052 aluminum sheet cannot be strengthened by heat treatment.
6061 aluminum sheet can be improved in strength by heat treatment.