Aluminum sheet is widely used due to its cheap price, light weight, good formability and corrosion resistance. Two common grades for commercial applications are 3003 4x8 aluminum sheet and 5052 aluminum sheet. For 3003-h14 vs 5052-h32, which is better?
Aluminum plate price
5052 h32 aluminum sheet h14 aluminum is the less expensive of the two, but that doesn't mean it doesn't meet the standards for some applications. Of course, different processing techniques also affect their price, such as embossing, anodizing, thickness, etc.
main alloying elements
For the 3003 Aluminum Sheet, its main alloying element is manganese, which allows the formation of grains that absorb impurities and prevent corrosion. The main element of 5052 h32 aluminum plate is magnesium. Magnesium overcomes the corrosive effects of iron in the alloy. It also has better polishing properties than 3003 alloy.
physical properties
3003 h14 aluminum plate and 5052 h32 aluminum plate are both non-heat treatable aluminum alloys. 3003 aluminum sheet has moderate strength, excellent formability, good weldability and good corrosion resistance, offering a tensile strength range of 17 to 30 KSI.
5052 aluminum sheet is much stronger than 1100 or 3000 series aluminum. At the same time, 5052 aluminum plate also has wear resistance and corrosion resistance. In addition, 5052 aluminum plate has good oxidation coloring effect and excellent metal texture.
application
Typical applications of 3003 h14 aluminum sheet due to its good corrosion resistance are:
heat exchanger
Roof and Siding
cabinet
tank
Low-load parts working in liquid or gaseous media
Trucks, Trailers and Shipping Parts
Because of its good resistance to saltwater corrosion, 5052 aluminum is widely used in food processing equipment and truck trailers, as well as in marine and aquatic functions. The amount of 5052 h32 aluminum sheet used in can making is increasing worldwide every year.