5083-H116 vs 5052-H32
5083-H116 and 5052-H32 are both non-heat-treatable, magnesium-rich 5xxx marine aluminums prized for saltwater resistance and weldability. The difference is magnesium content and strength: 5083 carries roughly 4.5% Mg and reaches ~317 MPa tensile / 228 MPa yield, while leaner 5052 (~2.5% Mg) sits near 228 MPa tensile / 193 MPa yield. 5052 forms and bends more easily; 5083 is the structural marine plate.
The verdict
Choose 5083-H116 for welded marine structures, hulls, and pressure-bearing plate where its higher ~228 MPa yield and superior weld strength matter. Choose 5052-H32 for formed sheet, fuel tanks, enclosures, and tight-radius bends where lower strength is fine and better formability plus lower cost wins.
Side-by-side data
| Property | 5083-H116 | 5052-H32 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.66 | 2.68 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 317 | 228 |
| Yield strength (MPa) | 228 | 193 |
| Elongation (%) | 16 | 12 |
| Hardness | 85 HB | 60 HB |
| Max service temp (°C) | 65 | 150 |
| Machinability | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Corrosion resistance | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Relative cost | ●●●●● | ●●●●● |
| Thermal cond. (W/m·K) | 117 | 138 |
| Typically used for | Marine hardware & weldments | Marine & formed/bent sheet parts |
Which should you choose?
Choose 5083-H116 when…
- Building welded marine hulls, decks, or hardware needing high as-welded strength
- Structural plate must hold ~228 MPa yield (vs 5052's ~193 MPa)
- Saltwater immersion or splash-zone service demands top-tier corrosion resistance (corrosion 4.5/5)
- Parts are thicker plate and forgings rather than thin formed sheet
- Exfoliation-resistant H116 temper is specified for shipbuilding
- Pressure-vessel or cryogenic tankage where 5083 is code-listed
Choose 5052-H32 when…
- Fabricating thin sheet parts with tight bends and deep draws
- Forming enclosures, brackets, fuel tanks, or trailer skins
- Lower cost (~2.0 vs 2.2 index) and easier press-brake work matter
- Marine-grade corrosion resistance is needed but full structural strength is not
- Sheet-metal-only processing fits the part (no heavy weldments)
- Lighter density (2.68 vs 2.66 g/cc, essentially equal) with simpler forming
Key differences that matter
- Strength: 5083 ~317 MPa tensile / 228 MPa yield vs 5052 ~228 MPa tensile / 193 MPa yield — 5083 is ~18% stronger in yield
- Both are non-heat-treatable; strength comes from magnesium content and strain hardening (H-temper), not aging
- 5083 carries ~4.5% Mg vs ~2.5% Mg in 5052, driving the strength and weld-strength gap
- 5052 forms and bends better (elongation 12% both, but lower strength eases tight radii) — it lists Sheet Metal processing primarily
- 5083 lists Sheet Metal, CNC, and Forging; it's the heavier-structure marine plate
- Corrosion: both excellent in seawater (5083 and 5052 both ~4.5/5); 5083's H116 temper specifically resists exfoliation
- Max service temp is limited for 5083 (~65°C listed) — avoid sustained heat above ~65–80°C to prevent sensitization in high-Mg alloys
Need 5083-H116 or 5052-H32 parts made?
Use our free tools to finalize your spec, then get a quote from a vetted factory.
Open the Material SelectorGet a Quote →Frequently asked questions
Is 5083 stronger than 5052 aluminum?
Yes. 5083-H116 reaches about 317 MPa tensile and 228 MPa yield, versus roughly 228 MPa tensile and 193 MPa yield for 5052-H32. The higher magnesium content (~4.5% vs ~2.5%) gives 5083 about 18% more yield strength and notably better as-welded strength, which is why it dominates structural marine plate.
Can you weld 5083 and 5052 aluminum?
Both weld excellently and are among the most weldable aluminums, since neither is heat-treatable and won't lose temper strength permanently at the weld. Use 5356 filler for both. 5083 retains higher strength in the weld zone, making it the preferred choice for structural and pressure-bearing marine weldments.
Which aluminum is better for marine use, 5083 or 5052?
Both are marine-grade with excellent saltwater corrosion resistance (~4.5/5). 5052 suits formed sheet parts like tanks and enclosures, while 5083 is the structural choice for hulls, decks, and welded plate where its higher strength matters. For immersed structural plate, 5083 is the standard.
Why is 5083 limited to low service temperatures?
High-magnesium 5xxx alloys like 5083 (~4.5% Mg) can sensitize with prolonged exposure above roughly 65–80°C, where magnesium precipitates at grain boundaries and creates susceptibility to intergranular and stress-corrosion attack in marine service. For sustained elevated-temperature duty, a 6xxx alloy is usually safer.
Property values are typical/nominal figures for early-stage guidance only and vary by temper, grade, supplier and heat treatment. Confirm critical specifications against a certified datasheet or with an mfgiq engineer before production.