What Is 5086 Aluminum Plate?
5086 aluminum plate is a non-heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium alloy known for its combination of corrosion resistance, moderate-to-high strength, weldability, and good formability. It is widely used in marine, transportation, pressure-related, and industrial applications where lightweight construction and resistance to corrosive environments are important.
5086 belongs to the 5xxx series of aluminum alloys. Magnesium is the primary alloying element, with manganese and chromium added to improve strength and corrosion resistance. According to commonly referenced AA composition data, 5086 contains approximately 3.5–4.5% Mg, 0.20–0.70% Mn, and 0.05–0.25% Cr, while copper is limited to 0.10% maximum.
5086 aluminum plate is covered by ASTM B209 for aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate. For marine applications, 5xxx-series alloys including appropriate H116 and H321 tempers are addressed by ASTM B928/B928M.
Common designations include:
AA 5086
UNS A95086
ISO AlMg4
5086-H32
5086-H116
5086-H321
Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of 5086 Aluminum Plate
The chemical composition of 5086 is controlled to provide a useful balance between corrosion resistance, strength, weldability, and fabrication performance.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition, wt.% |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 3.5–4.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.20–0.70 |
| 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 |
| Other, each | ≤0.05 |
| Other, total | ≤0.15 |
The exact chemical and mechanical requirements should be confirmed against the applicable product standard and purchase specification.
Typical Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of 5086 depend strongly on the temper and product thickness. As a representative reference, 5086-H116/H32 data are commonly reported around 290 MPa tensile strength and 207 MPa yield strength, with approximately 12% elongation for the referenced test condition. Actual minimum values should be taken from the applicable standard and ordered temper.
| Property | 5086-H116 / H32 Typical Reference |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Approx. 290 MPa |
| Yield Strength | Approx. 207 MPa |
| Elongation | Approx. 12% |
| Density | Approx. 2.66 g/cm³ |
| Elastic Modulus | Approx. 71 GPa |
Note: Mechanical properties vary with temper, thickness, testing direction, and applicable standard. GNEE can provide the corresponding mill test certificate for supplied material.
What Tempers and Sizes Are Available for 5086 Aluminum Plate?
5086 aluminum plate is available in several tempers depending on the required combination of strength, forming performance, and application.
Common 5086 Plate Tempers
| Temper | Typical Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 5086-O | Soft, highly formable | Formed components, tanks, fabrication |
| 5086-H32 | Strain hardened and stabilized | General industrial and transportation components |
| 5086-H34 | Higher strength than H32 | Structural and fabricated components |
| 5086-H116 | Marine-service temper | Hulls, decks, marine structures |
| 5086-H321 | Marine-service stabilized temper | Shipbuilding and welded marine structures |
For marine service, H116 and H321 are particularly important. ASTM notes that 5xxx-series H116 and H321 alloys containing 3% or more nominal magnesium and intended for marine service are covered by ASTM B928/B928M.
Typical Supply Range
GNEE can supply 5086 aluminum plate according to customer requirements, including:
| Item | Typical Supply |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 5086 |
| Temper | O, H32, H34, H116, H321 |
| Product | Aluminum sheet / plate |
| Thickness | Customized according to application |
| Width | Customized |
| Length | Customized |
| Surface | Mill finish |
| Standard | ASTM B209 / applicable customer specification |
| Certification | Mill Test Certificate available |
For marine projects, the required alloy, temper, thickness, standard, classification approval, and certification requirements should be specified before quotation.
Where Is 5086 Aluminum Plate Used?
5086 aluminum plate is particularly suitable for applications exposed to seawater, moisture, salt spray, and other corrosive environments. SAE's AMS-QQ-A-250/19 specifically covers 5086 plate and sheet for seawater applications and describes the alloy as a weldable, moderate-strength alloy with comparatively good corrosion resistance.
Marine and Shipbuilding
Hull plates
Ship decks
Bulkheads
Superstructures
Pontoons
Workboats
Patrol boats
Marine tanks
Offshore equipment
Transportation
Truck and trailer components
Vehicle structures
Tank bodies
Lightweight transport equipment
Structural panels
Industrial and Process Equipment
Pressure-related equipment
Storage tanks
Piping components
Equipment housings
Platforms and structural assemblies
Cryogenic and Low-Temperature Applications
5086 aluminum retains useful ductility at low temperatures and is used in selected cryogenic and low-temperature equipment where lightweight construction and corrosion resistance are required. Application suitability should be evaluated against the actual temperature, pressure, welding, and design requirements.
Why Choose 5086 Aluminum Plate?
| Requirement | Advantage of 5086 |
|---|---|
| Seawater exposure | Excellent corrosion resistance |
| Welding | Good weldability |
| Strength | Higher strength than many general-purpose 5xxx alloys |
| Forming | Good fabrication and forming capability |
| Weight reduction | Much lower density than steel |
| Marine structures | Available in H116 and H321 marine tempers |
| Low-temperature service | Good toughness and ductility |
5086 is frequently selected when a project needs a combination of corrosion resistance, weldability, and higher strength than 5052. It is also widely recognized in marine applications.
What Is the Difference Between 5086, 5083, and 5052 Aluminum Plate?
5086, 5083, and 5052 are all 5xxx-series aluminum alloys, but their strength and application profiles differ.
| Property | 5052 | 5086 | 5083 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy Series | 5xxx | 5xxx | 5xxx |
| Main Alloying Element | Mg | Mg | Mg |
| Common Marine Tempers | H32 | H116 / H321 | H116 / H321 |
| Typical Applications | General fabrication, tanks, panels | Marine structures, tanks, transportation | Shipbuilding, pressure vessels, heavy marine structures |
5086 vs. 5052: 5086 generally provides higher strength while maintaining good corrosion resistance and weldability. This makes it a useful choice for more demanding structural and marine applications.
5086 vs. 5083: Both are widely used in marine environments. 5083 generally offers higher strength, while 5086 provides a strong balance of strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, and fabrication performance.
For marine projects, the final selection should be based on design strength, welding requirements, thickness, operating environment, applicable standard, and classification requirements, rather than alloy number alone.
Why Choose GNEE for 5086 Aluminum Plate?
GNEE supplies 5086 aluminum sheet and plate for industrial, transportation, and marine applications. We can provide different tempers, dimensions, surface conditions, and documentation according to project requirements.
Our technical team can help customers select the appropriate 5086 temper, thickness, dimensions, applicable standard, and certification based on the intended application.
For marine orders, please provide the required temper, thickness, width, length, quantity, applicable standard, and classification/certification requirements when requesting a quotation.
