Marine aluminum is aluminum alloys which can be used in shipbuilding industry with high corrosion resistance characters and durable ability.the common thickness of marine aluminum is 2.5-40mm, and the width is 1350-2500mm.
Marine aluminum alloys (AAs) of 5xxx and 6xxx are employed in marine construction and shipbuilding, particularly in the construction of hulls, superstructures, and deck panels of ships due to their high strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance characteristics. Fabrication of these structures often poses serious threats during the joining (welding) as these alloys exhibit a vast difference in chemical and mechanical properties. Moreover, corrosion of these alloys in marine atmosphere is also a serious issue. The objective of this paper is to present a review on the use of potential AAs for marine applications. Furthermore, serious challenges faced during the fabrication of these alloys are also highlighted in this article. Thus, this article will be of great help to researchers and academicians in finding answers to the problems faced during marine vehicle fabrication. The important characteristics, application, and problems faced while fabricating these alloys are collectively addressed in the present manuscript.
Aluminum Grade-Temper |
General |
Yield strength (psi) |
Ultimate Tensile Strength (psi) |
Workability |
Weldability |
5052-H32 |
Marine grade. Most suited for forming operations, very good corrosion resistance. Suitable for fresh water and trailered boats. |
28,000 |
33,000 12% elong. |
Fair |
Good |
5083-H321 (Recommend H116) |
Marine grade. The highest strength non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy in commercial use. It retains excellent tensile strength in the weld zone. Excellent corrosion resistance. Suitable for salt water or fresh |
33,000 |
46,000 16% elong. |
Good |
Excellent |
5086-H32 |
Marine grade. Medium to high strength non-heat-treatable alloy. More formable than 5083. Excellent corrosion resistance. Most often used to build boat hulls (in addition to 5052 or 6061) due to stress corrosion cracking resistance. Best alloy for salt water. |
30,000 |
42,000 12% elong. |
Excellent |
Good |
6061-T6 |
Marine grade, often used as stiffeners to build boat hulls and other components. The most often used aluminum alloy for its strength, heat treatability, workability and weldability. |
40,000 |
45,000 17% elong. |
Good |
Good |
Marine aluminum manufacturers recommend
Marine aluminum is so popular in the market, and there are not many manufacturers that can produce it. Due to the disparity in technical strength and product quality of different manufacturers, it is very important to choose reliable manufacturers. Mingtai Aluminum is a professional marine grade aluminum plate factory. It started in 1997 and has become one of the top ten aluminum sheet and foil companies in China, and one of the top 500 private enterprises in China. There are four main reasons for recommending Mingtai:
Strong strength:Mingtai Aluminum is a large-scale modern aluminum processing enterprise integrating scientific research, processing and manufacturing. It is a listed company with a factory area of 1.3 million square meters, more than 5,000 online employees, and multiple processing equipment.
Excellent quality:The marine aluminum plate produced by the company has reliable quality, clean oil removal, fewer pinholes, good product shape, no deformation during cutting, and easy to fall off.
Low price: Mingtai is adjacent to the source of raw materials. It has its own power plant and large-scale production. The cost is 30-80% lower than its peers. The price advantage is obvious.
Good reputation:Mingtai has been focusing on marine aluminum processing for 20 years with the heart of a craftsman. Over the years, it has built a reputation for quality and forged a brand with integrity. At present, Mingtai products have gained international reputation.