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5083 aluminium alloy
5083 aluminium alloy
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5083 aluminium alloy is an aluminium–magnesium alloy with magnesium and traces of manganese and chromium. It is highly resistant to attack by seawater and industrial chemicals.[1]

Alloy 5083 retains exceptional strength after welding. It has the highest strength of the non-heat treatable alloys with an Ultimate Tensile Strength of 317 MPa or 46000 psi and a Tensile Yield Strength of 228 MPa or 33000 psi. It is not recommended for use in temperatures in excess of 65 °C.[2] Alloy 5083 is also commonly used in cryogenic applications due to it being able to be cooled to −195 °C. At this temperature, the alloy has an increase in ultimate tensile strength of 40% and in yield strength of 10% as well as exhibiting excellent fracture toughness at such temperatures.[3]

Anodizing

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For AA 5083 alloy, the stages of porous structure development are substantially identical with that of pure aluminium, although an increase in oxide growth rate and high conductance of the oxide film were observed.

Chemical composition

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The composition of 5083 aluminium is:[4]

Applications

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Alloy 5083 is commonly used in:

Use requiring a weldable moderate-strength alloy having good corrosion resistance is met by alloy 5083.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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Further reading

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
5083 aluminium alloy is a non-heat-treatable wrought from the 5000 series, distinguished by its high magnesium content that provides exceptional strength and resistance, making it one of the most widely used alloys in marine and structural applications. Primarily composed of with 4.0–4.9% magnesium, 0.4–1.0% , and 0.05–0.25% , it is available in various tempers such as O (annealed), H111 (lightly strain-hardened), H116, and H321, which influence its mechanical performance without requiring for strengthening. The alloy exhibits superior , retaining much of its strength in the when using compatible fillers like 5183 or 5356, and demonstrates excellent resistance to both and industrial chemical environments, though it is susceptible to above 65°C. Mechanically, in the H116 temper, it offers a minimum yield strength of 215 MPa, tensile strength of 305 MPa, and elongation of 10–12%, while its physical properties include a of 2.65–2.66 g/cm³, of 570°C, and thermal conductivity of 117–121 W/m·K. Commonly fabricated into sheets, plates, and extrusions, 5083 alloy finds extensive use in , pressure vessels, rail cars, vehicle bodies, tip truck bodies, and mine equipment due to its combination of formability, durability, and low-temperature toughness down to cryogenic levels. Its is poor, and it is not recommended for applications exceeding moderate service temperatures, prioritizing its role in demanding corrosive and structural scenarios.

Background

Designation and Classification

The 5083 aluminium alloy belongs to the 5xxx series of wrought aluminium alloys, which are non-heat-treatable and primarily strengthened by magnesium additions, relying instead on strain hardening for enhanced mechanical properties. These alloys are valued for their excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments, due to the provided by magnesium. Specifically, 5083 features a balanced magnesium content of approximately 4-5%, which delivers moderate strength while maintaining high resistance to without compromising . This composition distinguishes it from other 5xxx series alloys, such as 5052 with lower magnesium (2.2-2.8%) that offers good formability but reduced strength, and 5456 with higher magnesium (around 5.1%) that provides greater strength but increases susceptibility to hot cracking during . Additionally, controlled additions of (0.4-1.0%) and (0.05-0.25%) in 5083 promote grain refinement for improved and further enhance resistance, respectively. Internationally, 5083 is designated as AA5083 by the Aluminum Association in the United States, EN AW-5083 under European standards, and equivalents such as AlMg4.5Mn in ISO and German DIN nomenclature. The numerical designation "5083" follows the Aluminum Association system, where the leading "5" indicates magnesium as the principal alloying element, the second digit "0" denotes the original alloy without major modifications or other principal elements, and the final two digits "83" specify the particular variant and its associated strength level within the series.

