Aluminum EN AW-5005: Composition, Properties, Temper Guide & Applications

Comprehensive Overview

EN AW-5005 is an aluminum alloy in the 5xxx series (Al-Mg family) characterized by magnesium as its principal alloying element. The alloy is typically designated EN AW-5005 or AlMg1 in European nomenclature and is a non-heat-treatable alloy whose mechanical strength is achieved primarily through cold work (strain hardening) rather than precipitation hardening.

Typical Mg content is around 0.7–1.1 wt%, with low amounts of Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Zn and Ti present as residual or controlled impurities. The strengthening mechanism is solid-solution strengthening combined with strain hardening; it does not respond to traditional solution-and-aging heat treatments in the way 6xxx or 2xxx alloys do.

EN AW-5005 offers a balance of moderate strength, good corrosion resistance (including improved performance after anodizing), very good formability in soft tempers, and sound weldability compared with many other Al-Mg alloys. These traits make it common in architectural façades, signage, decorative trim, indoor/outdoor cladding, and applications where anodizing appearance, light weight, and moderate mechanical requirements are primary drivers.

Designers choose 5005 when they need better strength than commercially pure aluminum while retaining excellent surface finish and anodizing characteristics, combined with straightforward fabrication by bending, forming, and welding. It is chosen over higher-magnesium alloys (e.g., 5052) when extreme corrosion resistance or higher strength is not necessary, and it is favored over 6xxx-series heat-treatable alloys when superior cold-forming and anodizing response is required.

Temper Variants

Temper	Strength Level	Elongation	Formability	Weldability	Notes
O	Low	High	Excellent	Excellent	Fully annealed, maximum ductility for forming
H12	Low-Medium	Moderate	Very Good	Excellent	Light cold work, retains good formability
H14	Medium	Low-Moderate	Good	Excellent	Half-hard condition, common for sheets and panels
H16	Medium-High	Lower	Fair	Excellent	More cold work for higher stiffness and strength
H18	High	Low	Limited	Excellent	Full-hard condition, limited forming capability
H111	Low-Medium	Moderate	Very Good	Excellent	Non-standardized partial strain condition for continuous coil
H22 / H24 / H26	Varying Medium-High	Lower	Good-Fair	Excellent	Intermediate cold worked tempers used in fabrication
T4 (rare)	Not applicable	N/A	N/A	N/A	5005 is not effectively age-hardenable; T tempers not typical
T5 / T6 / T651	Not applicable	N/A	N/A	N/A	Heat-treatable tempers are generally not used for 5005

Temper has a direct and predictable effect on mechanical and forming properties: annealed O-temper provides maximum elongation for deep drawing and complex forming, while H-tempers trade ductility for incremental yield and tensile increases via controlled cold working. Weldability remains excellent across most tempers because the alloy is non-heat-treatable and the weld zone typically softens to a similar strength level as the parent metal; designers must account for local softening after welding in structural designs.

Chemical Composition

Element	% Range	Notes
Si	≤ 0.30	Controlled to limit brittle intermetallics and preserve anodizing appearance
Fe	≤ 0.70	Common impurity; higher Fe reduces ductility and affects surface finish
Mn	≤ 0.20	Small additions can refine grain structure; limited in 5005
Mg	0.7 – 1.1	Primary strengthening element; provides corrosion resistance and solid-solution strength
Cu	≤ 0.20	Low copper to avoid susceptibility to general corrosion and SCC
Zn	≤ 0.20	Kept low to preserve anodizing and corrosion performance
Cr	≤ 0.10	Traces help control grain growth during processing
Ti	≤ 0.10	Deoxidizer and grain refiner; present in small amounts
Others (each)	≤ 0.05	Residuals such as V, Ni; total others typically limited to ≤0.15

Magnesium is the primary determinant of the alloy’s mechanical and corrosion behavior, providing solid-solution strengthening and enhanced resistance to seawater and atmospheric corrosion. Silicon and iron are limited to avoid coarse intermetallics that would impair ductility and surface finish, while copper and zinc are kept low in order to maintain good anodizing response and reduce susceptibility to localized corrosion.

Mechanical Properties

EN AW-5005 displays classic non-heat-treatable tensile behavior: strength is increased by cold work with a corresponding reduction in elongation. In annealed O-temper the alloy is relatively soft and ductile, suitable for deep drawing and complex forming, while H-tempers (H12–H18) progressively raise yield and tensile strengths and reduce ductility to enable stiffer panels and trim components.

Yield and tensile values depend strongly on temper and product form; modest increases in thickness can increase absolute load-carrying capacity but may reduce achievable bend radii and formability. Fatigue performance is adequate for many light- to moderate-load architectural and consumer applications, though fatigue limits are lower than those of some heat-treatable alloys; surface finish and residual stresses from forming/welding are important determinants of fatigue life.

Hardness correlates with temper: O-temper gives low Brinell or Vickers hardness consistent with high ductility, while H18 provides the highest hardness in cold-worked conditions. Thickness, grain structure, and prior processing (rolling, anneal schedules) will alter local tensile and fatigue behavior; design should reference temper-specific data and account for weld-affected zones.

