Aluminum Alloy 5056 (UNS A95056)
Aluminum 5056 is an aluminum alloy that is primarily composed of aluminum, magnesium, and chromium. It is a non-heat treatable alloy that is commonly used in structural applications, such as shipbuilding, aircraft components, and automotive parts.
| Chemical Composition | ||
|---|---|---|
| Element | Min | Max |
| Aluminum | 92.9% | 95.4% |
| Chromium | 0.05% | 0.2% |
| Copper | —— | 0.1% |
| Iron | —— | 0.4% |
| Magnesium | 4.5% | 5.6% |
| Manganese | 0.05% | 0.2% |
| Silicon | —— | 0.3% |
| Zinc | —— | 0.1% |
| Residuals | —— | 0.15% |
The following table provides a list of aluminum 5056 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Density | 2640 kg/m3 |
| Mechanical Properties | Metric |
| Tensile Strength | 290 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 150 MPa |
| Young’s Modulus (E) | 70 - 80 GPa |
| Shear Modulus (G) | 26 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 12% |
| Poisson’s Ratio (ν) | 0.33 |
| Brinell Hardness | 65 HB |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 570 - 640 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 115 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 900 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL) | 2.4×10-5 1/°C |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Electrical Conductivity | 1.68×107 S/m |
| Electrical Resistivity | 5.96×10-8 Ω·m |
The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Aluminum 5056
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| High strength | Limited heat treatability |
| Corrosion resistance | Limited hardenability |
| Weldability | High cost |
| Formability | Limited availability |
Applications of Aluminum 5056
Aluminum 5056 is a versatile aluminum-magnesium alloy that offers a range of desirable properties, including high strength, good corrosion resistance, and good weldability. As a result, it is used in a variety of applications across several industries. Here are some common applications of Aluminum 5056:
- Marine applications: Aluminum 5056 has excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in saltwater environments, making it a popular choice for marine applications such as boat hulls, shipbuilding, and offshore structures.
- Aerospace and defense: Aluminum 5056’s high strength-to-weight ratio makes it well-suited for aerospace applications such as aircraft structures, missiles, and rockets.
- Automotive: Aluminum 5056 is used in some automotive components, particularly in areas that require corrosion resistance, such as in radiators and heat exchangers.
- Construction: Aluminum 5056 can be used in construction applications such as roofing, gutters, and siding, where its corrosion resistance and formability are beneficial.
- Electronics: Aluminum 5056’s good electrical conductivity makes it useful in electronic applications such as heat sinks and electrical enclosures.
- Sports equipment: Aluminum 5056 is used in the manufacture of sporting equipment such as baseball bats, tennis rackets, and bicycle frames.