Historical Development

The development of 5083 aluminum alloy emerged in the early as part of advancements in aluminum-magnesium (Al-Mg) alloys, which were first explored in the for their potential in structures. By and , the industry shifted from the corrosion-prone 2xxx series (Al-Cu) alloys, which suffered from poor performance in environments, to the more resistant 5xxx series; this transition was driven by the need for durable materials in marine settings, with early weldable 5xxx variants enabled by technologies like TIG welding. The 5083 alloy itself was developed in the -1950s within the 5xxx series, formalized through standardization efforts by the Aluminum Association in 1954, which established the wrought alloy numbering system to promote consistency across producers. Key contributors included , which advanced Al-Mg alloy research post-World War I, and , founded in 1946 by leveraging wartime experience to expand aluminum applications in naval contexts. This alloy's initial focus was on replacing in post-World War II naval applications, where its corrosion resistance provided a significant advantage over earlier alloys in harsh marine conditions. In the 1950s, 5083 was adopted by the U.S. Navy for ship hulls, enabling substantial weight savings and improved performance in high-speed vessels. The marked expansion into commercial , facilitated by improved processes that allowed for larger-scale production of components like superstructures and outfitting. Further refinements occurred in the and , adapting 5083 for cryogenic applications in (LNG) carriers, such as those built in using up to 4,000 tons per ship. As of 2025, modern updates to 5083 emphasize sustainability, with enhanced variants incorporating higher recycled content to meet EU regulations on marine emissions and product circularity. For instance, Speira's VIA Maris Njørdal alloy, based on 5083, achieves up to 15% material reduction in shipbuilding while maintaining strength, supported by Life Cycle Assessment certification under ISO 14040 and aligned with the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and recycled content mandates. These developments reflect broader industry efforts to reduce the environmental impact of marine materials through recycling and emissions-efficient designs.

Composition

Chemical Composition

The 5083 aluminium alloy is primarily composed of as the , with magnesium as the principal alloying element, alongside and for enhanced performance. The nominal chemical composition, specified by weight percentage, includes (balance, approximately 92.55-95.55%), magnesium (4.0-4.9%), (0.4-1.0%), and (0.05-0.25%). Impurities are strictly limited to maintain material integrity: (maximum 0.1%), iron (maximum 0.4%), (maximum 0.4%), (maximum 0.25%), (maximum 0.15%), and other elements (maximum 0.15% total).
ElementWeight % (Nominal Range)
(Al)Balance (92.55-95.55)
Magnesium (Mg)4.0 - 4.9
(Mn)0.4 - 1.0
(Cr)0.05 - 0.25
(Cu)≤ 0.1
Iron (Fe)≤ 0.4
(Si)≤ 0.4
(Zn)≤ 0.25
(Ti)≤ 0.15
Others≤ 0.15 (total)
Magnesium serves as the primary strengthening agent through , which contributes to the alloy's high strength without relying on . Manganese enhances the alloy's work-hardening response, improves grain structure control during processing, and boosts overall strength and resistance. Chromium inhibits recrystallization during heat exposure and improves resistance to , particularly in chloride-rich environments like . This composition adheres to international standards such as ASTM B209 for and aluminium-alloy sheet and plate, and EN 573-3 for chemical composition limits of wrought alloys. Producers may introduce minor variations, such as slight adjustments to levels, to optimize performance for specific tempers while remaining within standard tolerances. Impurities like iron and silicon are controlled to low levels because elevated concentrations can form brittle intermetallic phases, such as Al-Fe-Si compounds, which reduce and .

Temper Designations

The 5083 aluminium , a non-heat-treatable wrought in the 5xxx series, utilizes the O and H temper designations from the standardized aluminum temper system to achieve desired mechanical properties through annealing and strain hardening processes, respectively. The H tempers indicate strain hardening via , such as rolling or stretching, often followed by partial annealing or stabilization to control microstructure and enhance properties like resistance; no T tempers are applicable due to the alloy's reliance on solid-solution strengthening from magnesium rather than . The O temper represents the fully annealed condition, achieved by heating the alloy to approximately 345°C followed by controlled cooling, resulting in a soft, recrystallized that maximizes formability and for applications requiring extensive shaping. In contrast, H tempers vary by the extent of strain hardening and additional treatments: H111 involves light after annealing, suitable for plates and sheets with balanced formability; H112 applies to products work-hardened primarily through without further cold strain, common for thicker plates. Higher strain levels are denoted in tempers like H32 and H34, which incorporate work hardening followed by stabilization annealing to quarter-hard or half-hard states, improving strength while maintaining moderate . For specialized marine environments, H116 and H321 tempers are employed, where the alloy undergoes strain hardening to near full-hard levels and subsequent stabilization to mitigate and enhance resistance to intergranular and exfoliation in welded structures exposed to . These tempers meet requirements in standards like ASTM B928 for plate products, including mandatory testing per ASTM G66 and G67. The H116 temper, in particular, is selected for ship hulls and marine fabrication due to its optimized balance of strength and weldability, often certified by classification societies such as . Temper selection for 5083 depends on service conditions: the O temper is preferred for cryogenic applications, such as LNG tankers, where superior low-temperature is critical to prevent brittle failure. Strain-hardened tempers like H116 provide higher yield strength compared to O while preserving over 80% of base properties post-welding across variants, enabling versatile processing paths including cold rolling for sheets or stretching for plates to tailor usability.

