5657-H25 Aluminum
A 5000-series Al-Mg alloy on a very pure aluminum base, for a bright finish
Typical values for the temper in the title
5657 contains about 0.8% magnesium, like 5005, but it is made from much purer aluminum, with very low limits on iron and silicon. These impurities are what dull the luster after anodizing, so 5657 takes a particularly bright, clear finish.
Its strength is low (about 160 MPa in H25), and it is chosen almost only for appearance: automotive trim, reflectors, and polished, anodized decorative parts.
Mechanical and physical properties
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength Rm | 160 MPa | |
| Yield strength Rp0.2 | 145 MPa | |
| Elongation A | 12% | |
| Hardness | 40 HB | |
| Modulus of elasticity E | 69 GPa | |
| Density ρ | 2.69 g/cm³ | |
| Machinability | 70% | relative rating in the site database |
Chemical composition (wt %)
| Element | Range | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Mg magnesium | 0.6–1.0 | adds a little strength |
| Fe iron | max 0.10 | very limited, to keep the luster |
| Si silicon | max 0.08 | very limited, to keep the luster |
| Cu copper | max 0.10 | |
| Mn manganese | max 0.03 | |
| Al aluminum | balance |
Common tempers
The tempers of 5657 are chosen by how much forming the part will go through.
| Temper | Properties | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| O | soft | for deep forming |
| H25 | Rm ≈ 160 MPa | the common temper for bright formed parts |
| H28 | harder | for flat parts |
Applications
- Automotive trim and frames
- Lighting reflectors
- Anodized decorative parts
- Bright decorative panels
- Consumer products with a bright finish
Fabrication
Polishing and anodizing
Intended for chemical or electrolytic brightening followed by anodizing. The result is bright and clear, without the yellowish-gray tint of alloys with more impurities.
Forming
Forms well. Avoid scratches, which stand out in a bright finish.
Machining and welding
Soft, not intended for machine parts. Welding is possible, but the weld zone stands out after anodizing.
Compared with similar materials
| Material | Rm / Rp0.2 | Welding | When it is the better choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5005-H34 | 130–185 / 95–160 MPa | Excellent | cheaper, for non-bright architectural anodizing · material page |
| 1050-H14 | 105 / 85 MPa | Excellent | pure, for conductivity and forming · material page |
| 6063-T6 | 205–240 / 170–190 MPa | Good — ER4043 | for anodized profiles · material page |
Common mistakes
Choosing 5005 for a bright finish
The impurities in 5005 dull the luster. For a bright finish, 5657.
Welding a part that will be bright anodized
The weld zone will stand out. Join by other means or design the appearance accordingly.
Choosing 5657 for a load-bearing part
Its strength is very low.
Equivalents, standards and supply
| ASTM | 5657 |
|---|---|
| Standards | ASTM B209 / EN 485-2 |
| Forms | plate · strip (Bright Anodize) |
| Producers | Hydro · Novelis |
Learn more
Values are typical and for comparison only. For design, rely on the standard and on the mill certificate. Sources: Aluminum Association (composition), ASM and MatWeb data sheets, and the METAL HUB materials database.
Updated: October 31, 2026