5052-H32 vs. 6061-T6: Which Aluminum Alloy Is Best for Your Part?
How could anyone ever confuse one material with another? You may be surprised to learn that people make this mistake regularly, especially when ordering parts made from aluminum alloy.
Customers most commonly mix up two popular aluminum alloys: 5052-H32 and 6061-T6.
Here, we’ll outline the similarities and differences between the two materials and help you determine the best selection for your job. The next time you request a quote, you’ll know exactly what you need!
Aluminum Alloys 5052-H32 and 6061-T6
Aluminum alloys 5052-H32 and 6061-T6 are lightweight materials with exceptional corrosion resistance and high tensile strength. And because both aluminum alloys can be anodized, enhanced corrosion resistance is possible.
However, despite the similarities between the two materials, they are not identical. Choosing the right one depends on various factors. Will the part be exposed to extreme temperatures or at high risk of corrosion in its final application? Do you want to stay within a specific budget?
Whatever your needs, there’s an aluminum alloy that’s right for you—and we can help you identify which one that is!
Aluminum fabrication with 5052-H32
Available for sheet or plate parts, 5052-H32 is relatively easy to form and bend without cracking.
As one of the strongest non-heat-treatable sheet metals in wide use, 5052-H32 provides excellent weldability, cold workability, and a beautifully smooth surface. Magnesium and chromium are the primary alloying elements in 5052-H32.
With higher fatigue strength and elasticity than 6061-T6, aluminum 5052-H32 is a terrific forming alloy. However, this material is “gummier” to work with than 6061-T6, which can make it a labor-intensive (and therefore somewhat costly) choice.
You’ll find aluminum 5052-H32 in numerous industrial applications. The sheet material is common in products such as storm shutters and fuel tanks. The plate version of aluminum 5052-H32 is frequently used for marine applications, including boat hulls.
Aluminum 5052-H32 at a glance:
Non-heat treatable
High fatigue strength
High 33,000 psi ultimate tensile strength
Cold workable
Excellent corrosion resistance, especially for marine or salt water applications
Good, smooth surface quality
Non-extrudable
Fair machinability
Excellent workability and formability
Excellent weldability
Low-to-medium yield strength (28,000 psi)
Aluminum machining with 6061-T6
Though available in both sheets and structural shapes, 6061-T6 is at its best when used for machined parts as opposed to sheet metal fabricated parts. Favored for its hardness and strength, 6061-T6 aluminum (also called “structural aluminum”) is commonly extruded, forged, and rolled.
With magnesium and silicon as its primary alloying elements, 6061-T6 offers medium-to-high strength and excellent machinability. Though this material can be welded, it doesn’t accommodate welds or bends especially kindly, as cracking and breaking can occur.
You’ll find aluminum 6061-T6 in many aerospace applications as well as in hydraulic piping and even bicycle frames. Because 6061-T6 is generally more expensive than 5052-H32, your costs could increase if you request it in error.
Aluminum 6061-T6 at a glance:
Heat-treatable
High 45,000 psi ultimate tensile strength
High corrosion resistance
Fair, semi-smooth surface quality
Good extrudability
Good corrosion resistance
Excellent machinability
Fair workability and formability
Good weldability
Medium-to-high yield strength (40,000 psi)
The Top Precision Machine Shop for Aluminum Fabrication and Machining
Known for our sheet metal fab and precision machining capabilities, Sweeney consistently delivers top-of-the-line aluminum fabrication and machining. We’re always happy to help you select the correct aluminum alloy for your parts.
When in doubt, simply call out “aluminum” on your quote request, and we’ll select the most appropriate alloy for the job!
To get started, request a quote!