Properties

Mechanical Properties

The 5083 aluminium alloy exhibits moderate to high strength among non-heat-treatable alloys, with mechanical properties primarily influenced by its strain-hardened tempers such as O, H32, H116, and H321. (UTS) typically ranges from 270 to 385 MPa, yield strength from 115 to 215 MPa, and elongation from 10% to 16% in 50 mm gauge length, varying with temper, thickness, and product form. For example, in the commonly used H116 temper for marine applications, standard plate shows a UTS of 317 MPa, yield strength of 228 MPa, and elongation of 16%. These values are determined per ASTM E8 standards for .
Temper (MPa)Yield Strength (MPa)Elongation (% in 50 mm)
O270–345115–20016
H32305–385≥21512
H116≥305 (≥285 for >40 mm thick)≥215 (≥200 for >40 mm thick)10
H321305–385 (≥285 for >40 mm thick)≥215 (≥200 for >40 mm thick)10–12
Data sourced from ASTM B209M/B928M specifications. for 5083 alloy ranges from 70 to 95 HB in Brinell scale across tempers, reflecting its work-hardened state, while strength is approximately 150–160 MPa at 10^7 to 5×10^8 cycles under rotating beam loading. follows ASTM E466 protocols, and rolled products often display due to directional grain alignment during , leading to 5–10% variation in between longitudinal and transverse directions. The alloy demonstrates excellent retention of mechanical properties post-welding, with minimal softening in the compared to heat-treatable alloys, making it suitable for welded structures without significant strength loss. At cryogenic temperatures of -196°C, tensile strength increases by approximately 40%, reaching around 420 MPa UTS from a room-temperature baseline of 300 MPa, accompanied by enhanced ductility up to 45% elongation. Conversely, prolonged exposure above 65°C leads to overaging and a 20–30% reduction in strength due to recovery of strain hardening, though short-term stability persists up to 150°C with less than 10% loss. This temperature sensitivity underscores its preference for low- to moderate-temperature applications.

Physical and Corrosion Properties

The 5083 aluminium alloy exhibits a of 2.66 g/cm³, which contributes to its nature suitable for structural applications. Its melting range spans 574–638°C, allowing for processing at moderate temperatures without excessive fluidity issues. The modulus of elasticity is 71 GPa, reflecting moderate stiffness under load. The coefficient of measures 23.8 × 10^{-6}/K, indicating dimensional stability across typical service temperatures. Thermal conductivity stands at 117 /m·, enabling efficient heat dissipation in components exposed to thermal gradients, while electrical conductivity is approximately 29–30% IACS, adequate for non-critical electrical uses but lower than pure due to alloying elements. Additionally, the alloy demonstrates low rates, making it preferable for environments where minimal gas release is essential. In terms of corrosion properties, 5083 shows excellent resistance in , attributed to the formation of a stable passive layer. It resists in environments when properly tempered, though at elevated temperatures can reduce this threshold. The performs well in industrial chemicals such as dilute (NaOH) and (H₂SO₄), where the protective persists in mildly aggressive media. Galvanic compatibility is favorable with in , showing minimal acceleration of , but contact with should be avoided due to the significant potential difference driving anodic dissolution of the . The enhanced resistance stems from (Cr) and (Mn) alloying elements, which promote a dense, adherent ; is routinely evaluated via ASTM G31 immersion tests in simulated service conditions. At cryogenic temperatures, the 's inherent resistance supports improved mechanical without .

Fabrication and Processing

Welding and Joining

The 5083 aluminium alloy, a non-heat-treatable 5xxx series , demonstrates excellent , retaining approximately 100% joint efficiency with no loss in tensile strength post-welding, unlike heat-treatable alloys that suffer significant softening in the . Its low susceptibility to hot cracking, attributed to moderate magnesium content and reduced hot shortness, makes it superior to many other aluminium alloys for applications. Arc welding processes are preferred for joining 5083, with gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW or TIG) ideal for precision work on thinner sections due to its controlled heat input and superior puddle management. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW or MIG) is commonly used for thicker plates, employing spray transfer modes at currents above 90 A for 0.030-inch wire to achieve efficient deposition; typical parameters include 21–29 V arc voltage, 220 A current, and 13.4 m/min wire feed rate with 20–25 L/min shielding gas flow. For high-strength joints without fusion-related defects, friction stir welding (FSW) is employed as a solid-state process, producing fine-grained microstructures; representative parameters for 6 mm plates include rotational speeds of 800–1400 rpm and travel speeds of 40–80 mm/min. Recommended filler metals include ER5183 or ER5356, which match the Al-Mg-Mn composition of 5083 to minimize dilution effects and ensure compatible resistance and mechanical properties in the weld zone. ER5183 provides tensile strengths meeting 40 (275 MPa) requirements for structural groove welds, while ER5356 offers enhanced for non-critical applications. Post-weld is generally unnecessary, as the alloy does not respond to ; however, optional stress relief annealing at 250–300°C can reduce residual stresses if required for dimensional stability. Key challenges in 5083 include hydrogen-induced , which forms from moisture or contaminants and can be mitigated by using dry shielding gases with dew points below -76°F and thorough surface cleaning. Structural welds must comply with standards such as AWS D1.2, which specifies qualification procedures, minimum tensile strengths (e.g., 39 for H116 temper), and bend testing to ensure defect-free joints.

