Aluminum Alloys 5083 vs 6082 vs 7075

Property	5083 (H116/H321)	6082 (T6)	7075 (T6)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	275-350	290-340	510-570
Yield Strength (MPa)	125-215	240-280	430-480
Elongation (%)	10-17	8-12	5-11
Hardness (Brinell)	~75	~95	~150

Corrosion Resistance

• 5083 – Exceptional resistance to seawater and industrial chemicals. Ideal for marine and offshore structures.

• 6082 – Very good corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric and mild marine conditions.

• 7075 – Lower corrosion resistance compared to 5xxx and 6xxx series; usually requires anodizing or coating in harsh environments.

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Weldability

• 5083 – Excellent weldability; retains most of its strength after welding.

• 6082 – Good weldability, but heat-affected zones may see some strength reduction.

• 7075 – Poor weldability using conventional fusion methods due to susceptibility to cracking and loss of mechanical properties in the weld zone.

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Machinability

• 5083 – Fair machinability; softer than 6xxx and 7xxx series, requiring sharp tooling for clean finishes.

• 6082 – Good machinability, making it a preferred choice for CNC machining and structural components.

• 7075 – Excellent machinability; produces clean chips and smooth finishes, ideal for precision parts.

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Typical Applications

5083

• Shipbuilding hulls and decks.

• Offshore platforms.

• Pressure vessels and cryogenic tanks.

• Vehicle bodies for salt-rich environments.

6082

• Bridges and structural frameworks.

• Transport and crane components.

• Offshore structures with moderate load requirements.

• Machined parts for industrial machinery.

7075

• Aerospace components (fuselage frames, wing spars).

• Defense and military hardware.

• High-performance automotive and racing parts.

• Sporting goods like climbing equipment and bicycle frames.

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Heat Treatment

• 5083 – Non-heat-treatable; strength is improved by work hardening.

• 6082 – Heat-treatable to T6 or T651 temper for higher strength.

• 7075 – Heat-treatable; T6 temper offers maximum strength for structural applications.

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Strength-to-Weight Ratio

• 5083 – Good balance for marine and structural use where corrosion resistance is more critical than extreme strength.

• 6082 – Offers a strong combination of strength and weight savings for general engineering applications.

• 7075 – Superior strength-to-weight ratio, ideal for aerospace and defense where weight is critical.

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Cost Considerations

• 5083 – Moderate cost due to non-heat-treatable processing and widespread availability.

• 6082 – Slightly higher cost than 5083, reflecting its strength and machinability.

• 7075 – Most expensive due to high alloy content, heat treatment, and specialized applications.

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Selecting the Right Alloy

When choosing between 5083, 6082, and 7075, consider the following:

1. Corrosion Environment – For full marine immersion, 5083 is best.

2. Strength Requirements – For maximum strength, choose 7075.

3. Fabrication Method – For welding and forming, 5083 or 6082 is preferable.

4. Machining Needs – For precision CNC work, 6082 and 7075 are ideal.

5. Budget – If cost is a major factor, 5083 provides great value for marine-grade applications.

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Conclusion

Aluminum alloys 5083, 6082, and 7075 each bring distinct advantages to specific applications. 5083 is unmatched for corrosion resistance in marine environments, 6082 provides an excellent balance of strength and workability for structural uses, and 7075 offers superior strength for aerospace and defense.

With deep expertise in aluminum supply, sasaaluminum provides these grades in multiple forms and tempers, ensuring customers get the optimal material for their performance and budget requirements. By understanding the differences between these alloys, industries can make informed choices that maximize product lifespan, safety, and efficiency.