The 5xxx series earns its place through corrosion resistance and weldability, not strength or machinability. 5083 is the marine and welded-structure grade; 5052 is the sheet-metal and formed-part grade. Both are gummy to machine and both anodize poorly — which is the detail most buyers find out after the parts arrive.
| Tensile strength | 290 MPa (5083) / 230 MPa (5052) |
|---|---|
| Yield strength | 215 MPa (5083) / 195 MPa (5052) |
| Hardness | 75 HB (5083) |
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ |
| Elongation | 16% (5083) |
| Thermal conductivity | 117 W/m·K |
| Series | 5xxx series (Al-Mg) |
Typical values for the standard condition (Aluminum 5083-H116 / 5052-H32). Heat treatment, temper and product form move these numbers — confirm against the mill certificate for your order.
Best corrosion resistance of the common machinable aluminum grades, including salt water
Excellent weldability — the standard choice for welded aluminum structures
Good formability in 5052, which suits formed-then-machined parts
Not heat treatable, so no distortion from post-weld heat treatment
Starting parameters for carbide tooling. These are the shop's working numbers, not brochure values — adjust for machine rigidity, tool geometry and workholding.
| Surface speed | 250–450 m/min |
|---|---|
| Feed per tooth | 0.10–0.20 mm/tooth |
| Tooling | 2–3 flute carbide with polished flutes |
| Coolant | Flood with a lubricity additive; mist for light cuts |
Gummy compared with 6061. Keep the feed up so the tool cuts rather than rubs — if the feed drops, the material work-hardens and starts pressure-welding onto the cutting edge. Chip welding is the main failure mode.
Material costs more than 6061 and machining is slower because of the gummy chips. If the part needs a cosmetic anodized finish, budget for a grade change rather than paying for anodizing that will look wrong.
For the full cost structure — material, programming, setup, cycle time, finishing and inspection — see CNC machining cost per hour, and for how price changes with quantity see machining by production volume.
It can, but the result is unattractive and inconsistent. 5083 contains magnesium as its main alloying element, and magnesium-rich phases oxidize at different rates than the aluminum matrix, producing a dark, blotchy, sometimes near-grey-black finish. If a 5083 part needs a cosmetic anodized surface, switch to 6061 or 5052.
Its high magnesium content makes it gummy, so chips tend to smear and pressure-weld onto the cutting edge instead of clearing. The fix is not more coolant — it is keeping the feed rate up so the tool cuts rather than rubs, plus a lubricating additive rather than plain water.
5083 has more magnesium (roughly 4.5% versus 2.5%), which gives higher strength and better corrosion resistance but worse formability. 5052 is the general-purpose sheet grade and is easier to form. For welded structures choose 5083; for formed panels choose 5052.
5083 and 5052 are both widely used in food processing equipment, but the finish matters more than the alloy. A smooth, cleanable surface and appropriate cleaning regime are the governing requirements; discuss the specific standard that applies to your application.
Tell us the grade and temper, the quantity and what the part has to do. You get a line-item quote within 24 hours, with DFM feedback on anything that is raising the cost.