Forming

5083 aluminium alloy exhibits excellent cold formability, particularly in the annealed O temper, where it can be bent to a minimum radius of 1 to 2 times the sheet thickness (1-2t) for 90-degree bends without cracking, as measured by ASTM E290 guidelines. This workability allows for conventional cold forming operations such as bending and deep drawing, with the latter facilitated by proper lubrication to minimize galling due to the alloy's magnesium content. Moderate hot forming is possible at temperatures between 300°C and 400°C, enabling severe deformation while maintaining ductility, though care must be taken to avoid exceeding 482°C to prevent excessive grain growth. Strain hardening during forming increases the alloy's strength but progressively reduces ductility, limiting the extent of cold work before intermediate annealing is required, in line with ASM Handbook recommendations for non-heat-treatable alloys.

Machining

The alloy machines at medium cutting speeds, typically 200-300 m/min for turning operations using (HSS) or tools, with feeds of 0.2-0.4 mm/rev and depths up to 3 mm, achieving a rating of approximately 30% relative to free-machining steels. Due to its 4-5% magnesium content, 5083 produces gummy chips that can adhere to tools, necessitating the use of coolants or lubricants to improve chip evacuation and , particularly in dry conditions. It performs well in milling and processes, where coated inserts enhance tool life and reduce built-up edge formation, though the natural layer provides some protection against during .

Heat Treatment

As a non-heat-treatable alloy, 5083 cannot be strengthened via and relies instead on for enhanced properties; however, it can be fully annealed to the soft O temper by heating to 345°C (650°F) for 2 hours followed by , which relieves internal stresses and restores . Post-forming stabilization bakes at 100-200°C for several hours are commonly applied to control natural aging, minimize residual stresses, and stabilize dimensions in tempers like H32 or H116, preventing distortion over time. These thermal processes must be controlled to avoid , where prolonged exposure above 100°C can lead to reduced resistance in magnesium-rich alloys, as noted in ASM processing guidelines.

Surface Treatments

Surface treatments for 5083 aluminium alloy primarily involve and conversion coatings to enhance resistance, particularly in marine environments, while addressing challenges posed by its high magnesium content (approximately 4-4.9 wt%). forms a protective layer through electrochemical oxidation, with processes tailored to mitigate magnesium-related issues such as increased film and potential leaching during pretreatment. Chromic acid anodizing (Type I per MIL-PRF-8625) uses a dilute (typically 3-5 wt% CrO₃ at 38-43°C and 12-23 ) to produce a thin, -resistant (0.5-2.5 µm thick) suitable for fatigue-critical applications. For 5083, this process yields a grayish film due to magnesium incorporation, offering good paint adhesion and atmospheric protection without significant dimensional change. (Type II per MIL-PRF-8625) is more common for marine use, employing 15-20 wt% H₂SO₄ at 18-24°C and 12-20 to form thicker s (5-25 µm), providing enhanced abrasion resistance and properties. Compared to pure aluminum, growth on 5083 occurs at a rate of approximately 0.35 µm/min versus 0.29 µm/min under similar conditions (15 , 20°C, 175 g/L H₂SO₄), attributed to higher film conductance from incorporation, which accelerates ionic transport but results in greater . The elevated magnesium content in 5083 leads to direct oxidation of Mg during , forming an intermediate layer of magnesia (MgO) that increases pore density and overall film compared to low-alloy aluminum. This necessitates careful pretreatment, avoiding alkaline to prevent magnesium leaching and surface roughening; instead, deoxidizers (e.g., nitric-hydrofluoric mixtures) are preferred to maintain surface integrity. Post- sealing is critical to close pores and boost resistance: hot deionized (95-100°C for 15-30 min) hydrates the for general use, while dichromate sealing (5 wt% Na₂Cr₂O₇ at 90-95°C) is recommended for 5083's higher- films in severe marine conditions, depositing insoluble chromates to block pores effectively. These treatments comply with MIL-PRF-8625 requirements, improving abrasion resistance (up to 2-3x that of bare ) and while amplifying 5083's inherent seawater resistance. Other surface treatments include chromate conversion coatings (e.g., Alodine 1200), applied via immersion in solutions (4-6 g/L CrO₃, 1.5-2.5) to form a thin (0.1-1 µm), iridescent film that enhances and provides interim . However, due to environmental and health regulations restricting (e.g., under EU REACH and EPA guidelines as of 2025), trivalent chromium or non-chromate alternatives like trivalent chromium process (TCP) coatings are increasingly used, offering similar while ensuring compliance. On 5083, these coatings outperform non-chromate alternatives in salt spray tests (ASTM B117), with paints showing 20-30% higher strength due to improved and inhibition at the interface. Powder coating follows similar pretreatment, using acid-based cleaning to avoid Mg dissolution, then electrostatic application of resins (e.g., or ) baked at 180-200°C for durable, 50-100 µm thick finishes offering aesthetic appeal and additional barrier against abrasion and chemicals.

