What Is 5456 H116 Aluminum Plate?
Within the large aluminum alloy family, the 5xxx series (Al–Mg alloys) is widely recognized as true marine-grade material. Among them, 5456 aluminum alloy stands out as a high-strength representative due to its higher magnesium content. Compared with the commonly used 5083 aluminum plate, 5456 offers higher tensile and yield strength, making it more suitable for demanding ship structures.
The H116 temper represents a special strain-hardened and stabilized processing condition. Aluminum plates in this temper exhibit excellent resistance to exfoliation corrosion and intergranular corrosion. In simple terms, H116-treated aluminum can be regarded as having an invisible protective armor against harsh marine environments.
Marine Aluminum Plate - Technical Parameters
| Alloy | 5456 |
| Temper | H116 |
| Thickness Range | 3.0 - 50.0 mm |
| Width Range | 1000 - 2600 mm |
| Length Range | 2000 - 12000 mm |
| Density | ≈ 2.66 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 275 - 350 MPa |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥ 215 MPa |
| Elongation (A50) | ≥ 10% |
| Hardness (HB) | ≈ 80 |
| Applications | Hull plating, decks, bulkheads, offshore structures |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish / sandblasted / anodized |
| Classification Certification | DNV / ABS / BV / LR available |
| Supply Form | Supply Form |
| Packaging | Moisture-proof wooden cases or export pallets |
| MOQ | 1-3 tons |
Key Advantages of 5456 H116 Marine Aluminum Plate
1. Exceptional Seawater Corrosion Resistance
Exhibits outstanding stability in salt spray and seawater immersion environments. Its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion is superior to 5083 and 5086, making it ideal for long-term marine service.
2. Outstanding High-Strength Performance
With tensile strength up to ≈ 350 MPa, about 10-15% higher than 5083, it fully meets the mechanical requirements of hulls, decks, and bulkheads.
3. Excellent Weldability
Low susceptibility to welding cracks and high weld-joint strength retention. Suitable for fully welded ship structures and modular shipbuilding.
4. Lightweight & Non-Magnetic
Density is only about one-third of steel, significantly reducing vessel weight and improving speed and fuel efficiency. Its non-magnetic nature prevents interference with marine compasses, making it ideal for mine countermeasure vessels.
5. Superior Low-Temperature Toughness
Maintains good toughness even at -196°C, suitable for low-temperature tanks and LNG-related ship structures.
Typical Applications in Shipbuilding
1. Hull Structures (Primary Hull)
Hull plating, bottom plates, side shells: withstand seawater pressure, wave impact, and corrosion; 5456-H116 ensures long-term structural safety.
Bulkheads, decks, platforms: main load-bearing and partition structures; excellent weldability supports modular construction.
Double bottoms and side tanks: used in ballast water tanks and fuel tanks, resistant to both seawater and oil media.
2. Superstructures (Deckhouses & Bridges)
Widely used in the superstructures of naval vessels, commercial ships, and yachts, significantly reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity.
Suitable for bridges, command rooms, and accommodation spaces, offering high stiffness and airtightness after welding.
3. Military and Special-Purpose Vessels
Mine countermeasure vessels: non-magnetic property prevents triggering magnetic mines.
Landing craft, patrol boats, high-speed vessels: combine strength, lightweight design, and corrosion resistance to improve speed and maneuverability.
Auxiliary naval ships and offshore engineering vessels: used in machinery foundations, hatch coamings, and cargo tank structures.
4. Marine Fittings and Outfitting Components
Hatch covers, ventilation ducts, handrails, ladders, pipe supports, and seawater piping systems-corrosion-resistant and easy to fabricate.
Comparison with Other Marine Aluminum Alloys
| Alloy | Strength | Seawater Corrosion Resistance | Weldability | Typical Applications |
| 5456-H116 | High (≈350 MPa) | Excellent | Excellent | Hulls, decks, bulkheads, superstructures, naval vessels |
| 5083-H116 | Medium-high (≈310 MPa) | Good | Excellent | Commercial ships, fishing vessels, general structures |
| 5086-H116 | Medium (≈290 MPa) | Good | Good | Secondary structures, outfitting components |
Application Notes and Precautions for 5456 H116 Marine Aluminum Plate
Welding Practice: Recommended filler wires include 5556 or 5356. Control heat input to minimize residual stress and intergranular corrosion risks.
Surface Protection: For long-term service, anodizing, epoxy coatings, or sacrificial anode protection is recommended to further extend service life.
Stress Corrosion Control: Although H116 temper is stabilized and less sensitive than other cold-worked tempers, welding residual stresses should still be properly managed in high-stress seawater environments.
Manufacturer Capability & Certifications
MC Aluminum is a professional marine aluminum manufacturer. Our 5456 H116 aluminum plates are typically supplied in thicknesses from 3.0 mm to 50 mm, with widths up to 3100 mm. Specific dimensions are selected based on ship design, vessel size, and application area.
We can provide classification certificates from CCS, LR, NK, BV, and ABS.
Original Source: https://www.marinealum.com/a/5456-h116-aluminum-plate-for-boat-building.html
Tag: 5456 marine aluminum 5456 H116 marine aluminum marine aluminum plate marine-grade aluminum sheet 5456 aluminum plate shipbuilding aluminum plate class-certified aluminum plate marine aluminum manufacturer 5083 marine aluminum
