Aluminum 5052-H32 vs 5083-H116
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 5052-H32 and 5083-H116 are both aluminum grades, compared here in the H32 and H116 conditions. 5083-H116 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 228 MPa (33.1 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for 5052-H32, about 17% more; tensile strength follows at 317 MPa (46 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi). 5083-H116 is the more ductile: elongation 16% versus 12% for 5052-H32, and 5083-H116 is harder (85 HB vs 60 HB). 5052-H32 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 65°C continuous) and 5052-H32 conducts heat better (138 W/m·K vs 117 W/m·K). On the shop floor, 5052-H32 sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than 5083-H116 (standard, $$).
5052-H32Choose it when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor.
5083-H116Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Buyer's decision notes
Choose 5052-H32 for general-purpose formed sheet and welded enclosures. Choose certified 5083-H116 when the part is a plate-based marine or similar structure whose design and procurement require the H116 temper and its added corrosion-qualification controls.
Compare the same condition
H32 and H116 are different strain-hardened temper routes and commonly arrive in different gauges and product forms. Compare the actual sheet or plate thickness and test direction; for marine 5083-H116, use the specified product standard and certification rather than a generic 5083 datasheet.
- Forming geometry
- 5052-H32 supports tighter general sheet-metal work. Hydro’s H116 plate guidance calls for large bend radii, so validate the actual thickness, direction and brake process before converting a formed 5052 design to 5083-H116.
- Marine qualification
- The H116 designation is meaningful only with the applicable product specification, mill certification and required corrosion-performance testing. It improves the evidence available for marine service; it does not guarantee every joint, crevice or mixed-metal assembly in salt water.
- Welded condition
- Both are weldable 5xxx alloys, but welding changes the cold-worked temper near the joint. Hydro reports its 5083-H116 welded strength on the basis of the H111 condition, so the joint and heat-affected zone need their own design allowables.
- Assembly corrosion
- Review fastener alloy, electrical isolation, drainage, crevices and coating damage. A marine-grade plate certificate cannot compensate for a galvanic couple or trapped electrolyte in the completed assembly.
Put this on the RFQ
- Specify alloy, temper, plate or sheet standard, thickness, test direction and required mill or classification documentation.
- Provide bend radii, forming direction, weld process, filler approval and the post-weld design basis.
- Identify immersed, splash-zone and atmospheric surfaces plus dissimilar-metal contacts, sealing and coating requirements.
Primary references
- Hydro — Njørdal H116 — Producer datasheet for AA 5083-H116 marine sheet and plate, including bend, weld and as-delivered condition guidance.
- ASTM — B928/B928M — Active specification for high-magnesium aluminum-alloy products in marine and similar environments, including H116 products.
FabDigit resources: 5052-H32 datasheet, 5083-H116 datasheet, CNC design guide and sheet-metal design guide.
5052-H32 vs 5083-H116: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Same in both: Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.8 µm/m·K13.2 µin/in·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 50 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Weldability 90 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 5052-H32 | 5083-H116 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.
5052-H32 vs 5083-H116 — frequently asked
Is 5083-H116 stronger than 5052-H32?
Yes. 5083-H116 has a typical yield strength of 228 MPa (33.1 ksi) against 195 MPa (28.3 ksi) for 5052-H32 — about 17% more. Tensile strength is 317 MPa (46 ksi) vs 230 MPa (33.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 5052-H32 or 5083-H116?
5052-H32 is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while 5083-H116 is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
When should I choose 5052-H32 over 5083-H116?
Pick 5052-H32 when the part sees heat, or when cost is the deciding factor. Pick 5083-H116 when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 5052-H32 and 5083-H116 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.