Aluminium alloy 5005 contains nominally 0.8% magnesium. It has medium strength, good weldability, and good corrosion resistance in marine atmospheres. It also has the low density and excellent thermal conductivity common to all aluminium alloys. It is the most commonly used grade of aluminium in sheet and plate form. Aluminium alloy 5005 is a lean aluminium magnesium alloy which can be hardened by cold work: it is not heat treatable to higher strength.

The alloy you choose for your aluminum sheet naturally depends on your application.  5005 Aluminum sheet is often used when the material will be anodized and deployed in an architectural application like flashings, sills, curtain walls etc.  Architects often specify 5005 alloy for anodized aluminum architectural metalwork. The importance of using an anodizing quality alloy when the aluminum will be anodized cannot be overstated. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. When anodizing, the metal you start with has a tremendous impact on the quality of the finished product that you will receive. Simply stated 5005 AQ alloy is formulated for a decorative architectural anodized finish.  It allows for a more uniform and attractive anodized finish than other alloys.

DO NOT attempt to anodize aluminum alloys like 3003 or 3105 if you want the finish to be attractive and consistent.  These alloys will show imperfections such as structural streaks, cloudiness, blemishes, and EXTREME color variation. Many people substitute 5052 for 5005. While 5052 can produce acceptable results, it has more imperfections and is more prone to color variation than 5005 alloy aluminum. Plates are rarely used aesthetically and is normally used in structural applications.  Because of this, plates are not manufactured for a perfect finish.  If your application does not require good aesthetics, 5052 or 6061 alloys may be an acceptable substitute for 5005 aluminum.

Corrosion Resistance of Aluminium Alloy 5005

Corrosion Resistance 5005 has the same high resistance to general corrosion as other non heat treatable aluminium alloys. It also has the higher resistance to slightly alkaline conditions common to the 5000 series alloys. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of 5005 is similar to that of 3003.

When anodised to improve corrosion resistance, the film on 5005 is clearer than on 3003, and gives better colour match with 6063 architectural extrusions.

The corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys relies on a protective surface oxide film, which when damaged is readily repaired by the rapid reaction between aluminium and oxygen. However, the high reactivity of the base metal can give rapid corrosion if the film cannot be repaired, so aluminium alloys are not suitable for use with reducing media.

Applications of Aluminium Alloy 5005

• Architectural applications
• General sheet metal work
• High strength foil

Fabrication of Aluminium Alloy 5005

Fabrication aluminium 5005 is not generally hot worked. It is readily cold formable in the annealed condition, as it is a relatively soft and ductile alloy. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 6% of the thickness per side for the H32 & H34 tempers. Sharp tools are required.

Machinability of Aluminium Alloy 5005

Aluminium 5005 is readily machinable by conventional methods. It should be machined at high speed with copious lubrication to avoid thermal distortion of the workpiece. Sharp tools are essential. High speed steel or tungsten carbide may be used. Cuts should be deep and continuous, with high cutting speeds.

Welding Aluminium Alloy 5005

Welding 5005 is readily weldable by standard techniques. It is frequently welded with GTAW (TIG) or GMAW (MIG). Aluminium must be very dry & clean to avoid contamination & porosity of the weld. Filler metals 1100, 4043 or 4047 are used. 4043 is the most crack tolerant. Best colour match is obtained with 1188 filler metal. Shielding gas must be dry & free of hydrogen.

Heat Treatment of Aluminium Alloy 5005

Aluminium 5005 is annealed at 345°C, time at temperature and cooling rate are unimportant. Stress relief is rarely required, but can be carried out at about 220°C. If loss of strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.