Overview
Al5086 (AA5086) is a high-strength, non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy belonging to the 5000 series aluminum family. Alloyed primarily with magnesium, Al5086 is known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent weldability, and superior strength in marine and structural environments.
Al5086 offers higher strength than Al5052 and comparable marine performance to Al5083, making it a preferred choice for shipbuilding, transportation equipment, pressure vessels, armored vehicles, and structural applications exposed to harsh environments.
Compared with Al5083, Al5086 provides similar corrosion resistance and weldability while offering excellent structural reliability and good fatigue performance.
Material Specification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Alloy Designation | AA5086 |
| Alloy Series | 5000 Series |
| Main Alloying Element | Magnesium (Mg) |
| Material Type | High-Strength Marine Grade Aluminum Alloy |
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ |
| Standard Forms | Sheet, Plate, Coil, Tube, Bar, Marine Plate |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 3.5–4.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.2–0.7 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05–0.25 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.40 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.50 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤0.10 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤0.25 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤0.15 |
| Others | ≤0.15 Total |
Mechanical Properties
Typical H116 Condition
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 275–350 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 125–240 MPa |
| Elongation | 12–17% |
| Hardness | 75–90 HB |
| Elastic Modulus | 71 GPa |
| Fatigue Strength | 115–125 MPa |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 570–640°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 117–121 W/m·K |
| Electrical Conductivity | 28–31% IACS |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 23.8 × 10⁻⁶/K |
| Specific Heat Capacity | 900 J/kg·K |
Corrosion Resistance
| Environment | Performance |
|---|---|
| Atmospheric Exposure | Excellent |
| Marine Environment | Outstanding |
| Salt Spray Environment | Outstanding |
| Industrial Environment | Excellent |
| Chemical Environment | Excellent |
| Cryogenic Environment | Excellent |
Al5086 provides exceptional resistance to seawater corrosion, saltwater immersion, industrial pollution, and chemical exposure. It is one of the most trusted aluminum alloys for long-term marine service.
International Equivalent Grades
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| AA (USA) | AA5086 |
| EN (Europe) | EN AW-5086 |
| DIN (Germany) | AlMg4 |
| JIS (Japan) | A5086 |
| ISO | AlMg4 |
| GB/T (China) | LF5-1 |
| UNS | A95086 |
Available Tempers
| Temper | Description |
|---|---|
| O | Annealed |
| H111 | Slightly Strain Hardened |
| H112 | Mill Finish |
| H116 | Marine Grade |
| H321 | Stabilized Marine Grade |
| H32 | Strain Hardened & Stabilized |
Typical Applications
Marine Industry
- Ship Hulls
- Patrol Boats
- Ferries
- Yacht Structures
- Deck Components
- Marine Platforms
Defense Industry
- Armored Vehicles
- Military Transport Equipment
- Naval Structures
- Protective Panels
Transportation Industry
- Truck Bodies
- Railway Cars
- Tank Trailers
- Heavy Transport Equipment
Pressure Vessel Industry
- Pressure Vessels
- LNG Storage Tanks
- Cryogenic Tanks
- Process Equipment
Industrial Manufacturing
- Structural Fabrications
- Storage Tanks
- Offshore Equipment
- Heavy-Duty Enclosures
Machining Characteristics
| Manufacturing Process | Rating |
|---|---|
| CNC Milling | Good |
| CNC Turning | Good |
| Laser Cutting | Excellent |
| Waterjet Cutting | Excellent |
| Sheet Metal Fabrication | Excellent |
| Bending | Excellent |
| TIG Welding | Excellent |
| MIG Welding | Excellent |
| Structural Welding | Outstanding |
| Anodizing | Good |
Advantages
Outstanding Marine Corrosion Resistance
Excellent long-term performance in seawater and coastal environments.
High Strength
Offers higher strength than Al5052 while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance.
Exceptional Weldability
One of the best aluminum alloys for welded structures.
