5058 Aluminum Sheet
5058 aluminum sheet is a high-magnesium aluminum alloy sheet known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, moderate-to-high strength, and reliable performance in marine and industrial environments. As part of the 5xxx series, it is non-heat-treatable and gains strength primarily through cold working. For customers seeking a sheet material that balances light weight, durability, and resistance to harsh service conditions, 5058 aluminum sheet is a highly practical option.
5058 aluminum sheet belongs to the Al-Mg alloy family, a group widely used when corrosion resistance and fabrication performance are critical. Compared with many general-purpose aluminum grades, 5058 offers a stronger combination of mechanical performance and environmental durability, especially in saltwater or chemically aggressive atmospheres.
It is commonly selected for:
- Marine structural parts
- Pressure-related components
- Vehicle and transportation panels
- Storage and process equipment
- Welded fabrications requiring high corrosion resistance
Its value comes from a simple but important formula: low weight + strong corrosion resistance + good weldability + dependable strength.
Features of 5058 Aluminum Sheet
Here are the main characteristics that make 5058 aluminum sheet attractive in commercial and industrial use:
| Feature | Benefit to Customer |
|---|---|
| High magnesium alloy content | Improves strength and corrosion resistance |
| Excellent marine corrosion resistance | Suitable for seawater and coastal applications |
| Good weldability | Ideal for fabricated assemblies and welded structures |
| Non-heat-treatable alloy | Stable and predictable performance in service |
| Good formability | Can be processed into panels, shells, and formed components |
| Lightweight material | Helps reduce overall structural mass |
| Good toughness | Performs well under impact and dynamic loading |
| Strong resistance to atmospheric exposure | Long service life with lower maintenance needs |
Chemical Composition
The exact chemistry may vary by producer and applicable specification, but 5058 aluminum sheet generally includes magnesium as the main alloying element, with smaller additions of manganese and other elements to optimize strength and corrosion behavior.
Typical Chemical Composition of 5058 Aluminum Sheet
| Element | Typical Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 4.9–5.8 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4–1.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.45 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.50 max |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05–0.25 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.25 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.10 max |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.20 max |
| Others, each | 0.05 max |
| Others, total | 0.15 max |
Why this matters:
The relatively high magnesium content is the reason 5058 sheet offers strong corrosion resistance and good strength among non-heat-treatable alloys. Controlled additions of manganese and chromium help improve structural stability and mechanical consistency.
Mechanical Properties
5058 aluminum sheet is valued for its balanced mechanical profile. It is strong enough for many structural uses while still being workable enough for fabrication.
Typical Mechanical Properties
Values depend on temper, product thickness, and manufacturing route. The table below shows representative values only.
| Property | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 300–380 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 140–280 MPa |
| Elongation | 8–18% |
| Hardness | Moderate |
| Fatigue Performance | Good |
| Impact Resistance | Good |
| Welded Joint Efficiency | High when properly processed |
These properties make 5058 sheet useful where the material must resist deformation, vibration, and environmental attack without adding excessive weight.
Physical Properties
The physical behavior of 5058 aluminum sheet also contributes to its broad use in transportation and marine engineering.
Typical Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ~2.66 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | ~570–640°C |
| Electrical Conductivity | Moderate |
| Thermal Conductivity | Good |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | ~23–24 µm/m·°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~70 GPa |
Because aluminum is much lighter than steel, 5058 sheet can help reduce overall equipment weight while maintaining useful structural capability.
Technical Specifications
5058 aluminum sheet can be supplied in multiple sizes, tempers, and surface conditions according to customer requirements.
Common Product Specifications
| Item | Typical Supply Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.5 mm to 150 mm |
| Width | 500 mm to 2600 mm |
| Length | 1000 mm to 12000 mm |
| Temper | O, H111, H112, H32, H34, others as available |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish, brushed, customized |
| Standards | ASTM, EN, GB, AMS, or customer specification |
| Flatness | Controlled for industrial processing |
| Protective Film | Optional |
| Cutting Service | Available to size |
This flexibility allows buyers to source the material for both standard fabrication and custom-engineered applications.
Performance Advantages
5058 aluminum sheet stands out not because it excels in only one area, but because it performs well across several critical categories at the same time.
1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance
5058 is especially suitable for marine atmospheres, ship structures, dock equipment, and coastal installations. Its resistance to seawater corrosion makes it a logical choice where long service life is essential.
2. Strong Weldability
Many structural applications involve extensive welding. 5058 sheet performs well in welded assemblies, making it useful for tanks, bulkheads, transport bodies, and marine fabrications.
3. Lightweight Strength
Compared with heavier metals, this alloy offers a favorable strength-to-weight ratio. This is highly valuable in applications where reducing weight improves efficiency, payload, or fuel economy.
4. Good Fabrication Performance
5058 sheet can be cut, bent, formed, and welded using common industrial methods. This makes it practical for manufacturers looking for productivity as well as end-use performance.
5. Reliable Service Life
Its resistance to corrosion, combined with good toughness and structural stability, supports lower maintenance requirements and longer operational life in demanding environments.
Typical Applications
Because of its balanced properties, 5058 aluminum sheet is used in a wide variety of sectors.
Main Application Areas
| Industry | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Marine | Hull sections, superstructures, decks, bulkheads, boat panels |
| Transportation | Truck bodies, trailer panels, rail components, cargo structures |
| Pressure Equipment | Tanks, vessels, storage units |
| Industrial Fabrication | Process equipment, structural covers, fabricated assemblies |
| Construction | Corrosion-resistant panels, exterior structural elements |
| Defense & Specialized Engineering | Lightweight welded structures |
In particular, marine and transport sectors benefit from the alloy's ability to combine corrosion resistance with reduced structural weight.
Processing and Fabrication Considerations
To get the best performance from 5058 aluminum sheet, proper fabrication practices are important.
Recommended Processing Notes
| Process | Comments |
|---|---|
| Welding | Excellent weldability; suitable filler selection is important |
| Forming | Good in appropriate tempers; tighter bends may require softer tempers |
| Machining | Fair to good; setup should account for softer aluminum behavior |
| Surface Treatment | Can be anodized or finished depending on application |
| Cutting | Compatible with shearing, sawing, laser, and waterjet methods |
| Storage | Keep dry and protected to preserve surface quality |
For customers planning welded fabrications, temper selection should be matched to the desired balance of strength, formability, and post-fabrication performance.
Benefits for Customers
From a purchasing perspective, 5058 aluminum sheet offers clear practical advantages:
| Customer Need | Value Delivered by 5058 Aluminum Sheet |
|---|---|
| Longer service life | High resistance to corrosion and weathering |
| Lower structural weight | Aluminum density supports lightweight design |
| Easier fabrication | Good forming and welding behavior |
| Reduced maintenance | Better durability in harsh environments |
| Reliable structural performance | Good strength and toughness |
| Versatile sourcing | Available in multiple sizes and tempers |
For buyers evaluating materials on a total-life basis rather than only initial cost, 5058 sheet can be a strong investment.
How 5058 Compares Within the 5xxx Series
Within the aluminum-magnesium family, 5058 is often considered when users need more robust structural and corrosion performance than basic general-purpose sheet grades. It is especially relevant when:
- The environment includes salt spray or seawater
- Welding is a major part of fabrication
- Weight savings are important
- The structure must retain good durability over time
In these cases, 5058 can offer a more specialized solution than standard commercial aluminum sheet.
