What is 5000 Series Aluminum
The 5xxx family are Al-Mg (aluminum–magnesium) alloys. They’re non-heat-treatable (strength comes from work hardening, e.g., H32/H116), with excellent corrosion resistance—especially in seawater—very good weldability, and useful strength-to-weight. This makes them the default choice for marine hulls and structures, tankers/pressure vessels, transport panels/floors, general sheet-metal fabrication, and anodized architectural panels.
Key traits at a glance
- Non-heat-treatable; strengthened by strain hardening (H tempers).
- Corrosion resistance: outstanding in saltwater and industrial atmospheres.
- Weldability: MIG/TIG friendly; wide range of matching fillers.
- Formability: good to excellent (5052/5754 are shop favorites).
- Toughness at low temperature: certain grades (e.g., 5083/5086) perform well down to cryogenic service.
- Anodizing/paint: takes finishes well; special AQ grades for color-critical anodizing.
What grades exist in 5000 Series?
Below is a quick buyer’s map. Values are intentionally high-level so you can shortlist fast; detailed chemistry/mechanical datasheets can be added to your RFQ.
| Grade | Typical Mg level | Notable additions | Common tempers | Signature traits | Common forms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5005 | low Mg (~0.5–1%) | — | O, H14, H34, AQ | Good anodizing color match; signage/architectural | Sheet/coil |
| 5657 | low Mg | — | Bright-anodizing | High reflectivity after bright anodize | Sheet/coil |
| 5010 | low Mg | — | O/H tempers | General forming, signs | Sheet/coil |
| 5019 | mid Mg (~5%) | Mn | H tempers | Marine/structural; EU naming AlMg5 | Sheet/plate |
| 5024 | mid Mg | Mn, trace Zr/Sc (varies) | H tempers | Extrusions/aerospace in some regions | Extrusions/plate |
| 5026 | mid Mg | Mn, Si | H tempers | Universal structural | Sheet/plate |
| 5050 | low-mid Mg | — | H32 | General purpose | Sheet |
| 5052 | mid Mg (~2.2–2.8%) | Cr | H32/H34 | Fabrication workhorse: formability + corrosion resistance | Sheet/coil, tread |
| 5652 | like 5052 | Low-impurity | H tempers | Better anodize color vs 5052 in some specs | Sheet/coil |
| 5056 | high Mg (~4.5–5.6%) | — | H36/H38 | Rivets, wire, higher strength fasteners | Wire, rivet stock |
| 5059 | high Mg (~5%) | Mn | H131/H321 | High-strength marine/defense plate | Marine plate |
| 5083 | high Mg (~4–4.9%) | Mn, Cr | O/H111/H116/H321 | Marine & cryogenic staple | Marine plate, sheet |
| 5086 | high Mg (~3.5–4.5%) | Mn | H116/H32 | Marine plate/superstructures | Plate, sheet |
| 5154 | mid-high Mg | — | H34 | Welded structures, rivets | Sheet, wire |
| 5254 | like 5154 | — | H tempers | Similar to 5154 | Sheet |
| 5182 | mid Mg (~4–5%) | Mn | O/H111 | Deep-draw automotive closures | Coil/sheet |
| 5252 | low-mid Mg | — | H tempers | Coil anodizing | Coil |
| 5356 | ~5% Mg | (filler wire) | — | Primary welding filler for 5xxx & 6xxx | Wire |
| 5454 | ~2.5–3% Mg | Mn | H32/H34 | Tank truck bodies/pressure service | Sheet/plate |
| 5456 | ~5% Mg | Mn | H116/H321 | Higher-strength marine/bridges | Plate, extrusions |
| 5457 | low Mg | — | Bright-anodizing | Mirror/trim after bright anodize | Sheet |
| 5557 | low Mg | Cu (trace) | Bright-anodizing | Decorative trim | Sheet |
| 5754 | ~2.6–3.6% Mg | Cr (trace) | O/H22/H32 | Transport panels, tread, general fab | Sheet/coil, tread |
Not seeing your spec here? Send the grade + temper in your drawing—we can advise equivalents and availability.
What are the use 5xxx cases by grade?
Marine & Shipbuilding
Typical parts
Hull plating, decks, bulkheads, superstructures, pontoons, ramps, stiffeners, hatches, lockers, fuel/water tanks, interior panels, ladders, handrails.