Applications

Marine and Transportation

The 5083 aluminium alloy is extensively utilized in shipbuilding for hull plating and superstructures due to its favorable strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance in marine environments. In hull construction, the H116 temper of 5083 is the standard specification for plating, providing enhanced resistance to stress corrosion cracking while maintaining structural integrity under dynamic loads. This alloy enables vessels such as ferries and yachts to achieve significant weight reductions of 30-40% compared to equivalent steel structures, thereby improving speed and fuel efficiency without compromising durability. Superstructures, including decks and cabins on these vessels, also incorporate 5083 for its ability to support complex designs, facilitated by the alloy's good weldability. In transportation applications, 5083 finds use in railcar bodies and truck trailers, where its lightweight nature contributes to higher payload capacities and reduced operational costs. Pressure vessels and tankers, including those for LNG , benefit from the alloy's compatibility with demanding service conditions, such as exposure to varied cargoes and environmental stresses. The material's approvals from classification societies like ensure compliance with international standards for marine and structures, underscoring its reliability in these sectors. Notable case studies illustrate 5083's impact in advanced applications. The U.S. Navy's Independence-class littoral combat ships, introduced in the , feature hulls constructed primarily from aluminum plate, leveraging its corrosion resistance and lightweight properties for enhanced agility in near-shore operations. Similarly, European high-speed ferries employ 5083 for hull and elements, resulting in improved and extended in saltwater environments. These implementations highlight benefits such as reduced needs and greater , with the alloy maintaining dominance in aluminum market as of 2025 due to its role in structural applications.

Cryogenic and Chemical Processing

The 5083 aluminium alloy is extensively utilized in cryogenic applications due to its exceptional retention of toughness and strength at extremely low temperatures, making it ideal for (LNG) storage tanks and associated piping systems. In these environments, the alloy's yield strength increases at -195°C compared to , while avoiding brittle through maintained . The O temper designation is particularly preferred for such uses, as it enhances and impact resistance under cryogenic conditions, ensuring structural integrity in vessels compliant with 620 standards for low-pressure storage tanks. This performance has established 5083 as a material of choice for LNG carriers and onshore cryogenic facilities, where it supports safe containment of gases at temperatures around -162°C without the risk of . In chemical processing, 5083 aluminium alloy excels in the fabrication of pressure vessels and reactors exposed to harsh environments, including acids and alkalis prevalent in operations. Its inherent resistance to uniform and pitting in industrial chemical settings allows for reliable performance in equipment handling corrosive media, with vessels designed to ASME Section VIII standards leveraging the alloy's high and post-weld strength. Furthermore, the alloy demonstrates robust resistance to due to its stable microstructure that minimizes intergranular attack even under sustained stress. This property extends its utility to components in refineries and chemical reactors, where exposure to process streams demands materials that maintain without frequent maintenance. Notable examples of 5083 alloy deployment include offshore platforms, where its low-temperature toughness supports structural elements enduring subzero conditions and corrosive , and fertilizer plants, which employ it in reaction vessels for synthesis and acid-handling equipment to withstand aggressive chemical fluxes. These applications underscore compliance with ASME Section VIII for pressure-retaining components, ensuring safety and longevity in high-stakes industrial settings. As of 2025, the recyclability of 5083 aluminium alloy positions it advantageously in green energy transitions, where its nature and resistance facilitate efficient, sustainable for emerging clean fuel technologies.

References

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