Aluminum 5456 Alloy (UNS A95456) – Composition, Properties and Uses
Aluminum 5456 is an alloy of aluminum, magnesium, and manganese. UNS A95456 is a non-heat treatable alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and good machinability. It is also known for its high weldability, making it ideal for a variety of applications. Let’s explore the different benefits of 5456 Alloy in greater detail.
5456 Alloy Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminium / Aluminum, Al | 93.9 |
| Magnesium, Mg | 5.1 |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.12 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.8 |
5456 Alloy Physical Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.66 g/cm3 | 0.3489 lb/in³ |
5456 Alloy Mechanical Properties
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Elastic modulus | 70-80 Gpa | 10152-11603 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
5456 Alloy Thermal Properties
| Properties | Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| T (ºC) | Treatment | ||
| Thermal conductivity | 116 W/mK | 25 | ALL |
| Thermal expansion | 23.9 x 10-6/ºC | 20-100 | – |
5456 Alloy Equivalent
- ASTM B209
- ASTM B210
- ASTM B221
- ASTM B241
- ASTM B548
- MIL S-24149/2
- QQ A-200/7
- QQ A250/9
- SAE J454
5456 Alloy Uses
Aluminium alloy 5456 is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. It is mainly used in the transportation sector for applications such as marine components, truck chassis frames, and other resilient structures. When combined with magnesium and silicon, aluminium 5456 increases its strength and stiffness properties, making it highly suitable for cryogenic storage tanks and platform gratings in dockyards. Further uses of this type of aluminium include fuel, water and oil tankers; pressure vessels; bus, trailer and truck bodies; high flow-rate vessels; ship hulls; offshore platforms; automotive components; insulated frames; thermal insulation sheets; piping systems and fittings. Its easy workability also means it can be used to create intricate shapes that are not possible with other alloy forms.
Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium 5456 has excellent corrosion resistance due to its high magnesium content and anodizing ability. This makes it an ideal material for parts exposed to salt water or other harsh environments. It can also be used in outdoor applications such as window frames and railings due to its high corrosion resistance.
Heat Resistance
Aluminum 5456 has good heat resistance properties, which make it suitable for use in applications that require exposure to elevated temperatures, such as furnace linings, heat exchangers, and exhaust systems. Its low melting point also makes it ideal for welding and brazing materials together at lower temperatures than other alloys.
Heat Treatment
Aluminium 5456 can be heat treated but only to a limited extent due to its low melting point. The main purpose of heat treating is to increase the strength of the alloy by tempering or hardening it through heating and cooling cycles. Heat treatment should only be done by experienced professionals as it requires precise control over temperature and pressure levels in order to achieve desirable results.
Machining
Aluminum 5456 has excellent machinability properties, making it easy to work with even when dealing with complex shapes or intricate details. It is also relatively easy to cut into shape with standard tools like saws or lathes without too much effort required on the part of the machinist or engineer working on the project.
Welding
Welding aluminium 5456 can be done using either MIG (Metal Inert Gas) or TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding techniques, depending on what type of joint needs to be made between two pieces of material. Both methods are relatively simple once you have some experience doing them, but they both require special equipment and protective gear, so it’s important to always pay attention when welding any kind of metal alloy!
Conclusion
Aluminium 5456 is an alloy that offers superior performance in terms of corrosion resistance, heat resistance, machinability, weldability and heat treatment capabilities – making it a great choice for many different types of projects across various industries. Whether you’re looking for something that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions or need something that can handle extreme temperatures indoors – aluminium 5456 may just be your go-to choice! With its versatile uses and reliable performance, this alloy deserves serious consideration when choosing your next building material!
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
