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5000 Series Aluminum

The 5000 series is alloyed with magnesium (0.8–5 %) and is the strongest of the non-heat-treatable families — 5083 reaches the yield strength of 6061-T6 in the H116 temper. Because there are no copper-rich phases, it has the best corrosion resistance of the structural alloys, including in seawater, and it welds without losing much strength. It is the marine and welded-structure family, and 5052 is the standard sheet-metal grade for anything bent and welded.

Popular 5000 series grades

Compare in the explorer
GradeYield, MPaTensile, MPaDensity, g/cm³MachinabilityWeldabilityBest for
50521952302.68FairExcellentThe standard sheet-metal grade; enclosures, tanks
50832283172.66FairExcellentMarine plate, hulls, welded structure
50862072902.66FairExcellentBoat hulls and superstructure; more formable
57541102152.67FairExcellentEN equivalent of 5052; automotive panels
50051381592.7FairExcellentAnodizing-quality sheet for architecture
54542052752.68GoodExcellentWelded structure that runs warm (tankers)
53562003002.64FairExcellentFiller wire for welding 5000 series

All 53 5000 series grades

Choose the 5000 series for

Anything bent and welded that must survive outdoors or in salt water: hulls, tanks, pressure vessels, truck bodies, marine hardware, sheet-metal enclosures and brackets. It is the strongest aluminum that welds without losing its strength.

Look elsewhere when

The part is machined from bar or thick plate (6061-T6 machines faster and holds flatter), needs more than about 250 MPa yield (6061-T6, 7075-T6), or runs above 65 °C for long — grades over 3 % Mg (5083, 5086, 5456) sensitise to stress corrosion at temperature.

Yield strength against elongation at break, 5000 series among every aluminum grade

No materials in view have both of these properties.

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5000 series by application

Sheet-metal enclosures and brackets
5052-H32 bends to 1 t, punches cleanly, welds and anodizes evenly — the default when a drawing says "aluminum sheet". 5754 on EN drawings.
Boats, hulls and marine hardware
5083-H116 plate for hulls and decks, 5086-H116 where the plate must form tighter, 5059 and 5383 for higher-strength shipbuilding. All resist seawater without paint.
Tanks and pressure vessels
5083-O and 5083-H321 for cryogenic and LNG tanks — the alloy gets tougher as it gets colder. 5454-H32 for road tankers and vessels that run warm.
Anodized architectural sheet
5005-H34 anodizes to a uniform clear or dyed finish that matches 6063 extrusions — curtain wall, panels and signage.

Working with the 5000 series

Forming
Excellent in O and H32; H34 and above crack on tight bends. Minimum inside radius about 1 t for 5052-H32, 1.5–2 t for 5083-H116. Springback is higher than 3003 — allow for it in bend tooling.
Welding
TIG or MIG with 5356 filler (5183 or 5556 for 5083 and 5456). The weld zone keeps nearly the base O-temper strength, so a welded 5083-H116 joint is designed at about 125 MPa yield, not 215.
Machining
Gummier than 6061 and prone to built-up edge; use sharp polished carbide, high rake, plenty of coolant. Fine for holes, pockets and trimming in sheet-metal parts, slow for fully machined bodies.
Finishing
Type II anodize gives an even clear or dyed film (5005 is the reference grade); hardcoat works well. 5083 and 5086 anodize slightly yellower than 5052. Chem-film, paint and powder coat all adhere well.

Other aluminum series

5000 Series Aluminum — frequently asked

What is 5000 series aluminum?

The 5000 series is alloyed with magnesium (0.8–5 %) and is the strongest of the non-heat-treatable families — 5083 reaches the yield strength of 6061-T6 in the H116 temper. Because there are no copper-rich phases, it has the best corrosion resistance of the structural alloys, including in seawater, and it welds without losing much strength. It is the marine and welded-structure family, and 5052 is the standard sheet-metal grade for anything bent and welded.

Which grade of 5000 series aluminum should I use?

5052-H32 for sheet-metal enclosures, brackets and tanks — it bends tighter than 6061 and welds cleanly. 5083-H116 and 5086-H116 for hulls, tanks and welded plate structure; 5083 is the marine plate standard, 5086 slightly more formable. 5754 is the EN equivalent of 5052 for European drawings, 5005 the anodizing-quality sheet for architectural finishes. Grades above 3 % Mg (5083, 5086, 5456) should not run above about 65 °C for long — they sensitise to stress corrosion; use 5052 or 5454 there.

Which grade of 5000 series aluminum is the strongest?

5042 has the highest yield strength in the series at 331 MPa; 5021 follows at 270 MPa. Values are for each grade's default condition.

Which grade of 5000 series aluminum is easiest to machine?

5056 (machinability good, 55/100), then 5454 (55/100).

Is 5000 series aluminum heat-treatable?

No. These grades are strengthened by cold work and softened by annealing, not by heat treatment; the conditions are listed on each grade page.

5052 or 5083?

5083-H116 is about 10 % stronger than 5052-H32 (215 vs 195 MPa yield), holds its properties after welding better and is the plate alloy for hulls and tanks. 5052 is cheaper, more formable and available as thin sheet, so it wins for enclosures, brackets and anything bent. Above 65 °C for extended service, use 5052 or 5454 rather than 5083.

Why is 5000 series aluminum used for boats?

Magnesium strengthens the alloy without adding the copper-rich phases that corrode in seawater, so 5083 and 5086 resist pitting bare, weld easily and keep their strength in the weld zone. They are also tough at low temperature and cost far less than 6000 series plate of the same strength.