Aluminum 5A02
GB 5A02
5A02 (LF2) is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mg2.5-Mn wrought alloy of the 5000-series family, strengthened by magnesium in solid solution and by cold work rather than ageing; it sits in the same strength class as 5052.
Reference datasheet — 5A02 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the O condition
5A02 tempers and conditions
5A02 is supplied in 14 conditions, soft to hard. O is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 14 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODefault Annealed | Use the annealed soft temper for deep drawing, bending, spinning and blanks for welded parts; 22% elongation and 92 formability come at only 85 MPa yield. | 85 | 180 | 22 | 47 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | Use the as-hot-worked temper with guaranteed property limits as the standard delivery state for hot-rolled plate and extruded tube or bar; 90 MPa yield, 16% elongation, weldability 85. | 90 | 185 | 16 | 50 HB | 35 % IACS |
As fabricated | Pick as-fabricated extrusion or forging stock when mechanical properties need not be guaranteed and the blank will be machined, formed or annealed afterwards. | 90 | 180 | 16 | 48 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, quarter hard | Choose this strain-hardened then partially annealed quarter-hard sheet when more stable ductility than H12 is needed; 14% elongation at a similar 150 MPa yield. | 150 | 210 | 14 | 57 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, quarter hard | Pick lightly cold-worked quarter-hard sheet or strip when 155 MPa yield is needed but the part still has to be bent; formability drops to 75 from the annealed state. | 155 | 210 | 12 | 58 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard | Choose quarter-hard cold work plus low-temperature stabilizing to stop natural age softening and intergranular-corrosion sensitization in Al-Mg sheet while keeping 14% elongation. | 160 | 215 | 14 | 58 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Use the half-hard, partially annealed plate or tube when parts must be re-bent after delivery; 11% elongation beats H14 at a comparable 175 MPa yield. | 175 | 235 | 11 | 62 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, half hard | Choose the half-hard strain-hardened temper for general sheet-metal work needing 180 MPa yield with moderate bending; elongation falls to 9% and formability to 60. | 180 | 235 | 9 | 63 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, half hard | Use the half-hard stabilized temper for structural sheet metal and fuel tanks; it balances 185 MPa yield, long-term stability and 10% elongation for moderate forming. | 185 | 240 | 10 | 65 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | Pick three-quarter-hard, partially annealed strip for 200 MPa yield work that still needs slightly more ductility (8% elongation) than the H16 temper offers. | 200 | 255 | 8 | 68 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, three-quarter hard | Use three-quarter-hard strain-hardened sheet and strip where 210 MPa yield is required and forming is limited to shallow bends; 7% elongation restricts tight radii. | 210 | 255 | 7 | 70 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, three-quarter hard | Pick three-quarter-hard stabilized sheet or strip when 215 MPa yield must remain stable over long service; forming is limited by 8% elongation. | 215 | 260 | 8 | 71 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened, full hard | Pick the full-hard cold-worked temper for spring elements, gaskets and flat panels that need no further forming; 240 MPa yield, 5% elongation and 65 °C service limit. | 240 | 270 | 5 | 76 HB | 35 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, full hard | Choose the full-hard, stabilized temper for spring or wear-facing thin parts that will not be formed again; 245 MPa yield, 6% elongation and a 65 °C service ceiling. | 245 | 275 | 6 | 77 HB | 35 % IACS |
What is 5A02?
5A02 (LF2) is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mg2.5-Mn wrought alloy of the 5000-series family, strengthened by magnesium in solid solution and by cold work rather than ageing; it sits in the same strength class as 5052. Engineers choose it for medium strength (85 MPa yield, 180 MPa tensile annealed), formability rated 92 and weldability 85, in sheet, plate, tube and welded ducting across O to H38 and H112 tempers. Machinability is low at 30 and annealed stock is gummy; continuous service is limited to about 150 °C, and long holds at 65-200 °C risk beta-phase precipitation. 5052 is the nearest alternative where availability matters. 5A02 has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 607°C (1,125 °F). 5A02 has a yield strength of 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 88% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
What is 5A02 used for?
- fuel tanks
- welded pipe and duct
- cold-formed sheet parts
- instrument housings
Advantages
- Good corrosion resistance — 78/100, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 92/100, better than 94% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 22%, better than 91% of aluminum grades
- Polishes to a fine finish — 65/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 85/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Difficult to machine — 30/100, worse than 92% of aluminum grades
- Low strength — 85 MPa (12.3 ksi), worse than 88% of aluminum grades
5A02 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5A02-O; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
5A02 has a density of 2.68 g/cm³ (0.0968 lb/in³), lighter than 72% of aluminum grades. It melts at 607°C (1,125 °F).
