Sep 27 2012
Topics Covered
Introduction
Chemical Composition
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Other Designations
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Forming
Welding
Forging
Hot Working
Cold Working
Annealing
Hardening
Applications
Introduction
Aluminium / Aluminum alloys have strong corrosion resistance. They
are sensitive to high temperatures ranging between 200 and 250°C (392
and 482°F), and might lose some of their strength. However, the
strength of Aluminium / Aluminum alloys can be increased at subzero
temperatures, making them ideal low-temperature alloys.
Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy is a non-heat treatable alloy with
medium strength. The following datasheet will provide more details
about Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy.
Chemical Composition
The following table shows the chemical composition of Aluminium /
Aluminum 5657 alloy.
| Element |
Content
(%) |
| Aluminium, Al |
99.2 |
| Magnesium, Mg |
0.8 |
Physical Properties
The physical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy are
outlined in the following table.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Density |
2.6-2.8 g/cm3 |
0.0939-0.1011 lb/in3 |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy are
tabulated below.
| Properties |
Metric |
Imperial |
| Elastic modulus |
70-80 GPa |
10152-11603 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio |
0.33 |
0.33 |
Other Designations
Equivalent materials to Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy are as
follows:
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
The machinability of Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy is rated as
fair. As it becomes ‘gummy’, this alloy requires a lot more attention
to obtain a good finish. Other than in very light machining, all other
machining should be done using oil lubricants.
Forming
Both hot and cold forming is easy to perform with Aluminium /
Aluminum 5657 alloy using the conventional methods. However, in the
harder temper, cold working is quite difficult.
Welding
Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy can be welded using the conventional
methods. The widely used methods are resistance welding, arc, and gas
torch. It is suitable to use AL 5457, AL 5056, or AL5052 as filler
metal. This alloy can also be joined by brazing; however, this requires
special processes and trial evaluation.
Forging
Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy can be hot forged.
Hot Working
Hot working can be easily performed on Aluminium / Aluminum 5657
alloy at the temperature range of 371 to 232°C (700 to 450°F).
Cold Working
Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy is suited for cold working by
commercial methods when in the soft temper state. Although possible, it
is more difficult in harder tempers.
Annealing
Annealing is mainly performed to obtain O temper using a cold worked
material. The process is carried out at 413°C (775°F) and air cooled. A
stress-relief anneal can also be performed at 238°C (460°F) for 3 hours
followed by air cooling.
Hardening
Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy can be hardened by cold working only.
Applications
Aluminium / Aluminum 5657 alloy is widely used in the manufacture of
appliance trim and anodized auto.