5083 Aluminum Sheet and Plate

5083 offers 30% higher strength than 5052 but is less economical. Its high magnesium content (4.0–4.9%) enables extreme marine performance.

6061 (Heat-treatable):

• Strength: 310 MPa (T6 temper)
• Strengthening: Achieved via heat treatment
• Machinability: Superior
• Applications: Aerospace structures

5083 (Non-heat-treatable):

• Strength: 275–340 MPa (H116/H321 temper)
• Strengthening: Cold working only
• Corrosion: Superior seawater resistance
• Applications: Shipbuilding, offshore platforms

Key Takeaway: 6061 suits high-stress applications; 5083 excels in corrosive environments.

• Marine Industry: Hull structures, ship decks, propeller shafts (70% of marine aluminum usage)
• Pressure Vessels: LNG storage tanks, chemical reactors
• Transportation: Railcar bodies, military vehicle armor
• Construction: Bridges, offshore platform supports
• Aerospace: Non-critical aircraft components

5083 is chosen for its weldability, corrosion resistance (Mg content: 4.0–4.9%), and medium-high strength.

International equivalents include:

• EN AW-5083 (Europe)
• A95083 (UNS)
• AlMg4.5Mn (ISO/DIN 3.3547)
• A5083 (JIS, Japan)
• 5A06 (China, older standard)

These grades share near-identical chemical compositions and mechanical properties.

Yes. Key features:

• Passes 240-hour salt spray tests without pitting
• High magnesium (4.0–4.9%) creates chloride-resistant barrier
• Certified for marine use (e.g., DNV-GL standards)
• Special temper H116 prevents exfoliation corrosion

It dominates shipbuilding for hulls, decks, and bulkheads.

• 5083 offers 20% higher strength for extreme environments (e.g., warships), while 5754 balances cost and formability for general marine use.

Machinability is moderate:

• Rating: 50–60% (vs. free-cutting brass)
• Challenges: Long chips, tool adhesion
• Solutions: Use sharp carbide tools + coolants; avoid high-precision work
• Preferred Temper: H34 for improved chip control

Not ideal for intricate machining; better suited for welding/cutting.

Yes, with precautions:

• Methods: TIG/MIG preferred (stick welding possible)
• Filler Rods: ER5356 (5% Mg), ER5183 (high strength), ER5556 (severe environments)
• Preheating: 100–200°C (212–392°F) for thick sections to prevent cracking
• Strength: Welded joints retain >90% of base metal strength

Post-weld cleaning is critical to maintain corrosion resistance.

Ranked by machinability:

1. 6061: Heat-treatable, excellent chip formation
2. 2011: Free-machining with lead additives
3. 7075: High strength but abrasive
4. 5083: Moderate; requires tooling optimization

5083 prioritizes corrosion resistance over machinability.

Limited bendability:

• O Temper: Minimum bend radius = 1× thickness
• H32/H321 Temper: Minimum bend radius = 2–3× thickness (risk of cracking)
• Avoid sharp bends; anneal at 415°C if forming complex shapes

Higher Mg content increases brittleness vs. 5052/5754.

Defined by:

• Mg: 4.0–4.9%, Mn: 0.4–1.0%, Cr: 0.05–0.25%
• Tempers: H116 (marine standard), H321
• Density: 2.66 g/cm³ (1/3 of steel)
• Certifications: Meets ASTM B928, EN 485, and DNV-GL standards

Used in ship hulls, offshore platforms, and seawater-exposed components.

Not directly certified, but applicable with precautions:

• Safe for tanks/containers storing non-acidic liquids (water, oils)
• Anodizing recommended for direct food contact to prevent Al leaching
• Avoid acidic foods (pH <4.5) due to corrosion risk

304 stainless steel is preferred for acidic food processing.

Key differences:

• Magnesium: 5086 (3.5–4.5%), 5083 (4.0–4.9%)
• Strength: 5083 has ≈15% higher tensile strength
• Applications: 5086 for tanks/tubing; 5083 for structural marine parts
• Both offer similar corrosion resistance and weldability.