5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

5083 cast aluminum plate is a type of aluminum sheet produced using 5083 aluminum alloy as the base material through a casting process.

5083 Aluminum Plate adopts precision casting technology, enabling a high degree of surface flatness (such as ultra-flat precision cast aluminum plate), meeting the requirements for one-piece forming of complex structural parts, while retaining the raw material’s fatigue resistance and good cold workability.

5083 cast aluminum plate is a non-heat-treatable aluminum-magnesium alloy, delivered in the form of fine-grained precision ground plates. It combines high strength, excellent corrosion resistance in marine and chemical environments, good weldability and machinability, as well as dimensional stability, making it an ideal choice for ship hulls, tooling and fixture plates, architectural cladding, and industrial components.

5083 cast aluminum plate belongs to the 5000 series aluminum-magnesium alloys, known for its strengthening mechanism achieved through cold working and solution treatment rather than precipitation hardening. Casting and subsequent precision grinding can produce stress-free plates with strict dimensional control and flatness tolerance typically within ±0.005 inches, which is crucial for tooling and fixture applications.

5083 cast aluminum plate is a high-performance aluminum-magnesium alloy, widely recognized for its excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility under harsh conditions.

5083 cast aluminum plate is a cost-effective solution suitable for applications that require a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability. It is applicable in marine, industrial, and military fields, and has been certified for specialized use, making it a preferred choice for engineers and manufacturers.

5083 Cast Aluminum Plate Chemical Composition

Typical Alloying Elements

• Aluminium (Al): Balance (≈92.6–95.6 wt %)
• Magnesium (Mg): 4.0–4.9 wt %
• Manganese (Mn): 0.4–1.0 wt %
• Chromium (Cr): 0.05–0.25 wt %
• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.4 wt %
• Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.4 wt %
• Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.1 wt %
• Titanium (Ti): ≤ 0.15 wt %
• Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.25 wt %

Physical Properties of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

• Density: 2.66–2.65 g/cm³
• Melting Point: ≈570 °C
• Elastic Modulus: ≈70–72 GPa
• Thermal Conductivity: 110–130 W/m·K
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: ≈23.3–25 × 10⁻⁶/K
• Electrical Resistivity: ≈0.58 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m

Mechanical Properties of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

• Ultimate Tensile Strength: 290–317 MPa (42–46 ksi)
• Yield Strength (0.2% offset): 145–228 MPa (21–33 ksi)
• Elongation at Break: 12–23% (varies with temper)
• Hardness (Vickers): ~70–75 HV
• Fracture Toughness: ≈43 MPa·m^½
• Fatigue Strength (R = -1): ≈159 MPa

Common Tempers and Certifications of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

• H116/H321: Marine-grade tempers with excellent corrosion resistance, certified by classification societies (ABS, DNV, LR, etc.).
• H131/H32: Used for armor plates, compliant with MIL-DTL-46027 military vehicle and ballistic protection standards.
• O (Annealed): Offers high ductility (14%), suitable for forming low-temperature tanks and pressure vessels.
• H111: Stress-relieved to ensure dimensional stability for tooling and fixtures.

Corrosion Resistance of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

Due to its high magnesium content and fine-grain structure, 5083 exhibits excellent resistance to seawater, industrial chemicals, and marine atmospheres. It is widely used in hulls, offshore platforms, and pressure vessels where chloride-induced pitting is a concern.

Manufacturing, Machinability, and Weldability of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

5083 cast plate can be easily machined using conventional methods, with moderate machinability (machinability index approximately 30%) and excellent surface finish after precision grinding. It is fully weldable using all standard methods (MIG, TIG, FSW), retaining high post-weld strength with minimal softening in the heat-affected zone. It is especially suitable for friction stir welding, preserving microstructure and reducing distortion. Additionally, it can be anodized to form a uniform oxide layer that enhances conductivity and provides decorative or protective finishes.

Standards and Specifications for 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

Aluminum plates and sheets are typically supplied according to ASTM B209 and ASME SB 209 standards, with the Unified Numbering System designation UNS A95083. Temper designations include O (annealed), H111, and H112, indicating slight strain hardening to enhance formability or strength.

Typical Applications of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

• Tooling and Fixtures: Precision-ground base plates for CNC milling, die-casting molds, and precision jigs
• Architecture: Exterior walls, curtain walls, canopies, and decorative panels (due to weather resistance and aesthetics)
• Industry: Storage tanks, pressure vessels, conveyor chutes, and food machinery components (compliant with food contact standards)
• Transportation: Trailer floors, truck bodies, bus frames, and lightweight structural panels
• Marine: Hulls, decks, brackets, and offshore platforms

Manufacturing Advantages of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

• Dimensional Stability: Precision milling with tolerances down to ±0.2 mm, minimizing warping during processing.
• Surface Finish: Mold plates with surface roughness (Ra) as low as 0.4 microns, suitable for CNC machining and mold manufacturing.
• Custom Dimensions: Thicknesses up to 600 mm and widths up to 2200 mm, meeting large-scale industrial demands.

Availability and Supply Forms of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

5083 cast aluminum plates are available in thicknesses from 5 mm to 200 mm or more, widths up to 2.5 meters, and lengths customizable per customer requirements. Both sides of the plate are precision ground, typically with protective plastic film, and custom sizing, milling, or chamfering services are available.

Quality Assurance and Heat Treatment of 5083 Cast Aluminum Plate

5083 ATP plates from Ellwood Specialty Metals are rigorously certified, featuring extremely high flatness (<0.001 inch/12 inch), internal stress relief, and grain refinement to minimize warping. All products undergo ultrasonic inspection, hardness verification, and chemical analysis in accordance with ISO/ASTM standards.

Combining strength, corrosion resistance, weldability, and precise flatness, 5083 cast aluminum plate is widely used in demanding applications in marine, industrial, architectural, and mold manufacturing fields. It offers engineers a reliable and cost-effective material solution for harsh environments and precision projects.

Comparison with Other Alloys