Aluminum sheet o temper 5086
Aluminum sheet O temper 5086 occupies a unique space in the realm of high-performance aluminum alloys—offering remarkable strength, corrosion resistance, and versatile formability.
What is Aluminum Sheet 5086 O Temper?
The 5086 aluminum alloy belongs to the 5xxx series which is primarily magnesium-based. Specifically, 5086 is one of the highest strength alloys in this series with excellent anti-corrosive properties, making it a favorite for applications in harsh environments, notably marine and auto industries.
O temper denotes the annealed condition—meaning the material has been heat treated to soften the metal without significantly altering its microstructure. In this condition, the aluminum reclaims maximum ductility and formability while maintaining moderate strength.
Functions of Aluminum 5086-O
Formability: The O temper highlights the material's flexibility, allowing it to be cold-formed easily into complex shapes without cracking or fracturing—ideal for advanced manufacturing requirements.
Corrosion Resistance: The magnesium content (around 4-5%) enhances 5086’s resistance particularly in seawater and industrial atmospheres. Being in O temper avoids the re-straining introduced by work hardening treatments, preserving uniform corrosion-resistant layers.
Structural Strength: Even in the soft annealed O temper, 5086 reveals commendable mechanical properties compared to many 1xxx or 3xxx series alloys.
Weldability: The alloy retains excellent weldability through TIG, MIG, and resistance welding methods without compensating structural integrity.
Chemical Composition and Technical Parameters
| Element | Typical % Range |
|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 4.0 – 4.9 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.2 – 0.7 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05 – 0.25 |
| Iron (Fe) | Max 0.4 |
| Silicon (Si) | Max 0.4 |
| Copper (Cu) | Max 0.1 |
| Zinc (Zn) | Max 0.25 |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder (~93.8 min) |
As per standards like ASTM B209 and EN 485-2, the chemical limits are tightly controlled to ensure consistent performance and quality.
Mechanical Properties of 5086 Aluminum Sheet O Temper
| Mechanical Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | ~17,000 psi (117 MPa) |
| Tensile Strength | ~30,000 psi (207 MPa) |
| Elongation at Break | ≥12% (varies with thickness) |
| Brinell Hardness | Typically around 35 HB |
Notably, mechanical attributes differ somewhat with thickness due to work-hardening constraints and annealing procedures but remain relatively stable in O temper.
Implementation Standards
The fabrication and testing of 5086 aluminum sheets under O temper typically comply with:
- ASTM B209: Specification for aluminum and aluminum-alloy sheet and plate.
- AA Standard DOI: Verification method for alloy classifications.
- DIN EN 485-2: Aluminum and aluminum alloys - sheet, strip and plates mechanical properties.
- AWS D1.2: Welding code suitable for aluminum alloys like 5086 (critical in fabricating marine and automotive components).
Ensuring compliance with these standards guarantees reliability, durability, and secure traceability throughout the production chain.
Alloy Tempering Process: What Does "O Temper" Mean?
The temper designation system uses distinct codes to describe the heat-treatment or work-history states:
- O Temper (Annealed): The metal undergoes heat treatment involving reaching an elevated temperature followed by slow cooling. This treatment relieves internal stresses and brings the alloy to its softest (most ductile) state without increasing strength.
In practical usage, O temper offers maximum malleability and ease of forming, a prized feature in custom shaping for hulls, automotive panels, and other components that require multiple rounding or bending steps.
Applications of Aluminum Sheet 5086-O Temper
Thanks to its balanced characteristics, 5086 sheet in O temper performs optimally across multiple sectors:
Marine Industry: Its famous corrosion resistance combined with moderate strength and formability makes it unique for shipbuilding, hull plating, offshore structures, and vehicle ramps. The alloy withstands extended exposure to saltwater and marine atmosphere better than many alternatives.
Transportation & Automotive: Used in truck trailer parts, fuel tanks, bus bodies, and other structural automotive paneling requiring shape complexity.
Architecture & Construction: Leveraged in decorative panels, roofing applications, and protective exterior cladding where corrosion resistance enhances longevity.
Pressure Vessels: Annealed 5086 is often used in air tanks and cryogenic vessels because of its ability to tolerate stress without compromising integrity.
Food & Chemical Processing Equipment: The alloy's corrosion resistance protects stainless steel or carbon steel inclined equipment in various fabrication and storage roles.