Property	O/Annealed	Key Temper (e.g., H14)	Notes
Tensile Strength	~90 – 130 MPa	~160 – 210 MPa	Range depends on cold work, sheet thickness, and supplier processing
Yield Strength	~30 – 60 MPa	~110 – 160 MPa	Yield increases significantly with H-tempers; O is highly ductile
Elongation	~25 – 35%	~6 – 12%	Elongation drops with increasing cold work; fracture mode remains ductile
Hardness	~30 – 45 HB	~55 – 80 HB	Hardness rises with temper; hardness correlates to strength and wear resistance

Physical Properties

Property	Value	Notes
Density	2.70 g/cm³	Typical for Al alloys; used for weight-sensitive designs
Melting Range	~640 – 655 °C	Alloy melts over a narrow range; castability not primary application
Thermal Conductivity	~130 – 165 W/m·K	Good thermal conduction but lower than pure aluminum due to alloying
Electrical Conductivity	~34 – 40 % IACS	Lower than pure aluminum; conductivity reduces with cold work
Specific Heat	~900 J/kg·K	Typical aluminum value used in thermal mass calculations
Thermal Expansion	~23.8 ×10^-6 /K (20–100 °C)	High expansion coefficient must be considered in assemblies with dissimilar materials

The combination of relatively high thermal conductivity and low density makes 5005 attractive for components where heat dissipation and weight are important but where the ultimate electrical conductivity is not critical. The thermal expansion should be accounted for in joints with steel or composites to avoid thermal stresses and distortion.

Product Forms

Form	Typical Thickness/Size	Strength Behavior	Common Tempers	Notes
Sheet	0.3 – 6.0 mm	Controlled by temper and cold reduction	O, H12, H14, H16	Widely used for panels, signage, and decorative applications
Plate	6 – 25 mm	Thicker sections have lower cold-work-induced strength increases	O, H14, H16	Used where stiffness and larger cross-sections are required
Extrusion	Variable cross-sections	Strength depends on post-extrusion cold work or anneal	O, H112	Extruded profiles often require artificial aging only in heat-treatable alloys; 5005 typically used in soft condition
Tube	0.5 – 6 mm wall	Formed from sheet or extruded/tube mills	O, H14	Common for architectural tubing and trim
Bar/Rod	Ø2 – 50 mm	Machining and fabrication determine final strength	O, H12	Less common; used for small fittings and fasteners where machining is required

Sheets and coils are the most common commercial forms and are typically processed by rolling and subsequent tempering via controlled cold reduction. Extrusion of 5005 is possible but the alloy is chosen for profiles where subsequent cold work or finishing is not expected to require heat treatment. Plate and thicker sections have different mechanical responses due to reduced possibilities for work hardening after fabrication.

Equivalent Grades

Standard	Grade	Region	Notes
AA	5005	USA	Common North American designation; material forms and tempers standardized by AA specifications
EN AW	5005	Europe	European designation (AlMg1) equivalent in nominal chemistry and typical uses
JIS	A5005 (approx)	Japan	JIS equivalents exist for Al-Mg1 alloys; minor chem/processing differences may occur
GB/T	3A21	China	3A21 (Al-Mg1) commonly cited as the Chinese equivalent to EN AW-5005

Equivalency between standards is typically close in nominal chemistry, but differences in impurity limits, surface finish requirements, and temper definitions can create subtle performance variances. When substituting between standards, verify supplier material certificates and temper definitions to ensure mechanical and corrosion properties meet design intent.

Corrosion Resistance

EN AW-5005 exhibits good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and performs well in both rural and industrial environments due to the protective aluminum oxide film and the presence of magnesium which enhances general corrosion resistance. The alloy anodizes to an attractive, uniform finish, which is a major reason for its widespread use in architectural and decorative applications.

In marine and coastal environments, 5005 shows reasonable resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, but alloys with higher Mg content (such as 5052) provide superior seawater resistance under some exposure conditions. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility is low for Al-Mg alloys like 5005 unless elevated copper or other sensitizing elements are present; typical service conditions do not promote SCC in this alloy.

Galvanic interactions are typical of aluminum alloys: when coupled electrically to more noble metals (e.g., stainless steel, copper), aluminum can suffer accelerated corrosion in the presence of an electrolyte. Proper isolation, selection of compatible fasteners, and protective coatings or anodizing mitigate galvanic risks. Compared with 3xxx series (Al-Mn) alloys, 5005 offers somewhat higher strength and comparable corrosion resistance, while compared with higher-Mg 5xxx alloys it may be less robust in severe marine exposures.

Fabrication Properties

EN AW-5005 is straightforward to fabricate by common methods; its non-heat-treatable nature simplifies post-processing because strength and ductility are controlled primarily by cold work and annealing schedules. Surface finish and cleanliness prior to forming or welding greatly influence final anodized appearance and corrosion performance.

