Continental Steel & Tube Company is a leading distributor and supplier of aluminum 5083 and 5086, along with other high-quality, reliable aluminum alloys. The two grades are considered essentially identical, with many people using them interchangeably because of their shared properties and applications.
Both of these alloys offer the following properties for use in many applications: weldability, excellent corrosion resistance, and a high strength-to-weight ratio to enhance performance while meeting weight requirements.
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Available Aluminum 5083 and 5086 Forms and Specifications
Continental Steel is ready to meet diverse project requirements, with aluminum 5083 and 5086 forms available in the following forms:
- Sheet
- Bar
- Coil
- Plate
- Tubing
- Piping
- Angles
- Extrusions (special extrusions available as needed)
Continental Steel works to meet some of the strictest standards for 5083 and 5086 aluminum fabrication, including MIL, ASTM, UNS, QQ, SAE, and others. If you have any questions about particular aluminum forms or sizes, reach out to our team today and we’ll connect you with one of our experts.
Aluminum 5083 and 5086: Overview, Properties, Tempers
Aluminum 5083 and 5086 share several similarities, along with some different properties that can help narrow down your selection. Some of their shared characteristics include:
- Excellent corrosion resistance, making them suitable for use in marine applications and other corrosive environments
- A high strength-to-weight ratio that maximizes durability while keeping components lightweight for increased efficiency
- High weldability with conventional methods for dependable joints along with efficient fabrication (with electric arc welding working best for Aluminum 5086)
- Increased strength with cold working and strain hardening, maintaining their structural integrity during fabrication and forming
- Reliable performance in cryogenic applications involving extremely low temperatures
- Good formability and moderate machinability
Regarding key differences between the two grades, aluminum 5083 offers slightly higher strength, while aluminum 5086 is often suitable for applications requiring more corrosion resistance and weldability. These differences are minimal, which is why either alloy can be ideal for various applications.
Aluminum 5083 and 5086 Tempers
Both alloys are available in the following tempers:
| Temper | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| O | Annealed (softest condition) | Forming, bending |
| H14 | Strain-Hardened (1/2 Hard) | Moderate strength, limited formability |
| H32 | Strain-hardened and partially annealed (1/4-hard) | Structural parts, moderate strength |
| H34 | Strain-hardened and partially annealed (1/2-hard) | Higher strength, less formability |
| H111 | Slightly strain-hardened, stable temper | Marine applications, good formability |
| H112 | As-fabricated, limited control over strain hardening | Extruded or forged shapes, structural |
| H116 | Specially strain-hardened for marine environments | Boat hulls, ship structures |
| H321 | Strain-hardened and thermally stabilized | Pressure vessels, marine use |
Aluminum 5083 Chemical Composition
Aluminum 5083 consists primarily of aluminum and magnesium, with other elements present as shown below:
| Element | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Zn | Ti | Cr | Al |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % Present | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4–1.0 | 4.0–4.9 | 0.25 | 0.15 | 0.05–0.25 | Balance |
Aluminum 5086 Chemical Composition
Aluminum 5086’s key alloying elements include magnesium, manganese, and chromium, along with other elements present in smaller amounts as seen below:
| Element | Al | Mg | Cr | Mn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| % Present | 95.4 | 4.0 | 0.15 | 0.4 |
Common Applications of Aluminum 5083 and 5086
The following are some common applications for these alloys:
- Shipbuilding and marine components: Workboat Hulls, Shipyards, Marine Craft
- Armor and defense: Missile Components, Armored Personnel Carriers, Armor Plating
- Transportation: Truck and Trailer Body Panels, Tank Cars, Elevator and Rail Cars, Transportation Equipment
- Heavy duty and structural: Drilling Rigs, Bridges, TV Towers
- Containers and pressure vessels: Pressure Vessels, Tanks, Cryogenic Applications
Why Choose Continental Steel for Your Aluminum Supply?
Continental Steel is one of the leading suppliers of aluminum alloys like 5083 and 5086, with other high-quality metal materials for nearly any application.
Some of the main benefits of turning to us for your aluminum supply include:
Get Your High-Quality Aluminum 5083 and 5086 Today! Contact Us
Whenever you require high-quality aluminum 5086 or 5083, Continental Steel is here to help. We can provide Aluminum 5086 in different shapes and sizes, and meet specifications from leading organizations like ASTM, MIL, QQ, SAE, and UNS. In addition to our aluminum alloy options, we offer a range of other metal materials, as well.
Request a quote today for an aluminum fabrication solution, or contact us for more information about our company and offerings.