5083 Aluminum

Representative aluminum material photo; exact grade not verified

5083 Aluminum (AA 5083) is a wrought aluminum–magnesium alloy developed for high-strength sheet and plate exposed to demanding corrosive environments. Its 4.0–4.9% magnesium content, supported by manganese and chromium, provides substantially higher strength than common 5xxx sheet alloys while retaining excellent weldability. It is non-heat-treatable: strength is obtained through solid-solution strengthening and strain hardening rather than precipitation hardening. 5083 is particularly established for marine structures, welded pressure equipment, transport bodies, and cryogenic vessels, where low weight, seawater resistance, and reliable welded construction are important.

Chemical Composition (wt.%)
Chemical Composition wt.%
Element	Min	Max
Silicon	—	0.40
Iron	—	0.40
Copper	—	0.10
Manganese	0.40	1.00
Magnesium	4.0	4.9
Chromium	0.05	0.25
Zinc	—	0.25
Titanium	—	0.15
Others, each	—	0.05
Others, total	—	0.15
Aluminum	Remainder

Composition notes

Others, each: Maximum, each unspecified element
Others, total: Maximum, total unspecified elements

Registered wrought-alloy composition limits in weight percent. Aluminum is the remainder. “Others” limits apply to unspecified elements; the maximum for any one unspecified element is 0.05% and the maximum total is 0.15%.

Physical properties and minimum mechanical values below are reported for 5083 rolled products in the cited supplier data sheet. Mechanical requirements are temper- and thickness-dependent; the listed tensile data apply to material up to 6 mm thick where that condition is stated.

Use the button to switch between Metric and US Customary units.

Table of 5083 Aluminum Properties

Table of 5083 Aluminum Properties
Physical Properties	Metric
Density	2.65 g/cm³2.65 g/cm³
Mechanical Properties	Metric
Modulus of Elasticity	71 GPa
Proof Stress (H34)	250 min MPa
Tensile Strength (H34)	350 min MPa
Elongation (H34)	6 min %
Proof Stress (H32)	215 min MPa
Tensile Strength (H32)	305–380 MPa
Elongation (H32)	8 min %
Proof Stress (H116 & H321)	215 min MPa
Tensile Strength (H116 & H321)	305 min MPa
Elongation (H116 & H321)	10 min %
Proof Stress (H111)	125 min MPa
Tensile Strength (H111)	275 min MPa
Elongation (H111)	15 min %
Thermal Properties	Metric
Melting Range	580–640 °C
Thermal Conductivity	117 W/m·K
Coefficient of Linear Expansion	23.8 × 10⁻⁶ /°C
Electrical Properties	Metric
Electrical Conductivity	17 S/m

Test conditions & data notes

Density: Typical reported value
Modulus of Elasticity: Typical reported value
Proof Stress (H34): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Tensile Strength (H34): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Elongation (H34): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Proof Stress (H32): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Tensile Strength (H32): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Elongation (H32): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Proof Stress (H116 & H321): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Tensile Strength (H116 & H321): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Elongation (H116 & H321): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Proof Stress (H111): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Tensile Strength (H111): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Elongation (H111): Rolled product; thickness up to 6 mm.
Melting Range: Typical reported value
Thermal Conductivity: At 25 °C.
Coefficient of Linear Expansion: Typical reported value
Electrical Conductivity: Typical reported value

Material Conditions & Tempers

5083 is a non-heat-treatable alloy. O temper is used where maximum forming ductility is needed, while H-series tempers obtain higher strength by controlled strain hardening. H116 and H321 are commonly selected for marine plate because stabilization practices support corrosion performance in seawater service.

Condition	Tensile Strength	Yield / Proof Strength	Notes
H111	275 MPa min	125 MPa min	Lightly strain-hardened condition with good ductility for general rolled-product fabrication. Supplier data cited for thickness up to 6 mm.
H32	305–380 MPa	215 MPa min	Strain-hardened and stabilized temper offering a useful balance of strength and formability. Supplier data cited for thickness up to 6 mm.
H34	350 MPa min	250 MPa min	Higher strain-hardened temper for applications prioritizing sheet strength over bendability. Supplier data cited for thickness up to 6 mm.
H116 / H321	305 MPa min	215 MPa min	Stabilized conditions widely used for marine plate and welded structures requiring resistance to corrosive service. Supplier data cited for thickness up to 6 mm; consult applicable product specifications for thickness-specific requirements.

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages	Limitations
Excellent resistance to seawater and marine atmospheres makes 5083 a leading hull and deck-plate alloy. High strength for a non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy, particularly in strain-hardened H tempers. Very good TIG and MIG weldability supports large, welded fabrications. Low density reduces structural mass compared with steel structures. Good toughness at low temperature makes it suitable for cryogenic equipment. Manganese and chromium additions help maintain a stable wrought grain structure.	It cannot be precipitation hardened after welding; temper selection and cold work are the principal means of increasing strength. Welding or other local heating softens strain-hardened heat-affected zones, which must be considered in structural design. Formability declines as strain hardening increases; H34 is less suitable than softer tempers for severe forming. High-magnesium 5xxx alloys require appropriate material selection and service-temperature control to manage sensitization risk during prolonged elevated-temperature exposure. Machinability is generally moderate rather than a primary advantage of this alloy.