Why 5xxx
Sea-water corrosion resistance, weldability, good toughness and fatigue, class approvals.
Go-to grades & tempers
- 5083-H116/H321 (hulls, decks, tanks)
- 5086-H116/H32 (hulls, superstructures)
- 5052-H32 (interiors, furniture, lockers)
- 5059 (select high-strength programs)
Forms & specs
Marine plate/sheet; tread plate for decks; extrusions for stiffeners. ABS/LR/DNV; ASTM B928/B209.
Filler
5183 for 5083/5086 marine & cryo; 5356 for general 5052/5754; 5556 for highly loaded joints.
Offshore & Marine Engineering
Parts Gangways, walkways, davits, crane housings, aquaculture cages/frames, boat ramps, splash-zone frames.
Grades 5083/5086; 5456 where higher strength needed (manage sensitization).
Forms Plate/chequer/extrusions; class certs when required.
Filler 5356 or 5183 per design.
Tankers & Pressure Vessels
Parts Road/rail chemical tankers, ship tanks, dished heads, baffles.
Why 5xxx Weldable shells, corrosion resistance, decent creep at moderate temps.
Grades 5454-H32/H34 (tank bodies), 5083-O/H111 (pressure shells/heads), 5052-H32 (boxes/aux tanks).
Filler 5356/5556; project WPS/PQR.
Notes Consider post-weld properties (no heat-treat strengthening).
Cryogenic & LNG / Vacuum Vessels
Parts LNG tanks, dewars, vacuum jackets, cryo piping.
Grades 5083-O/H111, 5086-O/H111 (impact toughness at −196 °C).
Filler 5183 preferred.
QA Cryo impact tests; controlled heat input.
Transportation: Truck / Trailer / Rail / Bus
Parts Side panels, tipper/dump bodies, floors, toolboxes, step plates, railcar interiors.
Grades 5754-H22/H32, 5052-H32; 5083-H32 for higher loads.
Forms Wide coil/sheet; tread plate 2.0–4.5 mm.
Filler 5356.
Automotive Panels & EV Battery Enclosures
Parts Inner panels/closures, battery trays/lids, splash shields.
Grades 5754-O/H22/H32 (balanced), 5182-O/H111 (deep draw closures).
Filler 5356 for structural welds.
Notes Surface-critical (AQ coil where anodizing planned).
Food/Beverage & Clean-Room Equipment
Parts Tanks, hoppers, conveyors, housings, worktables, sanitary covers.
Grades 5052-H32, 5754-H22.
Finish Sanitary weld/grind; anodize or passivate; FDA-friendly coatings as needed.
Filler 5356.
Architectural & Signage (Anodizing Quality)
Parts Façade panels, signboards, light boxes, trims.
Grades 5005 AQ, 5657/5457 (bright anodize).
Notes Color-uniform coil lots; seal specs.
Filler Usually avoided (mechanical fastening). If welded, 5356.
General Sheet-Metal Fabrication & Enclosures
Parts Cabinets, machine guards, HVAC, electronics chassis/enclosures.
Grade 5052-H32 (shop favorite).
Forms Sheet/coil; laser-grade flatness.
Filler 5356.
Bridges, Walkways & Welded Structures
Parts Pedestrian bridges, platforms, ladders, handrails.
Grades 5083-H321, 5086-H32, 5456.
Filler 5183 / 5356.
Notes Slip-resistant tread, structural approvals.
Defense & High-Strength Marine (project-based)
Parts Patrol craft, impact/blast panels, specialty hull modules.
Grades 5059, 5456 (per spec).
Filler Often 5183/5556 as qualified.
5000 Series Aluminum and Die Casting
5xxx (Al–Mg) excels as wrought sheet/plate/extrusions; 5xx.x cast Al–Mg isn’t common for high-speed HPDC. If you must convert a 5xxx sheet design to a casting, pick an Al–Si die-casting grade and redesign for flow.
- For structural/marine properties, 5xxx wrought still wins; cast parts rely on surface coatings + geometry (ribs/fillets) for durability.
- AlSi10Mg (T6) is the usual choice when you want higher cast strength; A380/ADC12 wins for fill and cost in housings.
- Do not expect die castings to match 5083-H116 seawater performance without coatings and design compensation.
