Application of aluminum plate alloy in ships
Aluminum alloy is widely used in shipbuilding because of its light weight, corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. The performance of aluminum alloy directly affects the quality, durability and economy of ships. Since aluminum plate alloy has marine-grade performance, many aluminum alloys are suitable for shipbuilding, mainly 5xxx and 6xxx series.
Aluminum alloy elements and functions
Aluminum alloy is an alloy material formed by adding a certain amount of other alloying elements (such as copper, manganese, silicon, magnesium, zinc, etc.) to aluminum as the matrix. The addition of these alloying elements enables aluminum alloy to maintain the basic characteristics of aluminum such as light weight, good electrical and thermal conductivity, while also having higher strength, better casting and processing performance and excellent corrosion resistance. It is also because of this that it can be distinctive in shipbuilding.
The most suitable aluminum alloy type for shipbuilding
5XXX series aluminum alloy
The 5000 series aluminum alloy has low density and high strength, excellent weldability and corrosion resistance, and is a commonly used aluminum alloy type in shipbuilding. For example, 5052 aluminum alloy is widely used in the manufacture of ship and vehicle parts; 5083 aluminum alloy has a high magnesium content and is one of the strongest non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys, often used in ships and other high-strength applications; 5454 aluminum alloy is also the main material for manufacturing decks
6XXX series aluminum alloy
6000 series aluminum sheet metal has good processing and welding properties, as well as excellent corrosion resistance. 6061 aluminum alloy is widely used in structural applications; 6063 aluminum alloy is widely used in building profiles and window frames due to its good surface treatment characteristics, and this type of aluminum alloy is also commonly used in ship superstructures, such as portholes.
Marine 5083 aluminum plate
5083 alloy is known for its high tensile strength, which is essential for withstanding the loads and stresses encountered in the marine environment. 5083 alloy exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, especially in seawater, making it ideal for hulls and offshore applications. Excellent weldability can form strong and durable joints in ship construction. Even after welding, the alloy can still maintain most of its strength.
5086 Aluminum Alloy for Ships and Hulls
Aluminum sheet 5086 is similar in composition to 5083, but has a slightly different magnesium content (3.5-4.5%) and lower manganese content (0.2-0.7%). Slightly lower in strength than 5083, but still offers a good balance of strength and formability, and like 5083, 5086 performs very well in saltwater environments.
6061 Aluminum Alloy Marine Sheet
Aluminum sheet 6061 contains magnesium (0.8-1.2%), silicon (0.4-0.8%), and small amounts of copper, manganese, and chromium. Not as strong as the 5xxx series, but still offers adequate strength for many shipbuilding applications. Has good corrosion resistance, but is not as effective in marine environments as the 5xxx series alloys. 6061 is one of the few marine grade alloys that can be heat treated to improve strength and other mechanical properties. This alloy is easily machined and welded, and is widely used in the shipbuilding industry.