Weldability

EN AW-5005 welds readily with TIG and MIG processes and exhibits good fusion characteristics with minimal hot-cracking tendency compared with some high-strength aluminum alloys. Use of matching or lower-strength filler alloys (e.g., 5356 or 4043) is common; 5356 is frequently chosen for strength and corrosion performance in Al-Mg families.

Weld heat-affected zones will soften relative to the parent H-temper material because the alloy is non-heat-treatable, and designers must account for local reductions in yield strength. Post-weld finishing and possible mechanical restoration (e.g., cold working) may be required to re-establish surface aesthetics and stiffness in architectural applications.

Machinability

Machinability of 5005 is fair to good but inferior to free-machining aluminum alloys; it machines well with carbide tooling at moderate speeds. Tool geometry should favor positive rake, high feed to produce continuous chips, and coolant or air blast is recommended to manage heat and chip evacuation.

Feed rates and speeds are selected to balance tool life and surface finish; because 5005 is relatively soft in O-temper, vibration and built-up edge can be concerns in very thin sections. Pre-hardening (H-tempers) increases tool forces and alters chip behavior slightly but does not dramatically change standard tooling strategies.

Formability

Formability in O and light H-tempers is excellent for bending, deep drawing and roll forming; minimum bend radii can be very tight in O-temper subject to workpiece geometry and thickness. For H14 and H16, bending radii must be increased and springback accounted for; hemming and flanging operations are commonly performed on H14 sheet.

Warm forming is seldom required for 5005 due to its good cold-forming capabilities; however, intermediate anneals can be used to restore ductility after extensive cold work. Designers should reference temper-specific forming tables to set punch/die radii and blank-holder pressures for reliable production.

Heat Treatment Behavior

As a non-heat-treatable alloy, EN AW-5005 does not develop significant strength increases through solution heat treatment and artificial aging. Attempting conventional T-temper treatments will not produce the precipitation strengthening seen in 6xxx or 2xxx series alloys.

Annealing (softening) is achieved by heating to intermediate temperatures (typically in the range of ~300–420 °C depending on product form and supplier recommendations) to restore ductility and recrystallize the microstructure. Controlled furnace anneals followed by slow cooling can produce O-temper material suitable for deep drawing.

Work hardening through controlled cold reduction produces the H-tempers; intermediate anneals can be applied between forming steps to tailor properties. For production control, percent cold work correlates with resulting tensile and yield values more reliably than heat treatment schedules.

High-Temperature Performance

The mechanical properties of EN AW-5005 degrade progressively with elevated temperature; usable structural strength is typically considered up to approximately 100–125 °C for sustained loads. Above this range strength reductions and creep become increasingly significant, limiting long-term high-temperature applications.

Oxidation in air is limited to the formation of a stable aluminum oxide layer, which protects the alloy at moderate temperatures, but prolonged exposure above ~200 °C can alter surface appearance and mechanical properties. In welded assemblies, the heat-affected zone may exhibit grain coarsening and localized strength reductions when exposed to high temperatures; designers should validate elevated-temperature performance with targeted testing for critical components.

Applications

Industry	Example Component	Why EN AW-5005 Is Used
Architectural	Façade panels, cladding, trim	Good anodizing response, aesthetic finish, formability
Marine & Offshore	Light structural elements, trim	Decent seawater corrosion resistance and light weight
Automotive	Interior trim, decorative exterior panels	Good surface finish, moderate strength, weldability
Consumer Goods	Signage, appliance panels	Anodized appearance, ease of fabrication
Electronics	Enclosures, small heat spreaders	Thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance for enclosures

EN AW-5005 is widely used in industries where surface appearance, anodizability, and a balance of moderate strength with good formability and weldability are required. It rarely competes where the highest strength or extreme marine durability is needed, but it is economical and easily processed for many mid-performance applications.

Selection Insights

Choose EN AW-5005 when you require a lightweight material with superior anodizing response, good general corrosion resistance, and excellent cold-forming and welding characteristics. It is especially suitable for architectural, decorative, and light structural parts where surface finish and manufacturability are prioritized.

Compared with commercially pure aluminum (1100), 5005 offers higher strength at moderate loss of electrical conductivity and slightly reduced formability, making it a better structural choice when some mechanical capacity is needed. Versus work-hardened alloys such as 3003 and 5052, 5005 generally sits between them: stronger and better-surfaced than 3003 but typically not as corrosion-resistant or strong as high-Mg 5052 in severe marine environments.

When compared with heat-treatable alloys like 6061 or 6063, 5005 is preferred where deep drawing, superior anodized finish, or simpler fabrication and welding are more important than the higher peak strengths achievable by T6 treatments; cost and availability also favor 5005 for many thin-gauge architectural uses.

Closing Summary

EN AW-5005 remains a relevant engineering aluminum because it combines moderate strength, excellent formability, and a high-quality anodizing surface in a non-heat-treatable, easily fabricated alloy. Its balance of properties makes it a reliable, economical choice for architectural, decorative, and light structural applications where appearance, weldability, and manufacturability are key design drivers.