5083 aluminum sheet is the premier choice for marine structural applications worldwide. As the highest-strength non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy, it combines exceptional mechanical properties with outstanding corrosion resistance in saltwater and harsh industrial environments.
The H116 and H321 marine-grade tempers meet stringent ASTM B928 requirements for resistance to exfoliation corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking, making 5083 the go-to material for ship hulls, offshore platforms, pressure vessels, and cryogenic tanks.
Table of Contents
What is 5083 Aluminum Sheet?
5083 aluminum sheet is a high-strength, non-heat-treatable alloy in the aluminum-magnesium (5xxx) series. With 4.0-4.9% magnesium content, it offers the highest strength among non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys, combined with excellent corrosion resistance in marine environments.
This alloy is the material of choice for marine structural applications, cryogenic tanks, pressure vessels, and armor plate. The H116 and H321 tempers are specifically developed for marine service, providing optimal corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. 5083 is specified under ASTM B209 and B928 and is listed in the hull-material rules of classification societies such as ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register and CCS.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 4.0 – 4.9 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 1.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05 – 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.40 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder |
Mechanical Properties
5083 aluminum offers high strength in the non-heat-treatable condition. The H116 and H321 tempers are strain-hardened and stabilized specifically for marine applications to resist exfoliation corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking.
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O (Annealed) | 275 – 350 (typ. 290) | ≥ 125 (typ. 145) | 16 – 22 |
| H111 (EN 485-2) | 275 – 350 | ≥ 125 | ≥ 15 |
| H116 (Marine grade) | ≥ 305 (typ. 317) | ≥ 215 (typ. 228) | 10 – 16 |
| H321 (Marine grade) | 305 – 385 (typ. 317) | 215 – 295 (typ. 228) | 10 – 16 |
Limits per ASTM B209 / B928 (H111 per EN 485-2); "typ." values from the ASM Handbook. H116 and H321 must also pass ASTM G66 (exfoliation) and G67 (intergranular corrosion) testing.
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 591 – 638 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 117 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 29% IACS |
| Elastic Modulus | 70.3 GPa |
Marine-Grade Tempers
5083 in H116 and H321 tempers is produced to ASTM B928, the specification for high-magnesium aluminum sheet and plate for marine service. For ship construction, plate is normally also certified by a classification society (ABS, DNV, Lloyd's Register, CCS, etc.) against an approved mill.
- H116: Strain-hardened and stabilized to provide immunity to exfoliation corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking. Most common marine temper.
- H321: Stress-relieved after strain hardening to minimize residual stress. Used for welded structures and thick plate.
- ASTM B928: Marine-grade specification requiring additional corrosion testing (ASTM G66 exfoliation test, G67 intergranular corrosion test).
- Service Temperature Limit: Maximum continuous service temperature ~65°C to avoid sensitization and intergranular corrosion.
Key Characteristics
- Highest Non-Heat-Treatable Strength: Superior strength among 5xxx alloys, approaching some heat-treatable 6xxx grades.
- Excellent Marine Corrosion Resistance: Outstanding resistance to seawater, salt spray, and industrial atmospheres.
- Weldability: Excellent weldability; the heat-affected zone retains O-temper strength. Filler alloy ER5183 recommended.
- Cryogenic Performance: Retains toughness and ductility at cryogenic temperatures; widely used for LNG tanks.
- Exfoliation Resistance: H116 and H321 tempers immune to exfoliation corrosion per ASTM G66.
- Good Formability: Can be formed, bent, and welded, though less formable than 5052 due to higher strength.
Common Applications
- Marine structures: ship hulls, decks, superstructures, offshore platforms
- Pressure vessels and cryogenic tanks (LNG, liquid hydrogen)
- Transportation: tanker trucks, rail cars, automotive structural parts
- Military and defense: armor plate, armored vehicles
- Unfired pressure vessels per ASME Section VIII
- Chemical storage tanks
- Drilling rigs and offshore oil equipment
Comparison with Other Alloys
| Property | 5052 | 5083 | 5086 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Medium | High | Medium-High |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Weldability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Formability | Very Good | Good | Good |
| Typical Use | Fuel tanks, general sheet metal | Marine structures, pressure vessels | Marine, automotive |
5083 offers the highest strength and is preferred for structural marine applications. 5052 is more formable. 5086 falls between the two.
