5052 Aluminum Sheets & Plates — H32/H34/H116 Marine Grade Supplier (AA 5052 / AlMg2.5)
HXM Aluminum supplies 5052 aluminum sheets and plates from 0.15 mm foil-light gauge to 300 mm heavy plate, in tempers O, H32, H34, H36, H38, H111, and H116 (marine certified). Manufactured to AA 5052 / EN AW-5052 / DIN 3.3523 per ASTM B209, EN 485-2, and GB/T 3880 standards, with full mill test certificates. Outstanding saltwater corrosion resistance and weldability make 5052 the first choice for boat hulls, fuel tanks, truck bodies, and pressure vessels. Cut-to-size, laser cutting, and PVC film protection available. MOQ: 3 tons. Get your 5052 sheet quote in 24h →
5052 Aluminum Sheet & Plate Product Specifications
| Product | 5052 aluminum sheet & plate (flat-rolled) |
| Alloy designation | AA 5052 / EN AW-5052 / AlMg2.5 / DIN 3.3523 / GB 5052 (LF2) |
| Thickness range | 0.15 – 300 mm (sheet ≤6.35 mm; plate >6.35 mm) |
| Width range | 150 – 2,650 mm (common: 1,000 / 1,220 / 1,250 / 1,500 / 2,000 mm) |
| Length range | 500 – 12,000 mm (cut-to-size available) |
| Available tempers | O, H32, H34, H36, H38, H111, H112, H116 / H321 (marine) |
| Standards | ASTM B209, EN 485-2, EN 573-3, GB/T 3880, JIS H4000 |
| Density | 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0975 lb/in³) |
| Surface options | Mill finish, brushed, bright, anodized, PVC film (laser / PE / deep-drawing grade) |
| Packing | Wooden pallet / export wooden box, moisture-proof paper, steel strapping |
| MOQ / Lead time | 3 tons per order / 7–25 days (stock gauges ship in 7 days) |
| Certification | ISO 9001, SGS & BV third-party inspection, EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate |
Not sure which temper fits your fabrication process? Send us your drawing — our engineers will recommend gauge, temper, and tolerance within 24 hours.
Sheet vs Plate: Thickness Ranges & What to Order
In the aluminum industry the dividing line between “sheet” and “plate” is 6.35 mm (0.250 inch). Everything we supply below that thickness is rolled and supplied as flat sheet or coil (continuous coil); above it, the product is plate — thicker, stronger per gauge, and typically used for welded structure. Both are produced on the same 5052 chemistry; only the rolling schedule and finishing differ.
| Category | Thickness | Typical Width × Length | Common Tempers | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foil-light sheet | 0.15–0.5 mm | Up to 1,600 mm wide | O, H32 | Shielding, honeycomb core, deep drawing |
| Thin sheet | 0.5–2.0 mm | 1,000–2,200 × 1,000–4,000 mm | H32, H34 | Paneling, ducting, trailer skin, signage |
| General sheet | 2.0–6.35 mm | 1,000–2,650 × 2,000–12,000 mm | H32, H34, H36 | Truck body, fuel tank, marine deck |
| Medium plate | 6.35–50 mm | 1,000–2,500 × 2,000–12,000 mm | H32, H34, H112, H116 | Boat hull, bulkhead, pressure vessel |
| Heavy plate | 50–300 mm | 1,000–2,200 × 2,000–8,000 mm | H112, H116 | Structural frames, offshore, tooling plate |
Standard Thickness Tolerances (ASTM B209, ± mm)
| Thickness | Width ≤1,250 mm | 1,250–1,800 mm | 1,800–2,500 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5–1.5 mm | ±0.05 | ±0.06 | ±0.08 |
| 1.5–3.0 mm | ±0.08 | ±0.10 | ±0.13 |
| 3.0–6.35 mm | ±0.15 | ±0.18 | ±0.22 |
| 6.35–25 mm | ±0.35 | ±0.40 | ±0.45 |
| 25–80 mm | ±0.8 | ±0.9 | ±1.0 |
Tighter tolerance re-rolling available on request (down to ±0.02 mm for 1–3 mm sheet). For narrow-width product, see our 5052 aluminum strip (12–1,200 mm) page.
