Laptop and tablet trim
Palm rests, lid decor panels and bezels where an even anodised colour matters.
3C electronics material
5005 H14 / H34 Aluminium Sheet and Strip for 3C Electronics
5005 is a low-magnesium aluminium alloy (0.5 – 1.1 % Mg) chosen for computer, communication and consumer-electronics parts where the anodised finish is what the customer sees. In H14 and H34 tempers it gives about 145 – 185 MPa tensile strength, forms and stamps easily, and anodises to a clear, even surface with fewer streaks than higher-alloy grades. Metline supplies anodising-quality 5005 sheet and slit strip to device and component makers worldwide.
- Alloy
- 5005 (Al-0.8Mg)
- Tempers
- H14 · H34 (H18, O on request)
- Thickness
- about 0.4 – 8 mm
- Key benefit
- Clear, uniform anodised finish
Why 5005 is used for visible electronics parts
Consumer devices are judged by their surface. A laptop palm rest, a speaker grille, a remote-control face or a set-top box bezel has to anodise to the same colour batch after batch, without bands, streaks or spots. 5005 is close to commercially pure aluminium with a small magnesium addition, so its anodic film is clear and colourless and takes dyes evenly.
That magnesium gives roughly 30 – 40 % more strength than 1050 or 1100 in the same temper, enough for thin covers and trim to resist dents, while keeping excellent formability for stamping, bending and embossing. 5005 is also the alloy used for anodised architectural sheet that must match 6063 extrusions, a sign of how predictable its finish is.
Where a part needs more stiffness or strength, for example a structural bottom cover or keyboard plate, designers usually move to 5052-H32. Where it is machined from solid, 6063, 6013 or 7xxx alloys are the norm. 5005 is the choice when appearance comes first and loads are modest.
5005 chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.50 – 1.1 | Solid-solution strengthening |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.30 max | Kept low in anodising-quality material |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.7 max | Lower Fe gives a clearer film |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.20 max | |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20 max | |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.10 max | |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.25 max | |
| Others, each / total | 0.05 / 0.15 | |
| Aluminium | Remainder |
Registered limits (Aluminum Association, EN 573-3 EN AW-5005) allow quite wide iron and silicon. For decorative anodising, buyers usually agree tighter internal limits and a controlled grain structure with the mill, often described as anodising quality (AQ).
Mechanical properties of 5005 H14 and H34
| Temper | Tensile strength (MPa) | Yield strength min (MPa) | Elongation min (%) | Typical hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | 105 – 145 | 35 | 18 – 22 | about 28 HB |
| H14 (strain-hardened, half hard) | 145 – 185 | about 115 – 120 | 2 – 6 (by thickness) | about 45 HB |
| H34 (strain-hardened and stabilised) | 140 – 185 | about 105 – 110 | 3 – 7 (by thickness) | about 41 HB |
| H18 (full hard) | 185 min | about 165 | 1 – 2 | about 51 HB |
Ranges summarised from ASTM B209 and EN 485-2; minimum elongation rises with thickness. Density 2.70 g/cm³, thermal conductivity about 200 W/m·K, electrical conductivity about 52 % IACS.
H14 and H34 have almost the same strength. H34 is stabilised by a low-temperature treatment after rolling, which prevents age softening at room temperature and gives slightly better ductility, so it is often preferred for parts with tighter bends. H14 is common for flat, lightly formed trim.
Getting a consistent anodised finish
- Specify anodising quality: state that the sheet is for decorative anodising so the mill controls intermetallics, grain size and surface condition.
- Keep to one source and lot for a colour batch: small chemistry differences show up as colour shifts, especially with dyed black and grey.
- Choose the film: sulphuric acid (Type II) films of about 8 – 15 µm suit indoor devices; 15 – 25 µm for handled or outdoor parts. Seal fully after dyeing.
- Pre-finish carefully: brushing, bead blasting or chemical brightening sets the final look; do it after forming so marks are not stretched.
- Protect the surface: order with PE or PVC film and interleaving; handling scratches are amplified by anodising.
- Test first: run anodising trials on sample sheet before releasing a production order.
More on finishing in our anodising guide.
Supply range and tolerances
Typical supply range
- Thickness
- about 0.4 – 8 mm; 0.5 – 2 mm most common for electronics
- Width
- slit strip from about 16 mm up to sheet widths around 1500 mm
- Length
- cut sheets about 1000 – 4000 mm, or coil
- Coil inner diameter
- 405, 505 or 605 mm
- Surface
- Mill, brushed or bright, with protective film
- Standards
- ASTM B209, EN 485, JIS H4000, GB/T 3880
| Thickness (mm) | Precision tolerance often agreed (mm) |
|---|---|
| 0.25 – 0.50 | ±0.01 – 0.02 |
| > 0.50 – 1.00 | ±0.02 – 0.03 |
| > 1.00 – 2.00 | ±0.03 – 0.04 |
| > 2.00 – 4.00 | ±0.05 – 0.06 |
| > 4.00 – 6.00 | ±0.08 – 0.10 |
Standard tolerances follow EN 485-4 or ASTM B209; the precision values above are typical of what electronics buyers agree as a special requirement.
Typical 3C parts made from 5005
Audio equipment
Speaker grilles, amplifier fascias and headphone cups, often brushed and anodised.
Home electronics
Set-top box and router covers, remote-control faces and appliance panels.
Nameplates and badges
Anodised, printed or engraved labels and logos.
Light brackets
Low-load internal brackets where a non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant part is needed.
Heat spreaders
Simple stamped plates exploiting good thermal conductivity.
5005 compared with 1050, 5052 and 5252
| Point | 1050-H14 | 5005-H34 | 5052-H32 | 5252-H32 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical tensile (MPa) | 110 | 160 | 228 | 235 |
| Anodised clarity | Very good | Very good | Good, slight tint | Excellent (bright trim) |
| Formability | Excellent | Very good | Good | Good |
| Dent resistance | Low | Moderate | Good | Good |
| Typical role | Cheap decorative parts | Visible anodised trim | Structural housings | Bright-dip trim |
References and standards
- ASTM B209 – Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
- EN 485-2 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys: sheet, strip and plate, mechanical properties
- EN 573-3 – Chemical composition and form of wrought products
- The Aluminum Association – Aluminum Standards and Data
5005 sheet for electronics: FAQs
What is the difference between 5005-H14 and 5005-H34?
Both are strain-hardened to about half hard with similar strength. H34 is also stabilised, so its properties do not drift at room temperature and it bends slightly better.
Why choose 5005 over 5052 for electronics?
5005 anodises clearer and more uniformly, which suits visible decorative parts. 5052 is stronger and stiffer, so it is better for structural covers and keyboard plates.
Can 5005 be anodised black?
Yes. It dyes evenly in black, grey and colours. Keep one material lot per colour batch to avoid shade variation.
What thickness is typical for electronics trim?
Most parts use 0.5 – 2.0 mm. Thinner gauges suit badges and grilles; thicker for bezels that are machined after stamping.
Is 5005 aluminum sheet available in slit coil?
Yes. It can be slit to narrow strip on 405, 505 or 605 mm cores for progressive-die stamping.
Sourcing 5005 for device parts?
Send temper, size, surface and quantity. We reply with availability, certification and a delivered quote.
