Marine 5059 Aluminum Sheets are advanced high-strength aluminum alloy plates engineered specifically for marine applications demanding superior corrosion resistance, exceptional mechanical properties, and excellent durability in harsh seawater environments. As part of the 5000 series aluminum-magnesium alloys, 5059 alloy offers significantly enhanced strength compared to traditional marine alloys such as 5083 and 5086, making it ideal for demanding structural components on ships, offshore platforms, and specialized marine equipment.
5059 aluminum alloy is a strain-hardened material with a unique addition of magnesium and chromium, which provides outstanding resistance to localized corrosion like pitting and stress corrosion cracking. It is recognized for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, weldability, and formability, offering marine designers and engineers new opportunities to reduce structural weight while maintaining safety and durability.
Marine 5059 Aluminum Sheets are produced via precise hot and cold rolling methods to achieve uniform thickness, excellent surface finish, and dimensional accuracy, ensuring seamless integration into marine structures and assemblies.
Features and Benefits
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| High Strength | Tensile strength significantly higher than conventional marine alloys (e.g., 5083, 5086) | Enables lighter, thinner structural components without sacrificing strength |
| Excellent Corrosion Resistance | Superior resistance to seawater corrosion and stress corrosion cracking due to refined magnesium and chromium content | Longer service life in harsh marine environments |
| Weldability | Compatible with common welding techniques such as TIG, MIG, and resistance welding without loss of mechanical properties or corrosion resistance | Simplifies fabrication and onsite repair |
| Good Formability | Good cold formability despite high strength | Allows complex shaping to meet custom marine design needs |
| Lightweight Construction | Low density (~2.66 g/cm³) combined with strength optimizes weight savings | Improves fuel efficiency and payload capacity |
| Fatigue Resistance | Maintains mechanical integrity under cyclic loading | Ideal for dynamic marine applications subjected to vibration and stress |
Chemical Composition
The chemical makeup of Marine 5059 Aluminum Sheets is tailored to maximize corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.
| Element | Typical Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 5.8 – 6.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.35 – 0.55 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.2 – 0.7 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.4 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.35 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.1 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.25 |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.1 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
Marine 5059 aluminum sheets are supplied mainly in strain-hardened tempers such as H131, H136, and H321, balancing strength and ductility for marine structural applications.
| Property | 5059-H131 | 5059-H136 | 5059-H321 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 380 - 430 | 400 - 460 | 370 - 420 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 240 - 300 | 260 - 310 | 230 - 290 |
| Elongation (%) | 8 - 12 | 7 - 10 | 9 - 14 |
| Brinell Hardness (HB) | 110 - 130 | 115 - 135 | 105 - 125 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.66 | 2.66 | 2.66 |
Manufacturing and Available Sizes
Marine 5059 Aluminum Sheets are produced using controlled hot rolling followed by cold rolling to enhance mechanical properties and surface finish quality. Thickness ranges typically from 2 mm up to 12 mm, with standard sheet widths between 1000 mm and 2000 mm. Custom sizes and cutting services are available to accommodate project-specific requirements.
The sheets generally come with a smooth mill finish but can be anodized or coated to suit aesthetic and additional protective requirements.
Corrosion Resistance and Surface Protection
5059 aluminum exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to marine environments, particularly against pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking. Its protective oxide film is stable even under continuous exposure to saltwater.
Additional surface treatments can further enhance durability:
Anodizing: Increases surface hardness and corrosion protection with optional coloring.
Powder Coating or Marine Paint: Provides UV resistance and custom appearance.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection: Suggested to prolong service life and maintain aesthetics.
Fabrication Guidelines
Welding: Use compatible filler alloys and controlled heat input; 5059 retains corrosion resistance and strength along welded joints with proper techniques.
Forming: Suitable for cold bending and shaping, although allowances must be made for the alloy’s high strength. Pre-bending tests are recommended for complex geometries.
Cutting: Precision cutting methods such as laser, plasma, or water jet offer smooth edges and minimal post-processing.
Joining: Compatible with marine-grade fasteners and adhesives where applicable.
Typical Marine Applications
High-strength hull plating and deck panels on naval and commercial ships
Offshore oil and gas platform structural components
Passenger ferry and yacht superstructure panels
Specialized marine equipment requiring high strength and corrosion resistance
Submarine and underwater vehicle hulls and components
Coastal construction elements exposed to seawater spray or direct immersion
Maintenance Recommendations
Marine 5059 Aluminum Sheets require minimal maintenance due to their inherent corrosion resistance but following best practices extends their service life:
Frequent rinsing with fresh water to remove salt and debris.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or mechanical abrasion.
Regular inspections for physical damage and surface integrity, especially at welded or joined areas.
Touch-up coatings or anodizing renewal when necessary to maintain optimal protection.
Marine 5059 Aluminum Sheets represent a cutting-edge solution for demanding offshore and marine applications where conventional alloys may fall short in strength or corrosion resistance. Their advanced chemical formulation, superior mechanical properties, and excellent fabrication capabilities make them a top choice for modern naval architects, marine engineers, and offshore fabricators seeking durable and lightweight construction materials.
We offer Marine 5059 Aluminum Sheets in customizable sizes, thicknesses, and tempers tailored to your marine project needs. For technical assistance, catalog specifications, pricing, and delivery schedules, please reach out to our expert sales and engineering teams.