Advantages

Limitations

Excellent resistance to seawater and marine atmospheres makes 5083 a leading hull and deck-plate alloy.
High strength for a non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy, particularly in strain-hardened H tempers.
Very good TIG and MIG weldability supports large, welded fabrications.
Low density reduces structural mass compared with steel structures.
Good toughness at low temperature makes it suitable for cryogenic equipment.
Manganese and chromium additions help maintain a stable wrought grain structure.

It cannot be precipitation hardened after welding; temper selection and cold work are the principal means of increasing strength.
Welding or other local heating softens strain-hardened heat-affected zones, which must be considered in structural design.
Formability declines as strain hardening increases; H34 is less suitable than softer tempers for severe forming.
High-magnesium 5xxx alloys require appropriate material selection and service-temperature control to manage sensitization risk during prolonged elevated-temperature exposure.
Machinability is generally moderate rather than a primary advantage of this alloy.

Processing & Fabrication

Process	Description
Forming	Use softer conditions such as O or H111 for demanding bends and deep forming. The supplier lists a minimum bend radius of 1.5 × thickness for H111, 2.5 × thickness for H32 and H116/H321, and 3.5 × thickness for H34, for thickness up to 6 mm.
Welding	5083 is readily joined by TIG or MIG welding. The cited supplier sheet rates weldability as very good and identifies 5183, with 5356 also listed, as recommended TIG/MIG filler alloys. Design for reduced strength in the heat-affected zone of strain-hardened material.
Machining	Use sharp tooling, rigid workholding, suitable lubrication, and chip-control practice. Allowance should be made for distortion when machining released-stress plate or welded assemblies.
Corrosion protection	Maintain clean surfaces, avoid crevices and galvanic couples with more noble metals, and use isolation or protective coating where mixed-metal marine joints cannot be avoided.

Applications

5083 is selected where a welded aluminum structure must retain useful strength and resist sustained exposure to seawater, weather, or low temperatures. Plate and sheet in H116 or H321 are especially associated with marine service; softer tempers are useful where forming takes priority.

Ship hulls, decks and superstructures: Combines low mass, high seawater-corrosion resistance, and excellent weldability for large welded plate structures.
Marine tanks and offshore equipment: Resists saltwater exposure and provides robust welded construction for tanks, platforms, and service equipment.
Cryogenic tanks and vessels: The alloy retains useful toughness at low temperatures and avoids the brittle transition behavior characteristic of many steels.
Welded pressure vessels: Offers a favorable strength-to-weight ratio and dependable TIG/MIG weldability for fabricated containment equipment.
Truck, rail and heavy transport bodies: Reduces vehicle mass while providing durable corrosion-resistant panels and structural fabrications.

Standards & Designations

Designation	Value	Description
Aluminum Association / International Alloy Designation System	5083	Active registered wrought aluminum alloy designation; composition limits are listed in the Aluminum Association Teal Sheets.
AA designation	AA 5083	Common designation for the wrought alloy; temper is specified separately.
ISO cross-reference	AlMg4.5Mn0.7	Former ISO cross-reference shown in the Aluminum Association designation cross-reference table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5083 aluminum heat treatable?

No. 5083 is a non-heat-treatable 5xxx-series alloy. Its strength comes principally from magnesium in solid solution and from strain hardening, so H-series tempers are used instead of precipitation-hardening tempers such as T6.

Why are H116 and H321 tempers common for marine 5083 plate?

These stabilized tempers are used for marine service because they provide structural strength with corrosion-performance controls appropriate to seawater exposure. The final selection should still match the applicable product specification, thickness, and corrosion-service requirement.

Which filler metals are used to weld 5083?

The cited 5083 rolled-products data sheet recommends 5183 filler alloy for TIG/MIG welding and also lists 5356. Filler selection should also consider joint design, required as-welded strength, and the service environment.

References & Data Notes

(n.d.). The Aluminum Association, International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum and Wrought Aluminum Alloys (Teal Sheets), December 2025. https://www.aluminum.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/Teal%20Sheets%20December%202025.pdf
(n.d.). Hulamin 5083 Data Sheet. https://www.hulamin.com/sites/default/files/downloads/5083%20Data%20Sheet.pdf
(n.d.). Aluminum 5083: Composition, Properties, Temper Guide & Applications. https://metalzenith.com/blogs/aluminium-properties/aluminum-5083-composition-properties-temper-guide-applications

Composition is the registered AA wrought-alloy limit set. Mechanical properties shown are supplier-reported rolled-product values and are not universal design allowables; verify the governing specification, product form, thickness, temper, and mill certification for procurement or structural design.