5052 H32 aluminum sheet and aluminum plate are a non-heat-treatable Al-Mg alloy (5000 series) containing 2.2–2.8% magnesium, which gives it the best balance of corrosion resistance, strength, weldability and formability in the 5xxx family — second only to 5083 in marine performance, yet more formable and more economical.
The H32 temper means the sheet is strain-hardened and stabilized to roughly one-quarter hard. It is stronger than the annealed (O) temper, so it holds its shape under load, while remaining easy to bend, stamp, roll-form and weld in fabrication. That is why 5052 H32 aluminum sheet is specified worldwide for fuel tanks, marine hull panels, chemical equipment, automotive components and electronics enclosures.
At our factory, we supply 5052 H32 aluminum sheet and aluminum plate in fully customized dimensions, tempers and surface finishes, factory-direct with a minimum order quantity of 5 tons.
What Is 5052 H32 Aluminum Sheet?
5052 aluminum (UNS A95052) belongs to the aluminum-magnesium series of non-heat-treatable alloys. Its strength comes from solid-solution hardening and strain hardening rather than heat treatment, which gives it several practical advantages:
- Excellent corrosion resistance, especially in seawater, marine atmospheres and industrial environments.
- Superior weldability — it produces strong, crack-resistant welds with standard MIG/TIG processes (ER5356 filler is commonly used).
- Good formability — it bends and deep-draws reliably, and remains ductile after forming.
- Medium-high strength — 5052 H32 offers higher strength than 5052-O while keeping excellent workability.
The “H32” designation describes a strain-hardened and stabilized condition. Unlike fully annealed sheet, H32 temper material resists denting and deformation in service, which makes it ideal for structural and panel applications that must hold flatness and rigidity.
5052 H32 Aluminum Sheet Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 5052 (UNS A95052) |
| Temper | H32 (strain-hardened & stabilized) |
| Material Type | Aluminum Sheet / Aluminum Plate |
| Thickness Range | Sheet: 0.2 – 6.0 mm · Plate: 6.0 – 100 mm+ |
| Width Range | 500 – 2600 mm (custom slitting available) |
| Length | Customized |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish / Anodized / Stucco / Treadplate |
| Standards | ASTM B209 / B209M, EN 485, GB/T 3880 |
| MOQ | 5 tons |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 2.2 – 2.8 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.15 – 0.35 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Others (each / total) | ≤ 0.05 / ≤ 0.15 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Per ASTM B209 (spec) |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 210 – 260 MPa | 31 – 38 ksi (214 – 262 MPa) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 130 MPa | ≥ 23 ksi (≥ 159 MPa) |
| Elongation | ≥ 7 – 12% | 7 – 11% (thickness-dependent) |
| Density | ~2.68 g/cm³ | — |
| Hardness | ~60 HB (typical) | — |
Applications and Use Cases
5052 H32 aluminum sheet and plate is a true multi-industry workhorse. Its resistance to saltwater, fuel and chemicals, combined with easy welding and forming, makes it suitable for:
- Marine & Offshore — small craft hulls, deckhouses, bulkheads, and anti-slip treadplate for decks and industrial flooring.
- Fuel, Water & Hydraulic Tanks — ship fuel tanks, vehicle fuel tanks, hydraulic oil reservoirs and water storage tanks, where corrosion resistance and weld integrity are critical.
- Chemical & Process Equipment — storage tanks, transport containers and food processing equipment exposed to aggressive media.
- Automotive — fuel tanks, body panels and structural components that need a lightweight, corrosion-resistant material.
- Electronics & Electrical — chassis, enclosures and structural parts that also accept anodizing for both protection and appearance.
- HVAC & Building — commercial HVAC housings, architectural panels and protective covers in humid environments.
5052-O is fully annealed — the most formable but softest; 5052-H32 offers a balanced medium-hard condition; 5052-H34 is harder and stronger but slightly less formable. For most tanks, panels and structural sheet work, H32 is the best all-round choice.
Compared with 6061, 5052 offers better corrosion resistance and formability and is easier to weld; 6061 offers higher strength but lower corrosion resistance and is heat-treatable. Compared with 5083, 5052 is more economical and more formable, while 5083 offers slightly higher strength for heavy marine structures.