Aluminium alloys have become the preferred materials for various industries thanks to their unique combination of durability, lightweight, and excellent corrosion resistance. One of the most popular aluminium alloys gaining traction in the aerospace and automotive industry is the 5554 aluminium alloy. This alloy’s excellent features make it a top choice for various applications. This blog will delve into this incredible alloy’s properties, composition, and applications.
Aluminum 5554 Composition
The 5554 aluminium alloy has an aluminium base with a different mixture of magnesium and 3% manganese, which give it high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. The manganese provides extra corrosion resistance, while the magnesium increases the strength of the alloy. Copper and silicon also make up much of the material, improving its strength and formability.
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum, Al | 94.6 – 97 |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.4 – 3 |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.50 – 1 |
| Iron, Fe | ≤ 0.40 |
| Zinc, Zn | ≤ 0.25 |
| Silicon, Si | ≤ 0.25 |
| Copper, Cu | ≤ 0.10 |
| Chromium, Cr | 0.050 – 0.20 |
| Titanium, Ti | 0.050 – 0.20 |
| Beryllium, Be | ≤ 0.00080 |
Aluminum 5554 Physical Properties
The 5554 aluminium alloy has a 2.69 g/cm³ density and a melting point of around 638 °C. Additionally, its thermal conductivity ranges from 177-207 W/mK, which supports the fabrication of heat sinks and other heat-dissipating components.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.69 g/cm³ | 0.0972 lb/in³ |
| Melting point | 624-646°C | 1155-1195°F |
Aluminum 5554 Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of the 5554 aluminium alloy are impressive. It has a yield strength of 185 MPa and a tensile strength of 335 MPa. The elongation at break stands at 24% and 10% at 50 mm and 25 mm gauges, respectively.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 227 MPa | 33 ksi |
Aluminum 5554 Uses
The 5554 aluminium alloy has numerous uses across industries. In the aerospace sector, 5554 alloy uses aircraft fuselage and wing components, fuel tanks, and systems that require high corrosion resistance. Its high resistance to stress makes it ideal for use in the manufacture of missile parts and other combat application tools. Additionally, it finds use in the automotive industry, particularly in constructing radiators, heat shields, and air conditioner parts.
Aluminum 5554 Heat Treatment
The 5554 aluminium alloy requires heat treatment to enhance its strength and toughness. It is heat-treatable at 500°F and 60 minutes of ageing. This treatment causes an increase in power due to the precipitation of magnesium and manganese.
Aluminum 5554 Hardness
The hardness of 5554 aluminium alloy depends on different factors, including the temper, thickness, and type. The T6 temper 5554 has the highest hardness, ranging from 83-92 HRB. In some instances, the hardness can be modified through heat treatment.
Conclusion
The 5554 aluminium alloy is versatile and offers strength, formability, and corrosion resistance over a broad temperature range. Its mechanical and physical properties make it ideal for various industries, particularly the aerospace and automotive sectors. Its complex composition of magnesium, manganese, silicon, and copper enables it to maintain consistent performance, even in extreme conditions. The 5554 aluminium alloy is indispensable for engineers and designers looking to create advanced products.
