What is 5083-H116 Aluminum?
5083-H116 is a high-strength, non-heat-treatable marine grade aluminum alloy engineered for superior corrosion resistance in harsh seawater environments. Stabilized specifically to withstand exfoliation and stress-corrosion cracking, it is the standard material for shipbuilding, high-performance hulls, and marine offshore structures.
When shipyard procurement managers and naval architects source metal for a new vessel, they don't just ask for generic aluminum. They specify exact tempers. Using the wrong temper in a marine environment can lead to rapid structural degradation.
At GNEE, we frequently consult with marine engineers who require clarification on the exact performance metrics of the 5083-H116 alloy. This guide provides an in-depth technical analysis of this specific temper, detailing its mechanical properties, welding capabilities, and the critical certifications required for maritime applications.
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Key Characteristics of the 5083-H116 Aluminum Alloy Plate
The 5083 alloy belongs to the 5000-series Aluminum-Magnesium (Al-Mg) family. With a high magnesium content (typically between 4.0% and 4.9%), it achieves remarkable solid solution strengthening without the need for thermal treatments.
However, high-magnesium aluminum alloys face a unique challenge: when exposed to continuous marine environments and warm temperatures, magnesium atoms can migrate to the grain boundaries. This causes a catastrophic failure mode known as exfoliation corrosion, where the metal surface flakes away layer by layer.
The H116 Temper Solution:
This is where the "H116" designation is critical. The H116 temper indicates that the aluminum has undergone special strain hardening and proprietary thermal stabilization processing. This unique manufacturing route locks the grain structure, making the 5083-H116 aluminum alloy nearly immune to intergranular and exfoliation corrosion. It ensures that the hull of a patrol boat or passenger ferry will remain structurally sound after decades of relentless saltwater pounding.
Mechanical & Chemical Properties of ASTM B928 5083-H116 Shipbuilding Aluminum
Engineering a safe vessel requires precise material data. The ASTM B928 5083-H116 shipbuilding aluminum supplied by GNEE adheres strictly to international maritime codes.
Below is the verified technical data for standard 5083-H116 plates, filling in the crucial parameters that standard datasheets often miss.
1. Typical 5083-H116 Aluminum Chemical Composition (Weight %):
| Alloy | Mg (%) | Mn (%) | Cr (%) | Fe (%) | Si (%) | Zn (%) | Ti (%) | Cu (%) | Al (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5083 | 4.0 – 4.9 | 0.4 – 1.0 | 0.05 – 0.25 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.10 | Remainder |
2. 5083-H116 Aluminum Physical & Mechanical Properties:
| Property | Metric Value | Imperial Value | Engineering Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥ 305 MPa | ≥ 44 ksi | Guarantees overall hull integrity under extreme ocean stress. |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥ 215 MPa | ≥ 31 ksi | The critical point before permanent structural deformation occurs. |
| Elongation (A50) | ≥ 10% | ≥ 10% | Provides necessary ductility to absorb wave impact energy. |
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ | 0.096 lb/in³ | Ensures a lightweight vessel, increasing speed and fuel efficiency. |
5083-H116 vs 5083-H321 vs 5083-O Aluminum Sheets
A common procurement error is ordering the incorrect temper. To clarify the confusion, here is how the 5083-H116 vs 5083-H321 aluminum sheets (and the O-temper) compare in industrial applications:
| Temper Grade | Processing Method | Exfoliation Resistance | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5083-O | Fully Annealed (Softest) | Low (Not for severe marine use) | Deep drawing, interior non-structural components. |
| 5083-H116 | Strain-hardened (Special for Al-Mg) | Supreme | Ship bottom plating, armored plates, tanker bodies. |
| 5083-H321 | Strain-hardened + Stabilized | Supreme | Ship hulls, decking. (Practically interchangeable with H116). |
Welding and Fabrication of EN 5083-H116 Marine Aluminum Plates
One of the greatest advantages of EN 5083-H116 marine aluminum plates is their exceptional weldability. Unlike the 6000-series aerospace alloys that lose massive amounts of strength in the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) during welding, 5083-H116 retains high joint efficiency.
- Recommended Methods: It performs excellently with both Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG).
- Filler Metal Specification: For maintaining the highest structural strength across welded joints, using an ER5183 filler metal is strictly recommended. ER5356 is also acceptable for general applications, but 5183 provides the optimal match for the 5083 base metal in high-stress marine environments.
GNEE Supply Capabilities
As a factory-direct manufacturer, GNEE supplies premium 5083-H116 aluminum plates tailored for the global maritime sector. We ensure strict compliance with ASTM B928 (the definitive standard for marine-service high-magnesium aluminum) and AMS 4289.
Our Maritime Assurances Include:
- Classification Society Approvals: We provide material fully certified by major international societies, including DNV, ABS, KR, LR, BV, and CCS.
- Comprehensive Testing: Every batch is supplied with an EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 Mill Test Certificate (MTC), confirming successful passing of the ASTM G66 (ASSET test for exfoliation) and ASTM G67 (Intergranular corrosion test).
- Custom Shipyard Dimensions: We offer ultra-wide formats (up to 2600mm) and lengths up to 12000mm to help shipyards reduce weld seams and fabrication time.
Do not compromise your vessel's integrity with uncertified materials.
Partner with GNEE for fully traceable, class-certified marine aluminum.
Sample Mill Test Certificate (MTC)
