Marine environments demand materials that can withstand harsh conditions including saltwater corrosion, high strength requirements, and excellent weldability. Among the numerous aluminum alloys, 5083 aluminum alloy stands out as a premium choice for naval architecture, shipbuilding, offshore platforms, and marine engineering.
| Product Model | 5083-H116 | 5083-H321 |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness Options | 3mm, 5mm, 10mm | 3mm, 5mm, 10mm |
| Form | Sheet / Plate | Sheet / Plate |
| Is material "marine grade"? | Yes | Yes |
| Material Forming Process | Hot rolled and controlled atmosphere processed for expanded corrosion resistance and performance | |
| Main Application Areas | Shipbuilding, offshore platforms, cryogenic tanks, marine hull plates, and structural components | |
| Corrosion Resistance | Superior in seawater and industrial environments | |
| Weldability | Excellent (resistant to welding crack formation) |
Aluminum Alloy 5083: Basic Characteristics
Aluminum 5083 is part of the 5xxx series aluminum-magnesium alloys. It possesses outstanding corrosion resistance combined with relatively high strength achieved through solid solution strengthening and strain hardening.
- Primary alloying element: Magnesium (~4.0–4.9%)
- Minor amounts of manganese, chromium, and other trace elements enhance weldability and corrosion protection.
Chemical Composition of 5083 Alloy (wt%)
| Element | Standard Range |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 4.0 – 4.9% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 – 1.0% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05 – 0.25% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.4% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.4% |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25% |
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance (~Al 95%) |
Temper Conditions: H116 and H321
H116:This temper primarily guarantees that the product meets minimum strength requirements while maintaining the excellent inherent corrosion resistance of 5083 alloy in seawater and other hot corrosive environments. It has not been subjected to any strain hardening but may have slight stabilizing annealing after thermo-mechanical processing. Widely used for armor plates and marine application where welding performance and corrosion resistance are critical.
H321:H321 is strain-hardened followed by a specific stabilization annealing heat treatment to enhance corrosion resistance, especially stress corrosion cracking resistance. This temper provides good formability, retaining excellent marine corrosion behavior and weldability. Popular in critical structural marine applications.
Mechanical Properties by Temper and Thickness
| Temper | Thickness (mm) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength 0.2% (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H116 | 3 | 275 - 290 | ≥145 | ≥12 | 75 - 85 |
| 5 | 270 - 285 | ≥140 | ≥12 | 75 - 85 | |
| 10 | 265 - 280 | ≥135 | ≥12 | 75 - 85 | |
| H321 | 3 | 295 - 310 | ≥185 | ≥7 | 80 - 90 |
| 5 | 290 - 305 | ≥180 | ≥7 | 80 - 90 | |
| 10 | 285 - 300 | ≥175 | ≥7 | 80 - 90 |
Implementation Standards
The 5083 H116 and H321 marine aluminum sheet plates conform to internationally recognized quality and testing standards including:
- ISO 6361: Specification for flat rolled products of aluminum and aluminum alloys
- ASME SB209: Specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate for pressure vessels
- ASTM B209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
- Marine Class Certifications: ABS, DNV-GL, LR, CCS for marine suitability and welding performance
Marine & Structural Application Benefits
- Excellent corrosion resistance: Performs strong for both atmospheric and seawater exposure due to magnesium and chromium content.
- Good weldability: Controlled tempers help avoid welding crack formation, simplifying fabrication.
- Strength and toughness balance: The specified thickness and ferm chosen allow plates to meet demanding structural roles with fatigue resistance.
- Formability: Plates can be fabricated into curved and complex shapes common in ship hulls and marine infrastructure.
- Lightweight: Reducing structures’ weight effectively improves vessel performance and increases payload capacity.
The 5083 H116 and H321 aluminum sheets and plates in 3mm, 5mm, and 10mm thickness signify high-quality, marine-grade materials tailor-made for manufacturing seaworthy vessels, offshore platforms, and robust structural assemblies. From optimized chemical composition, heat treatments, and productivity standards, they ensure durability and longevity under challenging aquatic conditions. These plates provide exceptional corrosion resistance, ample strength, excellent weldability, and are internationally certified to comply with industry requirements.
For inquiries, custom sizes, or certification certificates, please contact our sales engineering department. Let us help you outfit your marine projects with reliable, high-performance aluminum sheets designed to thrive where performance counts most.
