5000 Series
AVAILABLE NOWMarine-grade corrosion-resistant wrought plate. 5052, 5083, and 5086 in standard and heavy gauge, up to 40" thick for structural applications.
Overview
The 5000 series covers magnesium-bearing wrought aluminum alloys. Unlike the 6xxx and 7xxx alloys, 5000 series alloys are not heat-treatable. Strength comes from solid-solution hardening (magnesium in aluminum) and work hardening during rolling, reflected in the H-series temper designations. The tradeoff for non-heat-treatability is excellent weldability: 5083 and 5086 welded with 5356 filler retain close to full base metal strength, which makes them the standard for marine hull construction and pressure vessel fabrication.
5052 is the lightest-gauge sub-alloy and the most workable. It is widely used for enclosures, panels, and components that require forming. 5083 is the heavy-plate standard for marine, pressure vessel, and cryogenic applications. Its combination of strength, corrosion resistance in seawater, and weldability is unmatched in this alloy class. 5086 sits between 5052 and 5083 in strength and is used in marine and transportation applications where 5083 would be overspecified. All three are suitable for continuous service in saltwater without protective coating.
H116 and H321 are the two tempers specifically developed for marine applications. Both provide the same strength as H32 but include additional requirements for resistance to exfoliation corrosion and stress corrosion cracking under ASTM B928. If the part will be immersed in seawater or continuously wetted, specify H116 or H321 explicitly. For general structural use not subject to marine corrosion, H32 is the standard option.
Tempers Available
H32
H116
H321
O (annealed)
Material Origin
Available Forms
5052 Plate
0.25" through 40" thick. Standard widths 48" and 60", lengths 96" and 144".
5083 Plate
0.25" through 40" thick. Standard widths 48" and 60", lengths 96" and 144".
5086 Plate
0.25" through 40" thick. Standard widths 48" and 60", lengths 96" and 144".
Custom Cut
Any rectangle cut from plate stock. Heavy section bandsaw capability.
Mechanical Properties
| Temper / Condition | Tensile (min) | Yield (min) | Elongation (min) | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5052-H32 | 31,000 psi min | 23,000 psi min | 7% min (in 2") | Brinell 60 (typical) |
| 5083-H116 Marine spec; tested per ASTM B928 for SCC and exfoliation resistance | 40,000 psi min | 29,000 psi min | 10% min | — |
| 5083-H321 Marine spec; equivalent to H116 for SCC resistance with higher elongation | 40,000 psi min | 29,000 psi min | 12% min | — |
| 5086-H32 | 35,000 psi min | 28,000 psi min | 5% min | — |
| 5086-H116 Marine spec per ASTM B928 | 35,000 psi min | 28,000 psi min | 5% min | — |
Values are minimums per applicable specification unless noted as typical. Properties may vary by thickness, temper, and mill. Always verify against the applicable AMS or ASTM specification for your program.
Physical Properties
Specifications & Standards
AMS Specifications
ASTM / MIL Specifications
Machining Notes
Common Applications
Specify H116 or H321 for any application involving seawater immersion, tidal zones, or continuous condensation. These tempers are tested specifically for exfoliation and stress corrosion cracking per ASTM B928. For non-marine structural use, H32 is standard.
Why NOX for 5000 Series
Related Materials
Related Materials
6061 Aluminum
The standard general-purpose structural alloy. Good machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance across a wide range of applications.
7075 Aluminum
High-strength aerospace alloy. Among the highest tensile strength available in commercial aluminum at 73,000 psi minimum in T651.
7050 Aluminum
Thick-section aerospace plate with superior stress corrosion resistance compared to 7075. The standard for aircraft structural components above 3 inches thick.
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