Your 5657 aluminum alloy is strong and bright. It comprises pure aluminum with additional magnesium. It welds easily. Its application is in industry and decoration. Typical applications are appliance trims, panels, and fuel tanks. It has good corrosion resistance, is easily worked, and hence is very popular with manufacturers.
Overview of 5657 Aluminum
The 5657 is a 5000-series wrought alloy, mostly aluminum containing magnesium, which increases strength and improves corrosion resistance. It is developed to meet components that have a bright chemical or electrochemical finish. It is not normally supplied in fully annealed temper. It is not susceptible to stress corrosion when in a marine or outdoor environment.
Though the machinability of your 5657 aluminum is fair, it machines well with lubrication. It is a welding alloy that can be joined by resistance, arc, and gas torch and is compatible with 5056 or 5457 fillers.
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Chemical Composition and Role of Each Element
| Element | Weight Percentage (%) | Function in Alloy |
| Aluminum (Al) | ~98.5–99.4 | Base metal |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.6–1.0 | Resistance to corrosion and Strength |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.05–0.20 | Toughness Booster |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.10 | Minor impurity |
| Cu, Si, Zn, Mn, Ti, V, Ga | ≤ 0.10 | Grain control, surface finish refinement |
| Other metals | ≤ 0.05 | Maintains purity |
Mechanical and Physical Properties of 5657 Aluminum
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Mechanical Properties
| Properties | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation | Hardness | Modulus of Elasticity |
| Attributes | 150–200 MPa | 140–170 MPa | 6–15% | 40–50 HB | ~68 GPa |
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Tensile Strength
The 5657 aluminum in H26 temper has tensile strength of 150–200 MPa. It can be dependent upon moderate load applications. Panels, trims, and enclosures require strength and durability.
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Yield Strength
Your alloy has a yield strength (140- 170MPa), which gives stability to structures under stress. It is applicable in sections that undergo repeated mechanical loading or small deformation during fabrication.
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Elongation
The 6 to 15 percent good elongation means that you can make your 5657 aluminum, bend, or deep draw it without cracking. This is why it is used where there is a requirement for flexibility and complex shaping.
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Hardness
Having a Brinell hardness of 40 -50 HB, your 5657 aluminum provides surface durability to retain form and finish in decorative, structural, and industrial applications in both sheet applications.
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Modulus of Elasticity
It is predictable in its stiffness, and hence its elastic modulus (~68 GPa) is a good material to depend on. Superior selection when your component’s deflection and dimensional accuracy under load are important properties.
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Physical Properties
| Properties | Density | Melting Point | Thermal Conductivity | Electrical Conductivity | Thermal Expansion |
| Attributes | ~2.7 g/cm³ | ~640–660 °C | ~205 W/m·K | ~54% IACS | ~24 µm/m·K |
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Density
The low density of ~2.7 g/cm³ of your 5657 aluminum alloy suits it to weight-critical designs, as it is strong, lightweight. It can also replace steel in aerospace, transport, and structural applications.
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Melting Point
It has a melting range of ~640–660 °C that makes it reliable in thermal processing; it is less likely to hot crack during welding, brazing, or forming in a fabrication where thermal control is necessary.
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Thermal Conductivity
It has excellent thermal conductivity (~205 W/m K) that optimizes heat dissipation. Your 5657 aluminum can be a good option in heat exchangers, electrical enclosures, and other equipment with the demand for fast thermal flow.
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Electrical Conductivity
Good current-carrying properties are made possible by the moderate electrical conductivity of ~54% IACS. It is applicable in conductive paneling, wiring trays, and grounding elements in your electric and electronic applications.
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Thermal Expansion
It possesses a stable rate of thermal expansion that ensures dimensional stability. You find it important in your fields of application where material fit or structural stability is affected by thermal cycling or elevated temperatures.
Heat Treatment and Other Processing Techniques
● Heat Treatment
Your 5657 aluminum is not heat treatable. Its strength is attained by its exact alloy composition and cold work rather than thermal processing, which makes it stable and reliable in shaping.
● Cold Working
Drawing or cold rolling hardens your 5657 aluminum by strain hardening. When it is used structurally, it improves the mechanical performance but at the cost of a small reduction in flexibility and elongation.
● Anodizing & Brightening
Anodizing and chemical brightening improve the appearance of your surface. Weld zones fuse with base metal to produce color-matched, decorative finishes that are seamless and attractive in visible architectural parts.
● Welding
Clean welds using arc, torch, or resistance welds. Filler metals 5056 or 5457 aluminum are to be employed to stop hot cracking and preservation of post-weld mechanical properties.
Applications
- Appliance & Auto Trim
You can use 5657 aluminum in ovens, fridges, and automobiles. You can apply it to refined trims where durable, bright finishes are important.
- Aircraft Fuel Tanks
It withstands fuel, is corrosion-resistant, and has the welding quality required to make the fabrication of the tanks safe for your projects.
- Panels & Fan Components
You will find it in electric panels and fan blades, where the consistent finish and mechanical rigidity are important.
- Refrigeration & HVAC
It is corrosion-resistant and can be welded, and you can use it in HVAC systems as a liner and structural component.
- Decorative & Industrial Fabrication
Engineers select 5657 where visibility is required, strength is needed, and aesthetics are desired. It finishes well and can endure wear.
Conclusion
5657 aluminum has good strength with a bright finish and good corrosion resistance. It is readily weldable and has a good finish. You can use it in appliance trim, fuel tanks, and decorative work. To get high-quality, traceable 5657 aluminum products, go to hmaking.com, and we will be your associate in quality aluminum products.