Wrought → Cast Substitutes
| Wrought intent | Castable substitute | Why / when |
|---|---|---|
| 5052/5754 non-structural covers | A380 / ADC12 | Cost + thin-wall fill; powder coat for durability |
| 5083 brackets (non-critical) | AlSi10Mg (T6) | Better strength/ductility; good machinability |
| “Marine look” exterior | A380 + e-coat/powder | Corrosion protection via coating stack |
Switching a 5xxx sheet weldment to casting? Send the STEP—we’ll size walls/fillets/ribs and recommend the right Al–Si alloy + coating system.
Welding & Filler Matching (5356 / 5183 / 5556)
Use this quick picker—match the base grade, service, and joint load.
- General fabrication (5052/5754, shop parts, transport): 5356 — strong, widely available, decent anodize color match.
- Marine hulls & cryogenic service (5083/5086) or low-temperature toughness needed: 5183 — better as-welded strength and toughness at low temps.
- Highly loaded joints / thicker sections / tankers: 5556 — highest filler strength; check cracking risk and qualifications.
Notes:
- 5xxx alloys don’t age-harden with heat; post-weld strength is largely as-welded.
- For anodizing, 5356 often yields a closer color match than 5183.
- Manage sensitization in high-Mg alloys (prolonged elevated heat can reduce corrosion resistance).
Availability & Thickness/Width Ranges
- Sheet: ~1.2–6.0 mm typical; widths 1000–2000 mm (1250/1500/1524 mm common).
- Plate: ~6–60 mm typical; widths to 2500 mm project-based.
- Tread/Chequer: 2.0–4.5 mm (five-bar/diamond) for decks/floors.
- Coil: 0.6–3.0 mm, mill finish or AQ for color-critical anodizing.
- Extrusions: standard angles/channels/T-bars and custom profiles (often paired with cast hardware).
Quick Comparison: 5052 vs 5083 vs 5754
- Strength: 5083 (highest) > 5754 ≈ 5052 (medium).
- Formability: 5052 best, 5754 good, 5083 fair (watch tight bends).
- Corrosion (marine): 5083/5086 top tier; 5754/5052 very good for general/transport.
- Weldability: All weld well; for 5083 prefer 5183 filler.
- Cost & availability: 5052/5754 are usually cheaper and more available than marine-class 5083 plate.
- Choose when: 5052 (general fab), 5754 (transport panels/tread), 5083 (hulls/pressure).
FAQ
Is 5083 stronger than 5052?
Yes—5083 has notably higher as-rolled and as-welded strength and is favored for hulls and pressure parts. 5052 wins on formability and price.
Can you bend 5083 without cracking?
Yes, with larger bend radii and appropriate temper (e.g., H116/H321). For tight bends and small radii, 5052/5754 are safer.
Which filler for 5083 to 5083 vs 5083 to 5052?
5083→5083: 5183. 5083→5052: usually 5183, though 5356 can be used if design allows and anodize color is important.
Do 5xxx alloys heat-treat to get stronger?
No. They are non-heat-treatable; strength comes from cold work (H tempers) and gauge selection.
Is 5754 good for checker/tread plates on trucks?
Yes. 5754 combines good strength, corrosion resistance, and formability—ideal for floors/steps.
5xxx vs 6xxx for marine structures—how to choose?
5xxx for welded plate hulls and corrosion resistance; 6xxx for extrusions/machined parts where heat-treatable strength and stiffness are needed.
Will 5xxx anodize uniformly? Which grades are “AQ”?
Yes, but for color-critical panels use 5005 AQ or specialized 5657/5457 (bright-anodizing).
Can 5xxx be used at cryogenic temperature?
5083/5086 are commonly selected for cryo service with proper welding procedures and qualification.
What certs define “marine-grade” plate?
Project specs often call for ASTM B928/B209 plus ABS/LR/DNV approvals and EN/ISO welding procedure qualifications.
Let’s build the parts that bolt to your 5xxx structures
Custom Aluminum Die-Cast Accessories for 5xxx Projects
Need cast brackets, hinges, housings, bosses, threaded inserts that assemble onto 5052/5083/5754 sheet and plate? We manufacture custom aluminum die-cast components on 800–2000-ton machines, with CNC machining, surface finishing, and assembly to your drawings.
Send your STEP and spec for a quick manufacturability review & quote.
