5083 H34 is a strain-hardened and stabilized aluminum alloy from the 5000 series, known for its high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and good weldability.
This aluminum alloy is part of the Al-Mg system, offering medium strength and superior corrosion resistance. The H34 temper indicates that the alloy has undergone cold working and partial annealing (stabilization), achieving a semi-hard state. Compared to the H32 temper, H34 has undergone a higher degree of work hardening, which results in greater strength.
5083 H34 Aluminum
Product Forms (Sheets, Plates, Coils)
5083 H34 is available in several forms:
5083 Aluminum Plates/Sheets: Available in hot-rolled or cold-rolled forms, with thicknesses ranging from approximately 0.2mm to ~300mm (11.8 inches), and common widths between 500mm and 2500mm (20 to 98 inches), with lengths up to ~10,000mm (394 inches).
5083 Aluminum Coils/Strips: Typically hot-rolled or cold-rolled coils in thinner gauges (0.2–10mm or ~0.008–0.4 inches), with widths up to around 2000mm (80 inches) or more.
5083 Aluminum Bars/Rods: While the H34 temper is less common in rods, it is still available in certain cases.
Corrosion Resistance
5083 H34 excels in harsh environments:
Marine applications: Resists seawater and industrial chemicals.
Temperature limitation: It is not recommended for use at temperatures above 65°C (150°F) to prevent intergranular corrosion, but it performs excellently at low temperatures, maintaining strength even in cryogenic environments.
Weldability and Post-Weld Strength
5083 H34 is easy to weld, especially with filler metals like 5183 or 5356. After welding, the strength of the alloy remains relatively high, with only a slight decrease in tensile strength (around 7%), making it much better than softer alloys such as 5052.
Strength vs. Ductility Trade-off
5083 H34 offers a balance of higher strength compared to softer tempers but with reduced ductility. For example, 5083 O/H111 alloys exhibit a yield strength of about 125 MPa and elongation of 15%, whereas H34 has a yield strength of about 250 MPa and elongation of 7–8%. H34 offers a medium balance between strength and ductility, while fully hard alloys (H38) have higher strength but very low ductility.
Comparison with Other Stabilized Tempers
5083 H34 has higher strength than H116 and H321 tempers but with slightly lower ductility. All of these tempers offer excellent corrosion resistance. Like other 5083 tempers, H34 should not be used above approximately 65°C (150°F), but it remains strong at cryogenic temperatures, even down to -195°C.
Fabrication and Processing
Weldability: Excellent; MIG/TIG welding with filler metals like 5183, 5356, or 5556 is recommended.
Machinability: Poor machinability due to its high ductility, requiring special tools.
Hot Working: Performed at temperatures between 316°C and 482°C (600°F and 900°F).
Annealing: Annealing should be done at 413°C (775°F), without prolonged soaking.
Chemical Composition
5083 H34 is an Al–Mg alloy, with the following typical elemental ranges:
Aluminum (Al): Balance (~92.5–95.5%)
Magnesium (Mg): 4.0–4.9%
Manganese (Mn): 0.4–1.0%
Chromium (Cr): 0.05–0.25%
Silicon (Si): ≤0.4%
Iron (Fe): ≤0.4%
Zinc (Zn): ≤0.25%
Titanium (Ti): ≤0.15%
Copper (Cu): ≤0.10%
Mechanical Properties
Key mechanical properties of 5083 H34 are as follows:
Tensile Strength (Rm): Typically around 360 MPa (52 ksi), ranging between 340 and 400 MPa (49–58 ksi) depending on thickness.
Yield Strength (Rp0.2): Approximately 250 MPa (36 ksi), with thicker sections showing yield strengths of around 280–290 MPa (40–42 ksi).
Elongation: Around 7–8% for material thicknesses between 3–12mm (0.12–0.47 inches).
Hardness: Brinell hardness of about 99 HBW.
Applications
5083 H34 aluminum is widely used in marine and other high-performance industries. Typical applications include:
Marine: Hulls, superstructures, decks, bulkheads, tanks, and piping in ships, offshore platforms, and fast boats. It's used in areas requiring higher strength than alloys like H111 or H116.
Transportation: Structural components for trucks, trailers, buses, and vehicles.
Pressure Vessels and Tanks: Used in manufacturing pressure vessels and cryogenic tanks, such as those used for LNG storage and transportation.
Defense and Ballistics: Armor plates and military vehicle bodies.
Industrial Structures: Equipment parts in corrosive environments or high-stress applications, such as drilling platforms, tanks, and structural supports.
Standards and Designations
5083 H34 conforms to various international standards, including:
AA/UNS: AA5083-H34 / UNS A95083
International Equivalent Standards: EN AW-5083, AlMg4.5Mn (ISO), 3.3547 (DIN)
Specifications: ASTM B209, B928, AMS4058A
5083 H34 is a versatile aluminum alloy, balancing strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for demanding applications in marine, transportation, pressure vessel, and defense sectors.
