The Comprehensive Guide to 5086 Aluminium Sheet: Applications, Sizes, Tempers, and More
When selecting materials for industrial applications, especially in environments that demand both strength and corrosion resistance, the 5086 aluminium sheet stands out as a leading choice. Famous for its versatility, weldability, and impressive resistance to seawater and other harsh conditions, 5086 aluminium is widely used across a range of industries. In this guide, we’ll delve into the properties, applications, available sizes, tempers, and other vital details that make 5086 aluminium sheets a prime material for both commercial and industrial projects.
What is 5086 Aluminium?
5086 aluminium is part of the 5000 series of aluminium alloys, primarily alloyed with magnesium. Magnesium enhances the material’s strength and corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments. Unlike heat-treatable alloys, 5086 aluminium derives its strength from strain hardening rather than heat treatment. It allows it to maintain excellent formability, even after being strengthened through cold working processes.
Because of its unique combination of properties, 5086 aluminium is frequently used in applications where high levels of corrosion resistance and moderate strength are required. It’s also a top choice when weldability is a critical factor.
Properties of 5086 Aluminium Sheet
Understanding the core properties of 5086 aluminium is crucial for determining its suitability for various applications. Some of the standout features of the 5086 aluminium sheet include:
- High Corrosion Resistance: One of the defining features of 5086 aluminium is its exceptional resistance to saltwater and general corrosion, making it ideal for marine and coastal applications.
- Good Weldability: 5086 aluminium is highly weldable and retains most of its mechanical properties after welding, which makes it ideal for fabricating structures that require joining.
- Moderate Strength: While not as strong as some other aluminium alloys, 5086 provides sufficient strength for many industrial applications. Its strength increases when it is cold-worked or strain-hardened.
- Non-Heat Treatable: Unlike 6000-series alloys, 5086 does not gain strength through heat treatment but instead through work hardening. It makes it easy to work with and form, even at higher strength levels.
- Formability: Despite its strength, 5086 maintains excellent formability, which makes it ideal for applications requiring complex shapes or bends.
Applications of 5086 Aluminium Sheet
Due to its unique properties, 5086 aluminium sheet is used in a wide variety of industries, most notably those that demand resistance to corrosion in harsh environments.
The marine industry is the largest consumer of 5086 aluminium sheets, thanks to its high resistance to seawater corrosion. It makes it the preferred material for:
- Boat Hulls: 5086’s strength and corrosion resistance make it perfect for use in the hulls of minor — to medium-sized vessels, ensuring durability even in harsh saltwater environments.
- Deckhouses and Superstructures: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, 5086 is frequently used in the construction of deckhouses and other superstructures on larger vessels.
- Shipbuilding: 5086 is used in the fabrication of naval vessels, commercial ships, and ferries, where corrosion resistance and strength are vital.
In the automotive sector, 5086 aluminium sheet is often used in components that require both moderate strength and resistance to environmental factors:
- Fuel Tanks: The alloy’s resistance to corrosion makes it suitable for manufacturing automotive fuel tanks.
- Structural Components: Lightweight yet strong, 5086 is used in structural applications in both cars and trucks, particularly where parts are exposed to moisture or harsh environments.
In aerospace applications, 5086 aluminium is used to construct aircraft components that require strength and resistance to corrosion. Though it’s not as widely used as 6061 or 7075 aluminium, its corrosion resistance makes it ideal for parts exposed to moisture and salt air.
Offshore and Oil Platforms
Offshore platforms and oil rigs benefit from the corrosion resistance and durability of 5086 aluminium. It’s used in structural applications that are constantly exposed to saltwater and other corrosive elements.
Sizes and Dimensions of 5086 Aluminium Sheet
5086 aluminium sheet is available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to meet the diverse needs of different industries. The standard thicknesses for 5086 aluminium sheets typically range from 0.2 mm to 6 mm. However, custom sizes can often be provided based on a project’s specific requirements.
Common sheet sizes include:
- 1000 mm x 2000 mm
- 1250 mm x 2500 mm
- 1500 mm x 3000 mm
Larger custom dimensions can be manufactured for specific industrial applications where standard sheet sizes may not suffice.
Available Tempers of 5086 Aluminium Sheet
5086 aluminium is available in several tempers, each offering different levels of strength and formability. The most commonly used tempers include:
- H32: This temper provides a balance of strength and formability, making it one of the most popular choices for general-purpose applications.
- H34: Slightly stronger than H32, this temper is used where higher strength is required without compromising too much on formability.
- H111: This temper is used for applications where high formability is needed, as it provides the most flexibility for bending and shaping without cracking.
Why Choose 5086 Aluminium Sheet for Your Project?
5086 aluminium sheet offers a unique combination of durability, corrosion resistance, and weldability, making it a highly versatile material for various industrial applications. Here are a few reasons why choosing 5086 aluminium for your next project might be the best decision:
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: This product is best for marine, offshore, and coastal applications where exposure to seawater or other corrosive environments is unavoidable.
- Good Weldability: Whether you’re fabricating boat hulls or fuel tanks, 5086 maintains its mechanical properties after welding, making it easy to work with.
- Lightweight and Durable: Despite its moderate strength, 5086 remains lightweight, making it a suitable material for projects where reducing weight is critical.
- Available in a Range of Tempers and Sizes: The wide variety of tempers and sizes ensures that 5086 aluminium can meet the specific needs of almost any project, from small-scale components to large structural applications.
If you’re in the market for a reliable, corrosion-resistant, and durable material for your industrial or marine application, 5086 aluminium sheet is an excellent choice. Its combination of weldability, formability, and resistance to harsh environments makes it a top performer across various industries. Whether you’re working on a new shipbuilding project, an offshore platform, or even automotive components, 5086 aluminium offers the versatility and strength you need.
