What’s The Difference Between 3003 Aluminum & 5052?

3003 aluminum sheet and 5052 aluminum sheet are typically known as “Common Alloys” because they are two of the most widely specified alloys in the aluminum industry. But the differences between them show that even minor tweaks in the composition can have a big impact when it comes to desired properties and end-uses. Here we’ll discuss the key differences between 5052 and 3003 aluminum before diving into a detailed analysis of where they’re different, and where they’re interchangeable.

Key Differences Between 5052 and 3003 Aluminum

• Strength: 5052 is significantly stronger than 3003
• Corrosion Resistance: 5052 performs better in saltwater environments
• Formability: 3003 is easier to form for complex shapes
• Cost: 3003 is generally more economical

What Are 3003 Aluminum & 5052 Alloyed With?

3003 is primarily alloyed with Manganese (Mn) and the primary alloy ingredient for 5052 is Magnesium (Mg). In all, you’ll see that 3003 is an alloy of Silicon, Iron, Copper, Manganese, and Zinc, while 5052 is an alloy of Silicon, Copper, Magnesium, Chromium, and Zinc. See the table below for the percentage of alloying elements in each common alloy.

Nominal Chemical Compositions of 3003 and 5052 Aluminum

What Are the Mechanical Properties of 3003 Aluminum & 5052?

As you’ll see by the mechanical properties of 3003 & 5052, the subtle changes in alloying composition have a big impact on tensile strength. 3003 H14 has an ultimate tensile strength range of 20 – 26 KSI, a yield of 21, an elongation of 8.3%, and a Brinell hardness of 40, while 5052 H32 has an ultimate tensile strength range of 31 – 38 KSI, a yield of 28, an elongation of 12%, and a Brinell hardness of 60. See the table below to understand the difference in mechanical properties between the two alloys.

Mechanical Properties

How Do They Differ in Forming & Fabricating?

In general, 3003 is fairly soft and has good corrosion resistance, good drawing, good workability, moderate strength, and is weldable, while 5052 is stronger and has better corrosion resistance, good drawing, good formability, higher strength, and also is weldable.

The best known and most widely used of the common alloys, with about 20% more strength than pure aluminum 1100, 3003 is considered a very practical general-purpose aluminum for moderate strength applications. Normally chosen for its excellent workability and drawing characteristics, it can be welded and brazed by all methods and has excellent corrosion resistance.

The strongest non-heat-treatable sheet and plate in common use, 5052 is tough, strong, easily worked, and highly corrosion-resistant. Its versatility and strong value make it one of the most serviceable alloys. It has good drawing properties and a high rate of work hardening. Because of its resistance to saltwater corrosion, it is used in many marine applications.

Comparative Characteristics and Applications

How to Understand the Ratings

Ratings A through E are relative ratings in decreasing order of merit, based on exposures to sodium chloride solution by intermittent spraying or immersion. Alloys with A and B ratings can be used in industrial and seacoast atmosphere without protection. Alloys with C, D, and E ratings generally should be protected, at least on surfaces with joints. This data was pulled from the 2013 Aluminum Standards & Data. For more information, please refer to documentation by the Aluminum Association.

Differences Between 3003 Aluminum & 5052 Aluminum Properties

Here is another way to look at the differences between 3003 aluminum and 5052 aluminum properties.

Summary of 3003 Aluminum Properties:

• Alloyed with manganese
• Excellent formability
• Good weldability
• Lower tensile strength (compared with 5052)

Summary of 5052 Aluminum Properties:

• Alloyed with magnesium
• Stronger and more corrosion-resistant
• Good for marine and structural applications

How Do the Common End Uses of 3003 Aluminum & 5052 Compare?

Common end-uses for 3003 aluminum include:

• Cookware and food service equipment
• HVAC components
• Chemical equipment
• General sheet metal fabrication

Common end-uses for 5052 anluminum include:

• Marine environments
• Fuel tanks
• Pressure vessels
• Structural and load-bearing components

How Much Do 3003 & 5052 Cost?

Depending on availability and market conditions, 3003 is generally slightly cheaper on a per pound basis. However, the higher density of 3003 may cancel out the lower price. To calculate the weights of aluminum sheet, you would use the following formula:

• Decimal thickness * width * length * density = aluminum sheet weight.

3003 aluminum has a density of .099 pounds/inch cubed and 5052 has a density of .097 pounds/inch cubed. So, for example, to calculate the weight of 3003 aluminum sheet with a decimal thickness of .125 and non-standard dimensions of 48” and 82”, you would multiple .125 * 48 * 82 * .099, for a value of 48.71lb.

Aluminum Density Comparison

• 3003 aluminum density: 0.099 lb/in³
• 5052 aluminum density: 0.097 lb/in³

Example: Sheet Weight Calculation

• Thickness: 0.125 in
• Sheet size: 48″ × 82″

Calculated weights

• 3003 aluminum sheet: .125 * 48 * 82 * .099 = 48.71 lb
• 5052 aluminum sheet: .125 * 48 * 82 * .097 = 47.72 lb

You can already see how the higher density of .099 may offset the higher cost of aluminum alloy 5052. The larger the purchase, the larger the impact of the difference in density will be.

5052 and 3003 can also be purchased as coil, but in that situation, it would normally be sold to scale weight.

The Paradox of 3003 Aluminum & 5052

When comparing 3003 & 5052 in more detail, it is clear that while the chemical compositions look similar, they are alloys that both have much in common and also substantial differences. And, yet, while 3003 and 5052 may be ideal for different applications, for example, you’ll see 3003 recommended for cooking utensils and 5052 for hydraulic tube, for many others they are in fact interchangeable, like in sheet metal work.

When to choose 3003 or 5052 aluminum

• Choose 3003 aluminum when formability and cost matter most
• Choose 5052 aluminum when strength and corrosion resistance are critical
• Both alloys weld well, but serve different structural needs

To decide whether 3003 or 5052 is right for your project, we invite you to contact our team today. One of our representatives will help you make the best decision for you.