24 July 2021 5000 Series Aluminum Alloy
5059 Aluminum Alloy Plate
5059 aluminum alloy is a 5000-series aluminum alloy: the main alloying addition is magnesium, and it is formulated for primary forming into wrought products. 5059 is the Aluminum Association (AA) designation for this material. In European standards, it will be given as EN AW-5059. A95059 is the UNS number. Additionally, the EN chemical designation is AlMg5,5MnZnZr. 5059 aluminum alloy is a wrought alloy type with good corrosion resistance. This alloy cannot be heat treated to gain strength but can be readily welded and retains most of its mechanical strength.
5059 aluminum alloy can be strengthened using strain hardening, or cold mechanical working processes if required. The following datasheet will provide more details about aluminium / aluminum 5059 alloy.
Chemical Composition:
| Chemical Element | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum, Al | 89.8 - 94 |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5-6 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.60-1.2 |
| Iron, Fe | ≤ 0.50 |
| Silicon, Si | ≤ 0.45 |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.40 - 0.90 |
| Chromium, Cr | ≤ 0.25 |
| Copper, Cu | ≤ 0.25 |
| Titanium, Ti | ≤ 0.20 |
| Zirconium, Zr | 0.050 - 0.25 |
| Other (each) | ≤ 0.050 |
| Other (total) | ≤ 0.15 |
Physical Properties:
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ | 0.0961 lb/in³ |
Mechanical properties:
The mechanical properties of 5059 vary significantly with hardening and temperature.
–O hardening
Unhardened 5059 has a yield strength of 160 MPa (23 ksi) and ultimate tensile strength of 330 MPa (48 ksi) from −28 to 100 °C (−18 to 212 °F). At cryogenic temperatures it is slightly stronger; above 100 °C (212 °F) its strength is reduced.
Elongation, the strain before material failure, is 24% at room temperature.
–H131 hardening
yield strength of 39.0 ksi (269 MPa), ultimate tensile strength of 52.9 ksi (365 MPa). Produced by Aleris under the AluStar brand. [2]
–H136 hardening
yield strength of 39.0 ksi (269 MPa), ultimate tensile strength of 52.1 ksi (359 MPa). Produced by Aleris under the AluStar brand.
–H321 hardening
H321 strain hardened 5059, with properties measured at 20 °C (68 °F), has yield strength of 270 MPa (39 ksi), ultimate tensile strength of 370 MPa (54 ksi), and elongation of 10%.
Fabrication:
Aluminium / aluminum 5059 alloy can be welded using arc welding, MIG or TIG welding processes.
Application:
5059 has been used as a hull material for small aluminium boats or larger yachts. Its high strength and good corrosion resistance make it an excellent match for yachting.
5059 has been tested for use in vehicle armor.
5059 has been used for cryogenic propellant tanks for experimental reusable rocket vehicles.