3003-h14 vs 5052-h32 Aluminum Sheet

Aluminum sheet is used in a wide variety of applications because of its cheap price, light weight, good formability and corrosion resistance. Two popular grades for commercial applications are 3003 aluminum sheet and 5052 aluminum plate. For 3003-h14 vs 5052-h32, which is better?

Aluminum Sheet Price

3003 h14 aluminium is the cheaper of the two, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t up to par for certain applications. Certainly, the different processing craft also will affect their price such as embossing, anodizing, thickness,etc.

Main Alloying Element

For 3003 h14 aluminum sheet, its major alloying element is manganese which allows for the formation of grains that absorb impurities and prevent corrosion. While the main element of 5052 h32 aluminum sheet is magnesium. Magnesium overcomes the corrosive effects of the iron present in the alloy. It also has better finishing characteristics than the 3003 alloy.

Physical Properties

Both 3003 h14 aluminum and 5052 h32 aluminum sheet are non-heat treatable aluminum alloys. 3003 aluminum sheet is with moderate strength, excellent formability, good weldability and good corrosion resistance,providing a tensile strength range of 17 to 30 KSI.

The strength of 5052 aluminum sheet is far stronger than the 1100 or 3000 series aluminum. At the same time, 5052 aluminum sheet is also of wear resistance and corrosion resistance. In addition, 5052 aluminum sheet is with good oxidation coloring effect and excellent metal texture.

Applications

Because of great corrosion resistance, the typical applications of 3003 h14 aluminum sheet are；

1. Heat exchangers

2. Roofing and siding

3. Cabinet

4. Oil tank

5. Low load parts working in liquid or gaseous media

6. Truck, Trailer and Transport Parts

Since 5052 aluminum has good corrosion resistance to salt water, it is widely used for food processing equipment and truck trailers as well as marine and aquatic features. The consumption of 5052 h32 aluminum sheet in making cans are increasing worldwide every year.