About 5052|The workhorse of the marine aluminum world. Strongest of the common non-heat-treatable alloys, with excellent saltwater corrosion resistance. Better to machine in the hardened condition than annealed. Used heavily in boat hulls, decks, fuel tanks, and any application exposed to marine or chemical environments. Machines better than
3003 or
1100 but doesn’t compare to
6061. Good weldability. If a job calls for aluminum in a corrosive environment and you can’t heat treat, 5052 is likely the right call. Often compared to
5086 (which is stronger) and 6061 (which machines better but has less corrosion resistance).
