Aluminium is one of the most commonly used metals in almost all industries, from aerospace to construction, automotive, and more. Regarding marine applications, the most popular alloys are 5083 and 5086. Both 5083 and 5086 aluminium alloys offer a range of similar traits, but they have different properties that make them suitable for different applications. This blog post will discuss the differences between aluminium 5083 and 5086 to help you choose the right alloy for your needs.
What is Aluminium 5083?
Aluminium 5083 is a versatile and durable alloy that consists mainly of magnesium, manganese, and chromium. This alloy is known for its high strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for several applications in various industries. Aluminium 5083 is preferred from aerospace to marine engineering due to its outstanding properties.
What is Aluminium 5086?
Aluminium 5086 is a marine-grade alloy that is highly sought after in the shipbuilding industry for its remarkable strength and corrosion resistance. This material comprises magnesium, manganese, and small amounts of other metals, making it incredibly durable without compromising its lightweight properties.
Difference between Aluminium 5083 and 5086
Composition: Although aluminium 5083 and 5086 are similar, trace elements are the main difference. Alloy 5083 has magnesium as its main alloying element, while alloy 5086 has magnesium, manganese, and chromium as its main alloying elements. These additional elements enhance corrosion resistance and provide better strength, making 5086 alloy ideal for applications that require higher strength and corrosion resistance.
Strength and Toughness
Aluminium 5083 is known for its excellent strength, making it ideal for applications requiring high mechanical strength, such as automotive and aerospace industries. Meanwhile, 5086 aluminium offers excellent toughness, making it ideal for marine applications.
Corrosion Resistance
Both alloys provide excellent resistance against saltwater corrosion, but the 5086 alloy has better corrosion resistance because of the added manganese and chromium. 5086 alloy is best suited for harsh marine environments, while 5083 alloy performs well in seawater and can withstand splashes of many chemicals.
Weldability
Both 5083 and 5086 aluminium alloys have excellent weldability, making them ideal for various welding applications. However, 5086 alloy offers better weldability than 5083, thanks to its lower magnesium content.
Applications
5083 aluminium is typically used in low-temperature and marine applications like oil rigs, tanks, and other marine structures. Meanwhile, 5086 aluminium is typically used for high-strength applications like hulls, superstructures, rigs, and arms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aluminium 5083 and 5086 offer excellent properties for various applications. If you need high mechanical strength or low temperatures and high seawater resistance, aluminium 5083 is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you need high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance, you should go for aluminium 5086. Choosing the right alloy for your specific application is vital to ensure durability and optimal performance, so understand the differences between the two alloys before selecting.
