5456 Aluminum Properties
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5456 aluminum alloy is a forged aluminum-magnesium alloy known for its excellent weldability and stability. We offer sheet materials, plate materials, and custom extrusions that meet ASTM B928 and B209 standards.
5456 aluminum is a member of the 5000 series aluminum-magnesium alloys, renowned for its outstanding corrosion resistance and weldability. This alloy is widely used in structural, marine, and pressure vessel applications.
5456 aluminum alloy is a forged aluminum-magnesium alloy designed to achieve structural integrity and corrosion resistance in harsh environments. This alloy is an ideal choice for marine applications, offering excellent weldability and stability even in high-magnesium conditions. Sheet materials, plate materials, and custom extrusions that meet ASTM B928 and B209 standards are available.
5456 Aluminum Features
5456 aluminum is a non-heat-treatable forged alloy, primarily alloyed with magnesium.
- High corrosion resistance: especially in marine and industrial environments.
- Good strength and weldability: making it suitable for welded structures.
- Low-temperature strengthening: its performance can even improve at subzero temperatures.
5456 Aluminum Chemical Composition
This alloy typically contains:
- Aluminum (Al): 93.9%
- Magnesium (Mg): 5.1%
- Chromium (Cr): 0.12%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.8%
These precise proportions give the alloy its characteristics and contribute to its overall performance in demanding applications.
5456 Aluminum Physical Properties
- Density: approximately 2.66 g/cm³ (0.3489 lb/in³)
- Other properties: The density of the alloy supports its lightweight characteristics while maintaining strength.
5456 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
- Modulus of elasticity: between 70 and 80 GPa (10,152–11,603 ksi)
- Poisson's ratio: approximately 0.33
- Strength: Since the alloy is not strengthened through heat treatment, its high strength and moderate ductility are primarily achieved through cold working.
5456 Aluminum Thermal Properties
5456 aluminum exhibits:
- Good thermal conductivity: a typical value of approximately 116 W/m·K.
- Thermal expansion: approximately 23.9 × 10⁻⁶/°C, indicating moderate expansion with temperature.
5456 Aluminum Corrosion Resistance
- Excellent marine performance: outstanding resistance to saltwater, making it an ideal choice for marine applications.
- Stress corrosion cracking (SCC): more likely to occur at high Mg content; can be mitigated through stabilization with H116/H321 tempering.
- Temperature sensitivity: avoid prolonged use above 65°C (150°F) to prevent sensitization and intergranular corrosion.
- Intergranular corrosion: increased cold working rates can exacerbate intergranular corrosion, but high magnesium content (≥5%) effectively suppresses exfoliation corrosion.
- Microstructure stability: during hot working, the β-phase size decreases with increasing working rate, which helps improve microstructural uniformity and indirectly enhances corrosion resistance.
5456 Aluminum Standards and Forms
- Standards: ASTM B209 (Sheet/Plate), AMS 4007, EN 573-3.
- Available Forms: Sheet, Plate, Extrusions, Forgings.
5456 Aluminum Surface Treatment
Anodizing: Feasible, but the appearance may differ from 6xxx alloys. Enhances corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
5456 Aluminum Manufacturing and Welding
- Weldability: Good with conventional methods (TIG, MIG). Filler alloys: 5556 or 5356.
- Post-weld Strength: Strength in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) may be reduced; design considerations are necessary.
- Machinability: Fair (improved with proper tools and lubrication), but not as good as 6xxx alloys.
5456 Aluminum Manufacturing Characteristics
- Weldability: Arc welding is the preferred method, producing high-quality joints.
- Cold Forming: Can be cold-worked, but excessive compression should be avoided to prevent stress corrosion.
- Annealing: Use heat treatment (e.g., heating to approximately 343°C, then air cooling) to relieve residual stresses.
5456 Aluminum Welding Performance
- Filler Material Compatibility: ER5456 welding wire (containing small amounts of Mn, Ti) is compatible with 5456 alloy for TIG and oxy-acetylene welding, offering high resistance to hot cracking and corrosion.
- Friction Stir Welding Optimization: The use of double-sided friction stir welding (FSLW) allows for efficient joining of plates with varying thicknesses, with joint strength approaching that of the base material.
5456 Aluminum Comparison with Similar Alloys:
- 5083/5086: Lower Mg content (3–4.5%), slightly lower strength, but better SCC resistance. 5456 has higher strength, suitable for more demanding applications.
- 5052: Lower Mg content (2.2–2.8%), used in less demanding environments.
5456 Aluminum Applications
- Marine Structures: Used for ship decks, hull plates, and other marine components.
- High-strength Welded Structures: Its excellent weldability and strength make it ideal for structural applications.
- Pressure Vessels and Tanks: Its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties ensure safety and longevity.
5456 Aluminum Limitations and Considerations
- SCC Risk: High Mg content requires appropriate temper selection (H116/H321) for critical applications.
- Temperature Limitations: Due to the risk of sensitization, not suitable for high-temperature environments.
5456 aluminum is a high-strength marine-grade alloy valued for its corrosion resistance and weldability. While less common in certain applications than 5083/5086, it excels in situations requiring higher Mg content and strength. Proper temper selection and design considerations are crucial to mitigate SCC risks.
5456 aluminum combines a balanced chemical composition with physical and mechanical properties, making it a reliable choice for applications requiring strength and corrosion resistance. Its ability to maintain integrity in harsh environments (especially at low temperatures) further enhances its versatility in structural and marine applications.
Further reading: 5456 5454 5754 Marine Grade Aluminum Bar 5456 Marine Grade Aluminum Plate Sheet Marine Grade Aluminum Round Bar 5754 5454 5456 5456 H111 Aluminum 5456 H112 Aluminum 5456 H116 Aluminum 5456 H32 Aluminum 5456 H321 Aluminum 5456 O Aluminum
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