Chemical Composition of 5052 Aluminum (ASTM B209 / EN 573-3)
| Element | Composition (%) | Role in the Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2.2 – 2.8 | Primary alloying element — strength & corrosion resistance |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.15 – 0.35 | Grain refinement, stress-corrosion resistance |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.25 | Impurity control |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 | Impurity control |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 | Kept low to preserve corrosion resistance |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.10 | Minor strengthener |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 | Impurity |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance (≈96.7) | Base metal |
5052 is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mg alloy: strength comes from magnesium in solid solution plus strain hardening, not from precipitation heat treatment. That is why it retains strength in the weld zone far better than 6xxx sheet — a decisive advantage for welded tanks and hulls. See our 3003 vs 5052 comparison guide for how chemistry drives performance differences.
Mechanical Properties by Temper
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation A50 (%) | Hardness (HB) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O (annealed) | 170–215 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 19 | ~47 | Deep drawing, complex forming |
| H32 | 215–265 | ≥ 160 | ≥ 10 | ~60 | Most popular — truck body, tanks, panels |
| H34 | 235–285 | ≥ 180 | ≥ 8 | ~68 | Structural panels, machine covers |
| H36 | 255–305 | ≥ 200 | ≥ 5 | ~73 | Higher-strength flat parts |
| H38 (full hard) | 270–320 | ≥ 220 | ≥ 4 | ~77 | Rigid flat panels, appliance |
| H111 | 185–230 | ≥ 90 | ≥ 16 | ~52 | Marine formed parts (EN standard) |
| H112 / H116 | 220–270 | ≥ 130 | ≥ 12 | ~63 | Plate, welded marine structure |
Values per ASTM B209 / EN 485-2 for 1.5–6 mm gauge. H116 / H321 is the marine-qualified condition: it passes ASTM B928 intergranular-corrosion testing and is the specified temper for welded hull structure under classification society rules (DNV, LR, ABS). Density is 2.68 g/cm³ — roughly one third of steel, saving ~60% weight on equivalent panel stiffness designs.
Why 5052 Is the Standard Marine Grade Sheet Alloy
5052-H116 sheet and plate is specified by boat builders worldwide because it combines three properties that rarely coexist: excellent saltwater corrosion resistance (2.5% Mg keeps the protective oxide layer stable in chloride environments), high weld joint efficiency (88–96% strength retention after MIG/TIG welding, versus 50–60% for 6061-T6), and good formability for pressing hull curves and chines. Typical marine uses include hull plating from 3 mm skiff skin to 12 mm workboat plate, fuel and water tanks, bulkheads, decking, and superstructure panels.
- Salt spray performance: >2,000 h to first pitting in ASTM B117 testing — see our aluminum corrosion resistance guide for the full dataset
- No stress-corrosion cracking in H116 condition — qualified per ASTM B928 / EN 488
- Welds with ER5356 filler without losing HAZ strength — procedures in our aluminum welding guide
- Compatible with anti-fouling and anodic coating systems; takes anodizing well for superstructure trim
Choosing between 5052 and higher-strength 5083 for hull plate? Our 5052 vs 5083 marine buyer’s guide compares strength, formability, and cost boat-part by boat-part.
Applications of 5052 Sheet & Plate
Marine Hulls & Decks
Boat hull plating, bulkheads, swim platforms, dock fenders — H116 plate from 3–12 mm.
Fuel & Water Tanks
Diesel and potable water tanks in 2–6 mm H32 sheet; excellent weldability, no SCC risk.
Truck & Trailer Bodies
Dropside panels, toolboxes, tanker baffles — light gauge saves payload on every trip.
Pressure Vessels
Low-temperature vessels and cryo-compatible tanks (down to −196 °C service).
General Fabrication
Machine guards, enclosures, food equipment, hospital surfaces, signage blanks.
Structural Plate
Heavy 50–300 mm plate for frames, jigs, and welded structure.
