Aluminum 5657

Aging Procedure

Not applicable to this alloy.

Annealing Procedure

Annealing, to obtain O temper, of cold worked material is done at 775 F and air cooled. A stress-relief anneal may be done at 460 F for 3 hours followed by air cooling.

Applications

Commonly used in the manufacture of anodized auto and appliance trim.

Cold Workability

Cold working of AL 5657 is easily accomplished by standard commercial means in the soft tempers. The alloy may also be successfully cold worked in the harder tempers, but with more difficulty.

Forgeability

The alloy is hot forgeable. However there is no data as to the hot working range - consult the alloy supplier.

Formability

Forming by conventional means of this alloy may be readily accomplished. The alloy may be cold worked or hot worked with ease. However in the harder (cold worked) tempers forming becomes more difficult.

Hardening Procedure

Hardens only due to cold working.

Heat Treatability

AL 5657 is a non-heat treatable alloy. See "Annealing".

Hot Workability

Hot working of AL 5657 may be easily accomplished, if necessary, in the range of 700 to 450 F.

Machinability

This alloy is not noted for ease of machinability. It is relatively difficult to machine for an aluminum alloy and is considered only "fair" in terms of overall machinability. It tends to be "gummy" and thus needs care to produce a good machined finish. Except for very light cutting an oil base lubricant should be used during machining.

Other Mechanical Properties

Shear strength values are: H25 temper 14 ksi. H28 and 38 temper 15 ksi. Annealed O temper 11 ksi

Other Physical Properties

Electrical conductivity 54% of copper.

Principle Design Features

This is a non-heat treatable, medium strength, alloy of aluminum and magnesium.

Tempering Procedure

Not applicable.

Weldability

Alloy 5657 may be welded by conventional methods. Arc, gas torch, and resistance welding are the most commonly used processes. Filler metal, when required, should be AL 5457 or AL 5056 or 5052. The alloy may also be joined by brazing, although this requires special techniques and actual trial evaluation.