Mechanical10
5A02 has a yield strength of 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 88% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
5A02 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 138 W/m·K (79.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 55% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.8 µm/m·K (13.2 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5A02 conducts electricity at 35 % IACS, better than 52% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (78/100), better than 94% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5A02 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
5A02's machinability is poor (30/100, worse than 92% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (85/100); formability excellent (92/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 5A02 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 5A02
Is 5A02 easy to machine?
Annealed material sticks to the tool and raises burrs; use sharp high-rake carbide, high spindle speed and emulsion or alcohol-based coolant. H1x and H3x tempers break chips more readily and give a better surface finish.
Can 5A02 be welded?
TIG and MIG weldability is excellent with ER5356 or ER5183 filler; do not use 4043, which forms brittle Mg-Si phases. Joint strength approaches that of the annealed base metal, provided the oxide film, oil and moisture are fully removed before welding.
Can 5A02 be formed, bent or molded?
O and H32 material bends, deep-draws and spins well; harder tempers need larger bend radii or an intermediate anneal at roughly 340-400 °C. Avoid prolonged soaking at 65-200 °C, which sensitises the alloy through beta-phase precipitation.
5A02 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| SiSi+Fe total ≤0.60 | ≤ 0.4 | |
| FeSi+Fe total ≤0.60 | ≤ 0.4 | |
| Cu | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Mnsome standard versions allow Cr 0.15–0.35 in place of Mn | 0.15 – 0.4 | 0.25 |
| Mg | 2 – 2.8 | 2.4 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Tiwhen used as grain refiner | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Others (each)each other impurity | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others (total)total other impurities | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 5A02?
Sulfuric anodizing and chemical (conductive) conversion coating both work well and the surface accepts dyeing; mechanical polishing or blasting before anodizing gives a uniform appearance. Brazing is difficult, so use welding or structural adhesive for joints instead.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 5A02 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- GB (China)
- LF2
How much does 5A02 cost?
5A02 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
5A02 — frequently asked
What is 5A02 used for?
5A02 is typically used for fuel tanks, welded pipe and duct, cold-formed sheet parts and instrument housings. In short: most formable Al-Mg grade; 5052-class weldable sheet; low machinability, gummy annealed.
What is the yield strength of 5A02?
5A02 has a typical yield strength of 85 MPa (12.3 ksi) and a tensile strength of 180 MPa (26.1 ksi) — weaker than 88% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 14 listed tempers.
Is 5A02 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated poor (30/100, worse than 92% of aluminum grades). Annealed material sticks to the tool and raises burrs; use sharp high-rake carbide, high spindle speed and emulsion or alcohol-based coolant. H1x and H3x tempers break chips more readily and give a better surface finish.
Can 5A02 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (85/100). TIG and MIG weldability is excellent with ER5356 or ER5183 filler; do not use 4043, which forms brittle Mg-Si phases. Joint strength approaches that of the annealed base metal, provided the oxide film, oil and moisture are fully removed before welding.
What surface finishes work on 5A02?
Sulfuric anodizing and chemical (conductive) conversion coating both work well and the surface accepts dyeing; mechanical polishing or blasting before anodizing gives a uniform appearance. Brazing is difficult, so use welding or structural adhesive for joints instead.
Can 5A02 be formed, bent or molded?
O and H32 material bends, deep-draws and spins well; harder tempers need larger bend radii or an intermediate anneal at roughly 340-400 °C. Avoid prolonged soaking at 65-200 °C, which sensitises the alloy through beta-phase precipitation.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5A02?
5A02 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 5A02-O and 5A02-H38?
O is the default condition — use the annealed soft temper for deep drawing, bending, spinning and blanks for welded parts; 22% elongation and 92 formability come at only 85 MPa yield. H38: choose the full-hard, stabilized temper for spring or wear-facing thin parts that will not be formed again; 245 MPa yield, 6% elongation and a 65 °C service ceiling. Yield strength is 85 MPa in O versus 245 MPa in H38.
How much does 5A02 cost?
5A02 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 51% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- GB/T 4436 / GB/T 6893 (2012)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys (5052 ) — ASM International (1990)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.