5383 Marine Aluminum Plate

  • 2026-01-01 15:18:26

5383 marine aluminum plate is a high‑strength, corrosion‑resistant aluminum‑magnesium alloy designed for demanding shipbuilding and offshore environments. With superior weldability, excellent seawater resistance, and stable mechanical properties in both thin and thick gauges, 5383 is ideal for hull plating, decks, superstructures, and high‑load marine components where long-term durability and weight reduction are critical.

5383 is a specialized marine‑grade aluminum alloy developed as an enhanced alternative to the widely used 5083 alloy. By optimizing its magnesium content and trace elements, 5383 delivers:

  • Higher yield and tensile strength than standard 5083
  • Improved resistance to stress‑corrosion cracking and pitting in seawater
  • Stable performance after welding and forming

Its combination of lightweight construction, strong structural capability, and long service life makes 5383 a preferred solution for modern shipyards targeting lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance.

Features & Benefits

FeatureBenefit in Marine Service
High strength-to-weight ratioEnables thinner plates, reduces vessel weight, improves speed and fuel efficiency
Excellent seawater corrosion resistanceExtends hull and deck life, minimizes protective coating and repair costs
Superior weldabilityClean, crack‑resistant welds with minimal loss of strength in heat‑affected zones
Good fatigue resistanceReliable under cyclic wave loading and vibration
Enhanced performance over 5083Higher proof strength and better structural margins, especially in high‑load regions
Non‑heat‑treatable alloyProperties achieved via cold work; stable in service, no overaging risk
Good formabilitySuitable for curved hull sections, decks, and superstructure panels
Wide size availabilityFrom thin sheet for interiors to thick plate for hulls, keels, and stiffeners

Typical Applications in the Marine Industry

Application AreaTypical Use of 5383 Plate
Ship hull structuresBottom shell, side shell, bow sections, stern structures, bilge strakes
Decks & superstructuresMain decks, weather decks, bridge decks, accommodation blocks, wheelhouses
High‑speed vesselsPatrol boats, fast ferries, crew boats, workboats requiring light yet strong hulls
Offshore structuresHelidecks, platforms walkways, accommodation modules, gangways
Naval & defense craftCorrosion‑resistant hulls and decks with improved structural performance
Ramps & vehicle decksRo‑Ro ramps, loading platforms, car decks with high fatigue and impact loading
Tanks & enclosuresBallast tanks, fresh‑water tanks, protective housings, enclosures for marine equipment
Inland watercraftRiver boats, barges, service vessels requiring low maintenance and long service life

Chemical Composition of 5383 Alloy

Typical composition values; specific limits may vary by standard (e.g., EN, ASTM, or classification society rules).

ElementTypical Range (%)Function / Effect
Mg4.3 – 5.2Primary strengthening element; enhances corrosion resistance in seawater
Mn0.4 – 1.0Improves strength, grain refinement, and toughness
Si≤ 0.40Controlled to maintain weldability and toughness
Fe≤ 0.40Kept low to avoid loss of corrosion resistance and ductility
Cr0.05 – 0.25Contributes to resistance against stress‑corrosion cracking
Ti≤ 0.15Grain refiner, helps maintain uniform mechanical properties
Cu≤ 0.10Restricted to maintain exceptional corrosion resistance
Zn≤ 0.25Limited to avoid susceptibility to stress‑corrosion cracking
Others≤ 0.05 each / 0.15 totalTrace elements maintained within strict limits
AlBalanceBase metal providing low density and natural oxide protection

Temper Designations and Processing

5383 is a non‑heat‑treatable aluminum‑magnesium alloy. Strength is achieved primarily through cold work (strain hardening). The most common tempers for marine plate are:

TemperDescriptionTypical Use Case in Marine Construction
OAnnealed, softest conditionTight forming, complex curvature, deep drawing, subsequent welding
H111Slightly strain‑hardenedGeneral hull plating and deck where good forming and welding are needed
H116Strain‑hardened, low‑temperature stabilized; optimized for marine serviceHull and deck plating in continuous seawater exposure
H321Strain‑hardened and stabilizedHighly stressed structural regions requiring stable mechanical properties

The H116 and H321 tempers are commonly specified by ship classification societies (such as BV, DNV, ABS, LR) for critical marine structures.

Mechanical Properties of 5383 Marine Plate

Indicative values at room temperature; actual properties depend on thickness, temper, and specification.

Typical Mechanical Properties (Plate, ~10–25 mm)

PropertyUnit5383‑H116 / H321 (Typical)
Tensile strength, RmMPa300 – 340
0.2% proof strength, Rp0.2MPa200 – 260
Elongation (A50)%10 – 16
Brinell hardness (HBW)85 – 100
Modulus of elasticityGPa~70
Poisson’s ratio~0.33
Densityg/cm³~2.66

Physical & Thermal Characteristics

ParameterValue / RangeNotes
Melting range~570 – 640 °CTypical for Al‑Mg alloys
Thermal conductivity~120 – 135 W/m·KAssists in rapid heat dissipation in marine structures
Electrical conductivity~28 – 32 % IACSLower than pure Al due to Mg and other alloying elements
Coefficient of thermal expansion~23 × 10⁻⁶ /K (20–100 °C)Important for joint design and mixed‑material structures

Plate Dimensions and Supply Range

Supply capabilities vary by mill and classification requirements, but typical commercial offerings are:

ParameterTypical Range
Thickness3 – 80 mm (marine plate focus)
Width1000 – 3000 mm
Length2000 – 12000 mm
Surface conditionMill finish, shot‑blasted, primed (on request)
Edge conditionMill edge, saw‑cut, or machined edges

Custom dimensions and pre‑cut shapes for panels, bulkheads, and formed hull sections are often supplied to reduce fabrication time at the shipyard.