5052 vs 3003 vs 5083 vs 6061 Sheet: Which to Choose
| Property | 5052-H32 | 3003-H14 | 5083-H116 | 6061-T6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 215–265 | 130–165 | 280–340 | 290–310 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | ≥160 | ≥115 | ≥210 | ≥240 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥10 | ≥8 | ≥10 | ≥8 |
| Marine / saltwater rating | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Fair (needs coating) |
| Welded joint efficiency | 88–96% | ~90% | ~90% | 50–60% (T6 lost) |
| Formability | Very good | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Best for | Tanks, marine, truck | Cookware, HVAC, roofing | Large hulls, LNG | Machined parts, structures |
Rule of thumb: choose 5052 whenever the part will be welded and exposed to water or road salt. Choose 3003 for cost-sensitive non-structural panels, 5083 when plate strength governs design, and 6061 for machined components (view our 6061 sheet page). Also see 3003 vs 5052 detailed comparison.
Processing Services for 5052 Sheet & Plate
We don’t just sell mill-size sheets — HXM Aluminum delivers ready-to-fabricate blanks. In-house capabilities include cut-to-length and cut-to-size (tolerance ±0.5 mm), laser and plasma cutting up to 25 mm, waterjet cutting up to 100 mm, shearing, press-brake bending, and PVC film lamination for laser / deep-drawing protection.
Cutting Method Selection Guide
| Method | Thickness Range | Tolerance | Edge Quality | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shearing | 0.3–6 mm | ±0.5 mm | Clean, slight burr | Rectangular blanks, high volume |
| Fiber laser | 0.5–25 mm | ±0.1 mm | Excellent, narrow HAZ | Intricate contours, holes |
| Plasma | 3–40 mm | ±0.8 mm | Good, bevel ~1° | Thick plate shapes |
| Waterjet | 0.5–100 mm | ±0.1 mm | Excellent, no HAZ | Thick precision parts, no heat input |
| Saw cutting | 6–300 mm | ±1.0 mm | Good | Plate bar-stock, blocks |
Press-Brake Bending Limits (5052-H32, Minimum Inner Radius × t)
| Thickness t (mm) | Bend ⊥ to rolling | Bend ∥ to rolling | Springback allowance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5–1.5 | 1.0 × t | 1.5 × t | 2–3° |
| 1.5–3.0 | 1.0 × t | 1.5–2.0 × t | 3–5° |
| 3.0–6.0 | 1.5 × t | 2.0–2.5 × t | 5–7° |
For deep-drawn or heavily formed parts, order O-temper sheet and form before any strain hardening concerns apply. Need formed parts delivered finished? Send your drawing for a processing quote.
Quality Assurance & Certifications
| Quality system | ISO 9001:2015 certified production and inspection workflow |
| Mill test certificate | EN 10204 3.1 — chemistry, mechanicals, temper verification per heat/lot |
| Third-party inspection | SGS, BV, TÜV, CCIC on request; pre-shipment photos & video |
| Marine qualification | H116/H321 per ASTM B928 with intergranular corrosion test report |
| Traceability | Full heat-number traceability from ingot to shipped pallet |
| Testing | Spectrometry (OES), tensile testing, hardness, microstructure, IG corrosion |
Every shipment includes test certificates matched to heat numbers marked on the material. Learn more about HXM Aluminum’s factory and 15-year export track record — 50,000+ tons delivered to 60+ countries.
Export Packaging & Delivery
Flat 5052 sheet is packed on fumigated wooden pallets or into export wooden crates: interleave paper or PE film between sheets to prevent rub marks, moisture-barrier wrapping, corner protection, and steel strapping. Thin gauge (<1 mm) ships in wooden boxes to eliminate transit distortion. Standard FOB, CFR, CIF, DDP trade terms; containers loaded by forklift or crane with 20ft/40ft load plans provided before shipment.
- Stock gauges: 7-day dispatch for common 1–12 mm H32 / H116 sizes
- Mill rolling orders: 15–25 days depending on gauge and quantity
- Cut-to-size orders: +3–5 days processing time
Related 5052 & Aluminum Products
5052 Aluminum Sheet & Plate — Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5052 aluminum sheet used for?
5052 aluminum sheet and plate is used primarily where weldability and corrosion resistance matter: boat hulls and marine structures (H116 temper), fuel and water tanks, truck bodies and trailer panels, pressure vessels at low temperature, machine guards, and general fabrication. It is one of the most widely specified marine-grade sheet alloys, combining 215–265 MPa tensile strength (H32) with excellent saltwater performance.
