Which alloy is true 'marine grade' aluminium?

The 5xxx aluminium-magnesium series is the marine grade family. Alloy 5083 is the leading marine structural plate alloy; 5086 sits between 5052 and 5083; 5052 is widely specified for lighter marine fabrication. Certification to ASTM B928 in H116 or H321 tempers confirms marine-grade resistance to exfoliation and stress-corrosion cracking.

What is the difference between 5083 and 5052?

5083 has higher magnesium content (4.0–4.9 % vs ~2.5 % in 5052), giving substantially higher strength and the best corrosion behaviour in seawater. 5083 is the alloy of choice for hulls, decks and high-load welded marine structures. 5052 is preferred for lighter fabrication, tanks and architectural marine exposure.

Transcontinental Indenting Co.

Dubai · Since 1974

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5083 · 5086 · 5052 · ASTM B928

Marine Grade Aluminium

Marine-certified aluminium plate, sheet and bar in 5083, 5086 and 5052, supplied to ASTM B928 for boat hulls, marine structures, cryogenic vessels and offshore fabrication.

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Overview

Technical overview.

Marine-grade aluminium is purpose-formulated for prolonged saltwater exposure. The 5xxx series, particularly 5083, 5086 and 5052, delivers the corrosion resistance, fatigue strength and weld-joint performance that marine fabrication demands. TIC Dubai supplies marine-grade aluminium certified to ASTM B928 (H116 / H321 tempers) for hulls, decks, superstructures and offshore structures.

Marine grade aluminium is supplied in a full range of thicknesses according to customer requirement, certified to ASTM B928 tempers H116 and H321 with EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificates.

Marine certification

ASTM B928: H116 and H321 tempers.

Marine-grade aluminium is certified under ASTM B928 in the H116 and H321 tempers, confirming resistance to exfoliation corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking in continuous saltwater service.

Alloy 5083 leads for hull and high-load structures. Alloy 5086 bridges 5052 and 5083, easier to form than 5083 but still marine-certified. Alloy 5052 covers lighter marine fabrication where extreme strength is not required.

Alloys Available

Specify by alloy.

Each alloy page is a full technical reference covering composition, mechanical properties, fabrication notes and applications.

5052

5xxx

Marine & corrosion-resistant alloy

The most widely specified non-heat-treatable aluminium alloy. Outstanding saltwater corrosion resistance and fatigue strength make it the default for marine, chemical and architectural fabrication.

Open reference

5083

5xxx

Marine structural plate alloy

The world's leading marine structural alloy. The highest strength of any non-heat-treatable aluminium and exceptional saltwater resistance make it the specification for hulls, cryogenic tanks and high-load marine welded structures.

Open reference

5086

5xxx

Marine alloy: bridging 5052 and 5083

A high-magnesium marine alloy that bridges 5052 and 5083, being stronger than 5052, more formable than 5083, and fully marine-certified.

Open reference

Applications

Where marine grade is specified.

Ship hulls, decks & superstructures
Offshore platforms and helidecks
Cryogenic / LNG tanks
Marine cabinets and consoles
Coastal architectural cladding
Pressure vessels
Fuel and chemical tanks (marine)

Standards

Certified to international specification.

ASTM B209

Standard specification for aluminium and aluminium-alloy sheet and plate. Covers chemical composition, mechanical properties and tolerances for wrought aluminium sheet (≤ 6.3 mm) and plate (> 6.3 mm).

ASTM B221

Standard specification for aluminium and aluminium-alloy extruded bar, rod, wire, profile and tube. The principal North-American standard for extruded aluminium product.

ASTM B928

Standard specification for high-magnesium aluminium-alloy sheet and plate for marine service. Certifies 5083, 5086 and similar marine alloys in H116 and H321 tempers against exfoliation and stress-corrosion cracking.

EN 485

European specification for aluminium and aluminium-alloy sheet, strip and plate. EN 485-1: technical conditions for inspection and delivery. EN 485-2: mechanical properties. EN 485-3 / 485-4: tolerances.

EN 573

European specification for chemical composition and form of wrought aluminium products. EN 573-3 lists chemical composition limits for every standard wrought alloy.

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