Welding Considerations
5083 aluminum is highly weldable using GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), and other fusion welding processes. Key welding considerations:
- Filler Alloy: ER5183 is the standard filler for 5083; ER5556 is an alternative when higher weld strength is needed. ER5356 gives lower as-welded strength on 5083.
- Weld Strength: The heat-affected zone softens to roughly the O-temper level. AWS D1.2 uses a minimum as-welded tensile strength of 275 MPa for 5083, so most of the base-metal strength is retained.
- Preheating: Generally not required. Keep interpass temperature below about 65–120°C to limit sensitization and distortion.
- Post-Weld Treatment: No heat treatment is required (or possible) to restore strength, as 5083 is non-heat-treatable.
Weight Reference
| Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg/m²) | 1220 × 2440 mm sheet (kg) | 1250 × 2500 mm sheet (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 1.33 | 3.96 | 4.16 |
| 1 | 2.66 | 7.92 | 8.31 |
| 1.5 | 3.99 | 11.88 | 12.47 |
| 2 | 5.32 | 15.84 | 16.63 |
| 3 | 7.98 | 23.75 | 24.94 |
| 4 | 10.64 | 31.67 | 33.25 |
| 5 | 13.30 | 39.59 | 41.56 |
| 6 | 15.96 | 47.51 | 49.88 |
| 8 | 21.28 | 63.35 | 66.50 |
| 10 | 26.60 | 79.18 | 83.13 |
| 12 | 31.92 | 95.02 | 99.75 |
| 20 | 53.20 | 158.37 | 166.25 |
Weight (kg) = thickness (mm) × width (m) × length (m) × density (g/cm³). Theoretical values; actual weight varies within thickness tolerance.
Supply Specifications
Thickness Range: 0.5 mm – 250 mm
Width: Up to 2600 mm
Length: Up to 12000 mm (plate) or coil
Tempers Available: O, H111, H112, H116, H321
Standards: ASTM B209, ASTM B928 (marine), EN 485, GB/T 3880
Surface Finish: Mill finish
Certification: Mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1)
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| AA / ASTM | 5083 |
| UNS | A95083 |
| EN | AlMg4.5Mn0.7 / EN AW-5083 |
| ISO | Al-Mg4.5Mn0.7 |
| JIS | A5083 |
| GB (China) | 5083 / LF4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 5083 H116 and H321?
Both H116 and H321 are marine-grade tempers meeting ASTM B928. H116 is strain-hardened and stabilized, commonly used for sheet and thin plate. H321 is stress-relieved, typically specified for thicker plate and welded structures to minimize residual stress. Both offer similar strength and corrosion resistance.
Can 5083 aluminum be used for cryogenic applications?
Yes, 5083 is widely used for cryogenic storage tanks (LNG, liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen) because, like other aluminum alloys, it has no ductile-to-brittle transition: strength and toughness are retained, and even increase, at temperatures down to -196°C and below. 5083-O is the standard material for LNG tanks (-162°C).
What filler alloy should be used for welding 5083?
ER5183 is the standard filler alloy for welding 5083 and meets the as-welded strength requirement (275 MPa minimum per AWS D1.2). ER5556 can be used for slightly higher strength. ER5356 is not recommended where full 5083 weld strength is required.
What is the maximum service temperature for 5083 aluminum?
5083 aluminum should not be continuously exposed to temperatures above 65°C (150°F) to avoid sensitization and intergranular corrosion. For service above 65°C, 5454 (lower magnesium) is the usual choice.
Is 5083 aluminum suitable for armor applications?
Yes, 5083 aluminum plate (especially in H131 and H321 tempers) is widely used for armor plate in military vehicles and ballistic protection due to its high strength, light weight, and ability to absorb impact energy.
Related Grades
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