What is the difference between 5052 sheet and 5052 plate?
Only thickness. Below 6.35 mm (0.250 in) the product is called sheet; at or above 6.35 mm it is called plate. Chemistry (AA 5052) and available tempers are identical. Plate is typically ordered in H112 or H116 for welded structure, while sheet is most common in H32/H34 for formed and rolled panels.
Is 5052 or 6061 better for sheet metal fabrication?
For welded or corrosion-exposed parts, 5052. It is non-heat-treatable, so welding does not destroy temper strength (88–96% joint efficiency vs 50–60% for welded 6061-T6), and it resists saltwater far better. 6061-T6 is stronger in unwelded, machined applications and is heat-treatable. Our alloy comparison guides cover the trade-offs in detail.
What tempers are available for 5052 sheet and plate?
We stock O (annealed, maximum formability), H32 and H34 (work-harden + stabilized, the workhorses), H36 and H38 (higher strength), H111, H112, and marine-certified H116/H321 per ASTM B928. H32 is the most economical general choice; H116 is mandatory for welded marine structure under class rules.
Can 5052 aluminum sheet be welded?
Yes — 5052 has excellent weldability by MIG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW). Because it is strengthened by magnesium solid solution rather than heat treatment, the weld zone keeps most of its strength. Use ER5356 filler (or ER5183 for maximum joint strength); avoid ER4043 in saltwater service. Recommended parameters are in our aluminum welding guide.
Does 5052 aluminum sheet rust or corrode in saltwater?
Aluminum does not rust. 5052’s 2.5% magnesium content makes its oxide layer exceptionally stable in chloride environments — it withstands more than 2,000 hours of ASTM B117 salt spray before cosmetic pitting, and H116 material passes intergranular corrosion testing per ASTM B928. This is why it dominates marine sheet applications. Full data in our corrosion resistance guide.
What is H116 temper and when is it required?
H116 is a strain-hardened condition for 5xxx alloys with verified resistance to intergranular corrosion and exfoliation (tested per ASTM B928/ASTM G66). It is required by classification societies (DNV, LR, ABS) for welded marine structural plate and is the standard temper for boat hulls, bulkheads, and tanker structure. If your drawing calls out 5052-H116, we supply it with the test report.
How much does 5052 aluminum sheet weigh per square meter?
5052 density is 2.68 g/cm³. Weight per m³ is 2,680 kg, so a 1 m³ sheet stack weighs 2.68 t. Quick reference: 1 mm sheet = 2.68 kg/m³, 2 mm = 5.36 kg/m³, 3 mm = 8.04 kg/m³, 5 mm = 13.4 kg/m³, 6 mm = 16.08 kg/m³. Use 2.68 (not 2.70 or 2.73) when calculating freight — it is the correct value for this alloy.
What is the price of 5052 aluminum sheet?
Pricing follows the LME aluminum ingot price plus a per-kg processing premium that depends on thickness, width, temper, quantity, and finish. As a guide, 5052 commands a moderate premium over 3003 and a discount versus 5083. Send your specification (gauge × width × length, temper, quantity) via our quote form for a firm FOB/CFR price valid 5 days — we respond within 24 hours.
What is your MOQ and lead time for 5052 sheet?
MOQ is 3 tons per order (mixed gauges acceptable). Stock gauges in 1–12 mm H32/H116 ship within 7 days; mill rolling orders take 15–25 days; cut-to-size processing adds 3–5 days. FOB Shanghai/Ningbo, or CFR/CIF/DDP to your port.
Can you supply cut-to-size 5052 sheet and plate?
Yes. We shear, laser cut (0.5–25 mm), plasma cut (3–40 mm), and waterjet cut (up to 100 mm) to your dimensions with ±0.1–0.5 mm tolerance, and can apply laser-grade PVC film. Upload a DXF/PDF drawing with your inquiry and we will quote material plus processing together.
What standards and certificates do your 5052 sheets meet?
Material is produced to ASTM B209, EN 485-2, EN 573-3, and GB/T 3880 with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates. Production is ISO 9001:2015 certified, and SGS/BV/TÜV third-party inspection is available before shipment. Marine H116 material includes ASTM B928 intergranular corrosion test reports.