Excellent Cryogenic Properties
Retains toughness and strength at extremely low temperatures.
Lightweight Construction
Approximately one-third the weight of steel.
Good Fatigue Performance
Suitable for transportation and marine structural applications.
Limitations
Not Heat Treatable
Strength improvements through heat treatment are limited.
Moderate Machinability
Machining performance is lower than Al6061 and Al2011.
Higher Material Cost
More expensive than general-purpose alloys such as Al3003 and Al5052.
Decorative Anodizing Limitations
Appearance consistency may not match architectural alloys like Al5005.
Comparison with Other Aluminum Alloys
| Property | Al5086 | Al5083 | Al5052 | Al6061 | Al5005 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | High | Very High | Medium-High | High | Medium |
| Corrosion Resistance | Outstanding | Outstanding | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Marine Performance | Outstanding | Outstanding | Excellent | Fair | Good |
| Weldability | Outstanding | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Machinability | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Structural Applications | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Medium |
| Cost | Medium-High | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Comparison with Common Engineering Metals
| Material | Density (g/cm³) | Corrosion Resistance | Strength | Marine Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al5086 | 2.66 | Outstanding | High | Outstanding |
| Al5083 | 2.66 | Outstanding | Very High | Outstanding |
| Stainless Steel 316 | 8.00 | Excellent | High | Excellent |
| Carbon Steel A36 | 7.85 | Poor | Medium | Poor |
| Duplex 2205 | 7.80 | Excellent | Very High | Excellent |
| Titanium Grade 5 | 4.43 | Excellent | Very High | Excellent |
Recommended Surface Finishes
- Clear Anodizing
- Hard Anodizing
- Marine Anodizing
- Chromate Conversion Coating
- Powder Coating
- Epoxy Coating
- Marine Paint Systems
- PVDF Coating
- Sandblasting
- Brushing
- Laser Marking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Al5086 aluminum?
Al5086 is a high-strength marine-grade aluminum alloy designed for structural applications requiring excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.
What is Al5086 used for?
Typical applications include:
- Shipbuilding
- Marine Structures
- Armored Vehicles
- Pressure Vessels
- LNG Storage Tanks
- Offshore Equipment
Is Al5086 stronger than Al5052?
Yes.
| Property | Al5086 | Al5052 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Up to 350 MPa | Up to 290 MPa |
| Structural Performance | Higher | Medium |
| Marine Capability | Outstanding | Excellent |
What is the difference between Al5086 and Al5083?
| Property | Al5086 | Al5083 |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | High | Slightly Higher |
| Weldability | Outstanding | Excellent |
| Marine Performance | Outstanding | Outstanding |
| Cost | Slightly Lower | Slightly Higher |
Both alloys are widely used in marine structures, with Al5083 often selected for maximum strength and Al5086 for balanced structural performance.
Is Al5086 suitable for marine applications?
Yes. Al5086 is one of the industry’s preferred alloys for shipbuilding and offshore structures.
Can Al5086 be welded?
Yes. Al5086 provides excellent weldability and maintains strong mechanical properties after welding.
Is Al5086 suitable for cryogenic service?
Yes. Al5086 maintains excellent toughness and strength at low temperatures, making it suitable for LNG and cryogenic storage systems.
Does Al5086 anodize well?
Yes. Al5086 can be anodized effectively for corrosion protection, although decorative appearance may vary.
Why is Al5086 used for armored vehicles?
Because it combines:
- High Strength
- Excellent Weldability
- Corrosion Resistance
- Lightweight Construction
making it ideal for military and protective applications.
Does GCNOV provide custom manufacturing services for Al5086?
Yes. GCNOV provides:
- CNC Machining
- Marine Plate Fabrication
- Laser Cutting
- Waterjet Cutting
- Welding & Assembly
- Surface Finishing
- Structural Fabrication
- Prototype Development
- Low-Volume Production
- Mass Production