What Is 5083-H116 Aluminum Plate?
5083-H116 is an aluminum-magnesium alloy plate in the 5xxx series, supplied in the marine-stabilized H116 temper. In common practice, plates are distinguished from sheets by thickness, with material of 5 mm or greater generally classified as plate. Among non-heat-treatable alloys, 5083 has the highest combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and machinability: the primary alloying element is magnesium, which provides good corrosion resistance, weldability, and medium strength, and the H116 temper is specifically stabilized for marine service to reduce susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. Plates are available in standard sizes such as the popular 4x8 foot format, and in custom dimensions.
Mechanical Properties
Typical published mechanical values for 5083-H116 plate are a tensile strength of at least 305 MPa, a yield strength of at least 215 MPa, and elongation that depends on thickness and the measuring gauge. These values make 5083 the strongest of the common non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys, and the material maintains remarkable strength after welding because the 5xxx system is not heat-treatable. Like other high-magnesium 5xxx alloys, 5083 is not recommended for sustained service at temperatures above about 65 degrees Celsius, because prolonged exposure to elevated temperature can affect the corrosion resistance of the alloy; design guidance for hot service should be reviewed carefully.
Applications
Because of its excellent corrosion resistance, 5083 alloy is widely used in maritime applications such as ships, automobiles, aircraft welded parts, subway light rail, and pressure vessels that require strict fire protection, including liquid tankers, refrigerated trucks, and refrigerated containers. It is also used in refrigeration equipment, TV towers, drilling equipment, transportation equipment, missile parts, and armor, and in structural and engineering components where strength combined with seawater resistance is required. The plate resists damage from seawater and industrial chemical conditions, and it anodizes to an attractive surface, which extends its use to architectural and exposed structural applications.
Surface Treatment Options
5083-H116 plate can be supplied with a variety of surface treatments. Anodizing forms a wear- and corrosion-resistant oxide layer and is available in clear and colored finishes. Coated options include color-coated, polyurethane, PVC-coated, fluorocarbon, polyester, and epoxy systems. Mechanical finishes include polished, bright, brushed, hairline, embossed, sandblasted, and etched surfaces. The choice of finish depends on the service environment and the aesthetic requirement: anodized and coated surfaces suit exterior marine and architectural use, while mechanical finishes serve industrial and decorative applications.
Specification and Quality
5083 plate is supplied to standards such as ASTM B209 and ASME SB209, with the composition also registered under EN 573 and EN 485 and referenced as UNS A95083. Common tempers include O, H111, H112, H32, H34, and H116, with H111 and H112 providing some work hardening from shaping and H32 a work-hardened and stabilized quarter-hard condition. Suppliers may offer different quality tiers, for example plate with very tight thickness tolerance, standard plate to the ASTM requirement, and cast plate, and thickness control can be as close as about plus or minus 0.015 mm on premium product. When ordering, specify alloy, temper, thickness, width, length, surface finish, and governing standard, and request the material test certificate.
FAQ
Q: What does H116 mean in 5083-H116?
A: H116 is a marine-stabilized temper: the alloy is strain hardened and thermally stabilized to resist stress corrosion cracking in saltwater service.
Q: Is 5083-H116 heat treatable?
A: No. 5083 is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mg alloy; its strength comes from cold working and stabilization, not from heat treatment.
Q: What is the strength of 5083-H116 plate?
A: Typical published values are a tensile strength of at least 305 MPa and a yield strength of at least 215 MPa, with elongation dependent on thickness.
Q: Can 5083 plate be anodized?
A: Yes. The plate anodizes to an attractive, corrosion-resistant surface in clear or colored finishes.
Q: What standards cover 5083 plate?
A: ASTM B209 and ASME SB209, with EN 573 and EN 485 in Europe, and UNS A95083 designation.
Q: What is the maximum service temperature for 5083?
A: Sustained service above about 65 degrees Celsius is generally not recommended for high-magnesium 5xxx alloys, and any hot-service design should be reviewed against recognized guidance.
