5B05 Aerospace Aluminium Rivet Wire
5B05, formerly LF10, is a Chinese aluminium-magnesium alloy made specifically for rivet wire. With about 5 % magnesium it gives rivets that resist corrosion, need no heat treatment before driving and are suited to joining magnesium alloy and Al-Mg structures. Metline supplies 5B05 round and flat wire in O and hard tempers to GB/T 3196, in coils or cut lengths, to buyers worldwide.
- Alloy
- 5B05 (Al-5.2Mg-0.4Mn)
- Tempers
- O, HX8
- Diameter
- About 1.6 – 10 mm round
- Standards
- GB/T 3190 · GB/T 3196
Why a dedicated rivet alloy
Solid rivets must be soft enough to head without cracking, strong enough in shear once driven, and compatible with the parts they join. Heat-treatable rivet alloys such as 2117 and 2017 need ageing or ice-box storage, and their copper content can cause galvanic problems in magnesium and Al-Mg structures.
5B05 solves this with about 5 % magnesium and no copper of significance. The rivets are driven in the as-supplied condition, gain strength from the cold work of heading, and behave well against magnesium alloy castings and 5xxx sheet. In aircraft and helicopters, 5B05 rivets are used for joints in magnesium gearbox housings and castings, in Al-Mg tanks and panels, and in areas exposed to moisture where copper-bearing rivets could corrode.
The alloy is comparable in purpose to 5056 rivet wire in western practice. Both are Al-5Mg alloys used where corrosion compatibility matters more than the highest shear strength.
5B05 chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Minimum | Maximum | Role in the alloy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | — | 0.40 | Impurity (Si + Fe limited together) |
| Iron (Fe) | — | 0.40 | Impurity |
| Copper (Cu) | — | 0.20 | Kept low for galvanic compatibility |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20 | 0.6 | Adds strength, refines grain |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 4.7 | 5.7 | Main strengthening element |
| Titanium (Ti) | — | 0.15 | Grain refiner |
| Others, each / total | — | 0.05 / 0.10 | |
| Aluminium (Al) | Remainder | — |
Limits as listed in GB/T 3190 for 5B05; confirm against the current edition and the mill certificate. Some data sheets show lower magnesium and high silicon for this grade, which does not match the standard.
Rivet properties and physical data
Rivet wire is judged mainly by shear strength, measured on the wire or on driven test rivets. 5B05 gives shear strength in the same general class as 5056 rivets; for reference, US 5056 solid rivets are rated at 24 ksi (about 165 MPa) minimum single-shear strength. Exact acceptance values for 5B05 are set by GB/T 3196 by temper and diameter and are reported on the certificate.
| Property | 5B05 behaviour |
|---|---|
| Heat treatment before driving | None needed; driven as supplied |
| Strength after driving | Increases through cold work of heading |
| Elevated temperature | Shear strength falls progressively above about 100 °C |
| Galvanic compatibility | Good with magnesium alloys and 5xxx aluminium |
Physical properties
- Density
- About 2.65 g/cm³
- Modulus of elasticity
- About 70 GPa
- Coefficient of thermal expansion
- About 24 µm/m·°C (20 – 100 °C)
- Melting range
- About 570 – 640 °C
Sizes and tempers
Supply range
- Round wire
- About 1.6 – 10 mm diameter for rivets; finer sizes by enquiry
- Flat wire
- About 0.5 – 6 mm thick and 2 – 20 mm wide
- Tempers
- O (annealed) for heading; HX8 (hard) for straight lengths and special uses
- Form
- Coils for heading machines, or straightened cut lengths
- Surface
- Clean, bright, free from seams and laps that would split during heading
| Diameter (mm) | Grams per metre | Metres per kg |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 5.33 | 188 |
| 2 | 8.33 | 120 |
| 2.5 | 13.01 | 77 |
| 3 | 18.73 | 53 |
| 3.5 | 25.50 | 39 |
| 4 | 33.30 | 30 |
| 5 | 52.03 | 19 |
| 6 | 74.93 | 13 |
| 8 | 133.20 | 8 |
| 10 | 208.13 | 5 |
5B05 compared with other rivet alloys
| Alloy | Type | Heat treatment before driving | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1100 / 1035 | Pure aluminium | No | Low-strength, non-structural joints |
| 2117 (AD) | Al-Cu | No (supplied T4) | General aircraft structure |
| 2017 / 2024 (D, DD) | Al-Cu | Yes, or ice-box storage | Higher-strength structure |
| 5056 (B) | Al-Mg | No | Joints in magnesium alloys |
| 5B05 | Al-Mg | No | Joints in magnesium and Al-Mg structures |
For airframe joints in 2xxx and 7xxx sheet, copper-bearing rivets are normally specified. 5B05 and 5056 are chosen where the joined metals are magnesium-based or the joint is exposed to moisture.
How to order 5B05 wire
- SpecifyAlloy and temper, diameter, temper and coil or cut length, quantity and the governing specification with its revision (GB/T 3196 or your drawing).
- ConfirmWe confirm the specification can be met, the tolerance class, any extra tests and the delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP).
- InspectMaterial is checked for dimensions and surface condition; tests named on the order are carried out or arranged with an independent laboratory.
- DocumentEach lot ships with a mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 showing chemistry and mechanical results, traceable to the cast or lot number.
- Pack and shipExport packing in sealed, moisture-protected wooden cases, crates or pallets, shipped by sea or air to your port or door.
References and standards
- GB/T 3190 – Chemical composition of wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys
- GB/T 3196 – Aluminium and aluminium alloy wire for rivets
- ASTM B565 – Standard Test Method for Shear Testing of Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Rivets and Cold-Heading Wire and Rods
- NASM20470 / MS20470 – Rivet, solid, universal head, aluminium alloy (reference for 5056 rivet ratings)
5B05 aerospace aluminium (aluminum) rivet wire: FAQs
What is 5B05 used for?
Mainly for solid rivets that join magnesium alloy parts and Al-Mg structures, where copper-bearing rivets could cause galvanic corrosion.
Is 5B05 the same as LF10?
Yes. LF10 is the former Chinese designation for the alloy now called 5B05.
Do 5B05 rivets need heat treatment?
No. They are driven in the as-supplied condition, unlike 2017 or 2024 rivets that need solution treatment or cold storage.
What is the closest western equivalent?
5056 rivet wire is the nearest in purpose and composition, though limits differ. Substitution requires approval from the design authority.
Which temper should I order for heading?
Annealed (O) wire heads without cracking. Hard (HX8) wire is used for straight lengths or special parts.
Need 5B05 rivet wire?
Send the diameter, temper, form, quantity and standard. We will reply with availability, certification and a delivered price.
