EN AW 5083 and EN AW 5754 are 5000 series aluminium–magnesium alloys. Neither hardens by heat treatment; they take their strength from magnesium and from cold working. Both are weldable and resistant to marine environments. The difference is in the amount of magnesium.
Magnesium and manganese
According to our datasheets, magnesium is 4.00–4.90% in 5083 and 2.60–3.60% in 5754. Manganese is 0.40–1.00% in 5083 against max 0.50% in 5754. Chromium is held in the 0.05–0.25% range in 5083, while for 5754 only an upper limit is given (max 0.30%).
Magnesium is the main element that raises the solid solution strength of aluminium. 5083 is the strongest weldable grade of the 5000 series; in marine structures it is virtually the standard. Manganese refines the grain structure and adds to strength.
With its lower magnesium, 5754 stays softer — which makes it suitable for deep drawing and bending. That is why it is widely used for automotive body sheet.
A technical note: 5000 series alloys with magnesium above 3% can become susceptible to stress corrosion cracking if they spend a long time above 65 °C, because of beta phase precipitation at the grain boundaries. For that reason 5083 is not used where it will work continuously at high temperature; 5754 is more tolerant in that respect.
Comparison in numbers
| PROPERTY | EN AW 5083 | EN AW 5754 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnesium (Mg) | 4.00 – 4.90% | 2.60 – 3.60% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.40 – 1.00% | max 0.50% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.05 – 0.25% | max 0.30% |
| Silicon (Si) | max 0.40% | max 0.40% |
| Iron (Fe) | max 0.40% | max 0.40% |
| Copper (Cu) | max 0.10% | max 0.10% |
| Zinc (Zn) | max 0.25% | max 0.20% |
| Titanium (Ti) | max 0.15% | max 0.15% |
| Tensile strength | 310 MPa | 190 – 240 MPa (O / H111) |
| Yield strength | 150 MPa | min 80 MPa (O / H111) |
| Shear strength | 172 MPa | — |
| Elongation | 17% | 14 – 18% |
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ | 2.66 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of elasticity | 71 GPa | 69 GPa |
| Thermal conductivity | 120 W/m·K | 120 W/m·K |
| UNS | A95083 | A95754 |
| AMS | 4056 | — |
Values are taken from our product datasheets; section thickness and the applied heat treatment regime change the result.
Which one, and when?
EN AW 5083 is preferred — ship and boat hulls, offshore platforms, LNG and cryogenic tanks, pressure vessels, armour plate, welded marine structures. It is the grade that comes to mind first when weldable, seawater-resistant aluminium is mentioned.
EN AW 5754 is preferred — automotive body sheet and interior panels, deep drawn parts, food and beverage equipment, chemical pipework, signage and decorative sheet. Wherever forming capability comes first.
Neighbouring grades
For heat-treatable, higher-strength alternatives, see our EN AW 6082 – 6060 and EN AW 7075 – 2017A comparisons.
Technical datasheets
EN AW 5083 — chemical composition, mechanical values, standard equivalents
EN AW 5754 — chemical composition, mechanical values, standard equivalents
Both grades are supplied to order in round bar, flat bar, plate, sheet, pipe and forged forms. Contact us for a quotation.