Weldability and Joining Performance

5383 is specifically engineered for excellent weldability using standard marine welding processes.

AspectDetails
Recommended processesMIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), friction stir welding (FSW)
Typical filler metals5356, 5183, or compatible Al‑Mg fillers suited for marine exposure
Weld strengthHigh joint efficiency, particularly with 5183 filler
Heat‑affected zoneLimited softening; properties remain suitable for primary structures
Post‑weld treatmentNormally no heat treatment required; straightening and inspection as standard

In practice, 5383 demonstrates improved post‑weld strength compared with conventional 5083, allowing more confident use in high‑load hull and deck joints.

Corrosion Resistance in Marine Environments

The alloy’s high magnesium content, controlled iron and copper levels, and appropriate stabilizing elements contribute to excellent resistance in:

EnvironmentPerformance of 5383 Plate
Open seawater (immersed)Very good resistance to pitting and general corrosion
Splash and tidal zonesStrong performance under cyclic wet‑dry conditions
Marine atmosphere and salt fogLow corrosion rate; suitable for decks and superstructures
Brackish and harbor watersReliable service with standard marine coatings and maintenance
Galvanic coupling with steelRequires proper insulation and coating to prevent bimetallic attack

A suitable paint or coating system is still recommended for hulls and decks to further extend life, especially in abrasive conditions or where fouling control is required.

Formability, Machinability, and Fabrication

PropertyCharacteristics in 5383
FormabilityGood; H111 and O tempers allow tight bending and rolling for hull curvature
MachinabilityComparable to other Al‑Mg alloys; clean cutting with correct tooling
CuttingPlasma, waterjet, laser (for thinner gauges), and mechanical cutting
Surface prepDegreasing and light brushing or blasting prior to welding and coating

The alloy’s balance of strength and ductility supports efficient fabrication with minimal risk of cracking during forming or welding.

Comparison: 5383 vs 5083 for Marine Use

Property / Aspect5383 Marine Plate5083 Marine Plate
Strength (yield)HigherStandard baseline for Al‑Mg marine
Weld strength retentionImprovedGood, but generally lower than 5383
Corrosion resistanceExcellent, optimized for marineExcellent
Typical tempers for hull plateH116 / H321H116 / H321
Structural efficiencyHigher due to improved strengthVery good
Application trendIncreasing use in new buildsWidely used, benchmark alloy

Shipyards often choose 5383 where classification and design rules allow, to reduce structural weight or to gain additional safety margins without increasing thickness.

Why Choose 5383 Marine Aluminum Plate

For shipbuilders, naval architects, and offshore engineers aiming to balance safety, performance, and lifecycle cost, 5383 marine aluminum plate offers a highly effective solution:

  • Supports lighter, faster, and more fuel‑efficient vessels
  • Delivers reliable long‑term corrosion resistance in harsh seawater conditions
  • Provides excellent weldability and structural performance after fabrication
  • Compatible with established marine design practices and classification standards

By upgrading from traditional alloys to 5383, marine projects can achieve higher structural efficiency and more durable service, particularly in demanding hull and deck applications.

author image
Lucy

5383 marine aluminum plate is a high‑strength, corrosion‑resistant aluminum‑magnesium alloy designed for demanding shipbuilding and offshore environments. With superior weldability, excellent seawater resistance, and .

Leave a Message

Related Products

Marine 5086 aluminum plate

5086 Aluminum Plate belongs to the 5xxx series of aluminum-magnesium alloys. Its hallmark is a high magnesium content—generally between 4.0% and 4.9%—which delivers enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly against saltwater and marine atmospheric conditions.

View Details
Marine 5059 aluminum plate

Marine 5059 Aluminum Plate is distinguished by its high magnesium content and carefully balanced alloying elements, designed to maximize strength without compromising corrosion resistance.

View Details
Marine heavy duty aluminum plate

Marine Heavy Duty Aluminum Plates Sheets generally refer to thick aluminum alloy plates and heavy gauge sheets produced from marine-grade alloys such as 5083, 5086, 5059, and 5383.

View Details

Related Blog

5083 marine aluminum sheet plate

5083 marine aluminum sheet plate has established itself as a standard reference in the maritime industry, thanks to its exceptional combination of performance, versatility, and durability.

View Details
Marine Aluminum Alloy Plate 5052 5083 6061

Marine environments pose extreme challenges—constant exposure to saltwater corrosion, mechanical stresses, and environmental fluctuations demand materials that combine strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.

View Details
11 mm thick marine aluminium plate 5083

Marine industries demand materials that offer exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and durability under harsh environmental conditions. The 11 mm thick marine aluminium plate 5083 is specifically designed to meet these rigorous standards.

View Details