Introduction to 5083-H116 Aluminum Plate
5083-H116 is a high-strength, corrosion-resistant aluminum-magnesium alloy manufactured strictly for extreme marine environments and armor plate applications. Shipbuilders and military contractors require materials that do not fail under continuous saltwater exposure or heavy impact.
This specific grade solves the common problems of exfoliation and intergranular corrosion found in standard aluminum. At GNEE, we supply 5083-H116 aluminum plates that meet ASTM B928 standards, offering excellent weldability, retention of strength after welding, and verifiable marine certifications (DNV, ABS, CCS, LR).
5083-H116 Aluminum Plate Chemical Composition & Core Specs
To understand why this alloy performs well in harsh conditions, you need to look at its specific composition and mechanical limits. The "H116" temper means the metal is strain-hardened specifically to offer maximum resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in seawater.
5083-H116 Aluminum Plate Chemical Composition (wt%)
| Element | Content (%) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 4.0 – 4.9 | Provides high strength and excellent marine corrosion resistance |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 1.0 | Enhances tensile strength and work hardening ability |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05 – 0.25 | Improves resistance to stress corrosion cracking |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder | Base metal |
5083-H116 Aluminum Plate Mechanical Properties (Minimum Values)
| Property | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) | ≥ 305 MPa | ≥ 44,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 215 MPa | ≥ 31,000 psi |
| Elongation | ≥ 10% | ≥ 10% |
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ | 0.096 lb/in³ |
Why Choose 5083-H116 Aluminum Sheet?
Boat builders, marine engineers, and military contractors usually face three major challenges when sourcing metal. Here is how 5083-H116 aluminum alloy plate addresses them:
1. Saltwater Exfoliation Corrosion
Standard aluminum alloys flake and peel when exposed to seawater over time. 5083-H116 aluminum alloy plate is processed with specific thermal treatments to lock its grain structure. It passes the ASSET (ASTM G66) test, meaning it guarantees resistance to seawater pitting and exfoliation. You spend less on hull maintenance and repair.
2. Weakness at Weld Joints
Many high-strength alloys lose up to 50% of their strength at the heat-affected zone (HAZ) after welding. 5083-H116 flat aluminum plate retains excellent structural integrity post-weld. Using ER5183 or ER5356 filler wire, the welded joints keep their high tensile strength, preventing hull cracking under heavy wave impact.
3. Weight vs. Yield Strength in Armor and Shipbuilding
Military vehicles and fast ferries need to be light for fuel efficiency and speed but strong enough to withstand impact. 5083-H116 aluminum plate metal provides a high strength-to-weight ratio. It reduces the total vessel weight compared to steel without sacrificing structural safety.
Core Applications of 5083-H116 Marine Grade Aluminum Plate
Because of its verified specs, 5083-H116 aluminum plate is strictly used in industries requiring high reliability.
- Marine & Shipbuilding: Used for structural bulkheads, boat hulls, fast ferries, luxury yachts, fishing vessels, and offshore rig platforms.
- Armor Plate & Military: Widely used as ballistic protection and armor plates for military personnel carriers and naval patrol boats due to its energy absorption capability.
- Transportation & Pressure Vessels: Manufacturing of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) storage tanks, railway tank cars, and high-pressure storage vessels. It performs excellently in cryogenic (extremely cold) environments without becoming brittle.
5083-H116 vs 5083-H321 vs 5083-O Aluminum Plates
Buyers frequently ask about the differences between 5083 tempers. Choosing the wrong temper can lead to failed marine inspections.
- 5083-H116 Aluminum Plate: Strain-hardened specifically for corrosion resistance. The surface is tested against exfoliation. Best for direct seawater contact, like boat hulls.
- 5083-H321 Aluminum Plate: Strain-hardened and stabilized. It has similar mechanical properties and corrosion resistance to H116. The difference lies in the manufacturing process (stabilizing treatment). Both are marine-grade, but some shipyards prefer H116 for continuous underwater hull sections.
- 5083-O Aluminum Plate : "O" stands for annealed. It is fully softened. It has higher ductility (easier to bend and form complex shapes) but significantly lower yield strength. Used for internal marine parts that require deep drawing but not structural load-bearing.
GNEE Machining Guidelines
When machining 5083-H116 aluminum sheets at our factory, please follow these basic parameters. GNEE also provides the following machining services:
- Cutting: Use high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide-tipped tools. Maintain high cutting speeds with adequate lubrication to prevent heat buildup.
- Forming: Bend radius should be calculated carefully. Because it is strain-hardened, cold forming requires a larger bend radius compared to the "O" temper to prevent surface cracking.
- Welding: MIG and TIG welding are highly recommended. Always clean the oxide layer off the surface immediately before welding.
GNEE: Your Reliable 5083-H116 Aluminum Plate Supplier
Sourcing heavy-duty aluminum requires a supplier that guarantees chemical accuracy and delivers proper documentation. GNEE is a direct manufacturer and supplier of 5083-H116 aluminum plate.
What we provide:
- Verified Mill Test Certificates (MTC): Every batch comes with an EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificate.
- Marine Classification Approvals: Plates available with DNV, ABS, LR, or CCS certifications upon request.
- Custom Dimensions: We offer thick plates for armor and standard sheets for shipbuilding, cut to your exact width and length requirements.
- Strict Packaging: Export-standard wooden pallets with moisture-proof layers to ensure plates arrive without water stains or oxidation.
Need an exact price for your project?
Contact GNEE today with your required thickness, dimensions, and quantity. Send us an inquiry now, and our technical sales team will quote you within 24 hours.
Bonus: Ask for our free "2026 Marine Aluminum Material Selection & Welding Guide" in your inquiry to help your engineering team optimize production!
