Aluminum 5052-H32 vs. Aluminum 6063-T6

Compare Aluminum 5052-H32 vs. Aluminum 6063-T6 strength, stiffness, weight and thermal properties.

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Mechanical
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Yield strength	195MPasourcetypical, 0.2% offset	215MPasourcetypical, T6, 0.0625 in specimen
Ultimate tensile strength	230MPasourcetypical	240MPasourcetypical, T6
Elongation at break	12%sourcetypical	12%sourcetypical, T6, in 4D
Young's modulus (stiffness)	70GPasourcetypical	69GPasourcetypical
Density	2,685kg/m³sourcenominal	2,700kg/m³sourcenominal, 20 °C
Strength to weight	72.6kN·m/kg	79.6kN·m/kg10% higher
Stiffness to weight	26.1MN·m/kg2% higher	25.6MN·m/kg
Poisson's ratio	0.33sourcetypical (handbook physical constant)	not sourced
Shear modulus	26.3GPa	not sourced
Bulk modulus	68.6GPa	not sourced
Speed of sound	5,106m/s	5,055m/s
Thermal
Thermal conductivity	138W/m·Ksourcebase material: 5052 in O temper (same alloy, annealed); Kaiser typical	201W/m·Ksourcetypical, T6, 20 °C
Thermal expansion	23.8µm/m·Ksourcetypical, mean 20-100 °C	23.4µm/m·Ksourcetypical, mean 20-100 °C
100 mm part over a 50 °C swing	119µm growth	117µm growth2% less
Specific heat	963J/kg·Ksourceat 100 °C (212 °F); table covers O, H32, H34, H36, H38	901J/kg·Ksourcetypical, 20 °C (Hydro EN AW-6063)
Heats up and cools (diffusivity)	53.4mm²/s	82.6mm²/s1.55x faster
Thermal shock resistance	10,822W/m	not sourced
Melting point	605–650°Csourcemelting range	615–655°Csourcemelting range
Values for	5052-H32, Kaiser Aluminum tube & pipe typical datasheet (mechanical, CTE, melting); MIL-HDBK-5J (Poisson, density, specific heat)	6063-T6 extruded tube, Kaiser Aluminum Tube & Pipe Alloy 6063 Technical Data (Rev. 05/06), typical properties; specific heat from Hydro EN AW-6063 extruded-products datasheet (Rev.4, 03/2023).

Every value links to the document that states it. "Not sourced" means no citable source states it (or only a specification minimum); figures computed from it are left out too.

Questions

Is Aluminum 5052-H32 stronger than Aluminum 6063-T6?

Aluminum 6063-T6 is stronger: its yield strength is 215 MPa against 195 MPa for Aluminum 5052-H32 (10%).

Which is lighter, Aluminum 5052-H32 or Aluminum 6063-T6?

Aluminum 5052-H32 is lighter: 2,685 kg/m³ against 2,700 kg/m³ for Aluminum 6063-T6.

Which is stiffer, Aluminum 5052-H32 or Aluminum 6063-T6?

Aluminum 5052-H32 is stiffer: Young's modulus 70 GPa against 69 GPa for Aluminum 6063-T6, so the same part in Aluminum 5052-H32 deflects less under the same load.

Which is lighter for the same job, Aluminum 5052-H32 or Aluminum 6063-T6?

For the same stiffness or strength: Aluminum 5052-H32 is lighter for a stiff rod or tie (tension), stiff beam (bending), stiff panel or plate; Aluminum 6063-T6 is lighter for a strong rod or tie, strong beam, strong panel or plate.

Part that must be	Aluminum 5052-H32	Aluminum 6063-T6
Stiff rod or tie (tension)	lighter	2% heavier
Stiff beam (bending)	lighter	1% heavier
Stiff panel or plate	lighter	1% heavier
Strong rod or tie	10% heavier	lighter
Strong beam	6% heavier	lighter
Strong panel or plate	4% heavier	lighter

For the same stiffness or strength, mass scales with density over stiffness (or strength) raised to a power set by how the part is loaded: 1 for a rod in tension, 1/2 for a beam in bending, 1/3 for a panel (the standard material-selection indices).

Which conducts heat better, Aluminum 5052-H32 or Aluminum 6063-T6?

Aluminum 6063-T6 conducts heat better: 201 W/m·K against 138 W/m·K for Aluminum 5052-H32.

Which expands less with temperature?

Aluminum 6063-T6 expands less: 23.4 µm/m·K against 23.8 µm/m·K for Aluminum 5052-H32.

Among 72 materials

Stiffness against density

Strength against density