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Marine-grade Al-Mg round bar

5086 Aluminium Round Bar

5086 aluminium round bar is a weldable, seawater-resistant Al-Mg alloy with about 4 % magnesium: a little lower in strength than 5083, but easier to extrude and more forgiving in service. Metline supplies extruded and cold-drawn 5086 rod in O, H111, H112 and H32 tempers to ASTM B221, EN 755-2 and EN 754-2, cut to length and certified, to customers worldwide.

Bundles of 5086 aluminium round bar with end marking
Alloy
5086 (Al-Mg4)
Tempers
O, H111, H112, H32
Diameter
about 6 – 250 mm
Standards
ASTM B221 · EN 755-2 · EN 754-2
Overview

What is 5086 aluminium round bar?

5086 sits between 5052 and 5083 in the aluminium-magnesium family. Its 3.5 – 4.5 % magnesium gives clearly more strength than 5052 and corrosion resistance in seawater on a par with 5083, while the slightly lower magnesium makes it easier to extrude and draw into rod and less prone to sensitisation after long exposure to warm conditions.

Like every 5xxx alloy, 5086 is non-heat-treatable. Strength comes from magnesium dissolved in the aluminium and from cold work, so there is no T6 temper and, importantly, welding does not wipe out a heat-treated condition the way it does in 6061 or 6082. A welded 5086 joint keeps roughly the strength of annealed parent metal, which is why naval architects and pressure-equipment designers rely on it.

In bar form, 5086 is mostly used for parts that are machined and then welded into a 5xxx structure, or that must survive salt spray without a coating: marine shafts and pins, deck hardware, flange and fitting blanks, cryogenic supports and the brackets that join a welded aluminium hull or tank to its fittings.

Chemical composition

5086 chemical composition (wt %)

Limits follow the Aluminum Association registration and EN 573-3 (EN AW-5086, AlMg4). Each lot ships with a certificate reporting the actual analysis.

ElementMinimumMaximumEffect
Magnesium (Mg)3.54.5Solid-solution strengthening and corrosion resistance
Manganese (Mn)0.200.7Strength and grain control
Chromium (Cr)0.050.25Resistance to stress corrosion; grain control
Silicon (Si)—0.40Impurity
Iron (Fe)—0.50Impurity
Copper (Cu)—0.10Kept low for seawater resistance
Zinc (Zn)—0.25Impurity
Titanium (Ti)—0.15Grain refiner
Others, each / total—0.05 / 0.15
Aluminium (Al)RemainderAbout 93.0 – 96.3 %
Mechanical & physical properties

Mechanical properties of 5086 bar

Bar is produced either by extrusion (EN 755-2, ASTM B221) or by extrusion followed by cold drawing (EN 754-2). The route decides which property table applies, so state it on the order if it matters to you.

Route, temper and basisDiameterTensile strengthYield (0.2 %)Elongation A
Extruded O / H111, EN 755-2 min.≤ 200 mm240 – 320 MPa≥ 95 MPa≥ 18 %
Extruded H112 / F, EN 755-2 min.≤ 250 mm≥ 240 MPa≥ 95 MPa≥ 12 %
Drawn O / H111, EN 754-2 min.≤ 80 mm240 – 320 MPa≥ 95 MPa≥ 16 %
Drawn H12 / H22 / H32, EN 754-2 min.≤ 30 mm≥ 270 MPa≥ 190 MPa≥ 5 %
Extruded O, ASTM B221 min.all listed240 MPa / 35 ksi (max. 315 MPa)95 MPa / 14 ksi14 %
Extruded H111, ASTM B221 min.all listed248 MPa / 36 ksi145 MPa / 21 ksi12 %
Extruded H112, ASTM B221 min.all listed240 MPa / 35 ksi95 MPa / 14 ksi12 %

Values are specified minimums summarised from EN 755-2, EN 754-2 and ASTM B221; the standards split them further by size, and the applicable figures are printed on the mill certificate. Typical properties for 5086-O are about 262 MPa tensile and 117 MPa yield; for H32 about 290 MPa and 207 MPa.

Physical properties

Density
2.66 g/cm³ (0.096 lb/in³)
Modulus of elasticity
about 71 GPa (10,300 ksi)
Poisson's ratio
0.33
Thermal conductivity
about 125 – 130 W/m·K
Electrical conductivity
about 31 % IACS
Specific heat
about 900 J/kg·K
Coefficient of thermal expansion
23.8 µm/m·°C (20 – 100 °C)
Melting range
about 585 – 640 °C
Tempers

5086 bar tempers explained

O

Fully annealed. Lowest strength, highest ductility. Order it for rod that will be bent, rolled, headed or swaged cold.

H111

Annealed and then given a small amount of strain, usually from straightening. Higher guaranteed yield than O in ASTM B221 and the common marine bar temper.

H112

As-extruded, with properties guaranteed by test. The economical choice for larger diameters and for parts that will be machined all over.

H32

Strain-hardened by drawing and stabilised. Gives about double the yield of O temper in small diameters; stabilising reduces age-softening at room temperature.

H12 / H22

Quarter-hard drawn tempers with or without partial anneal. Used for small-diameter rod where some strength and some formability are both needed.

F

As fabricated with no guaranteed properties. Acceptable only when the bar will be fully re-processed or properties do not matter.

Production routes

Extruded, drawn, forged or turned 5086 bar?

RouteTypical sizesStrengthsWhen to choose it
Extruded (EN 755, ASTM B221)about 10 – 250 mmEconomical, wide size range, consistent properties along the lengthMost marine and fabrication work, parts machined all over
Cold drawn (EN 754, ASTM B211-type)about 6 – 80 mmCloser diameter tolerance, brighter surface, higher strength in H tempersTurned parts, fasteners, pins and shafts where finish matters
Forged roundlarger diametersRefined grain, good through-thickness propertiesHighly loaded parts, very large rounds, ultrasonic-critical parts
Peeled / turnedany size from extruded stockClose tolerance and clean surfacePrecision blanks and bar for automatic lathes

For most buyers, extruded H112 or H111 bar is the right starting point. Drawn rod costs more per kilogram but can save machining time on small precision parts. Very large rounds are sometimes supplied as cast and machined bar; that is not the same as wrought bar, and the properties must be agreed in writing.

Standards

5086 standards and international equivalents

SystemDesignationBar and rod standard
Aluminum Association / ASTM5086ASTM B221 (extruded), ASME SB-221
UNSA95086—
European (EN)EN AW-5086 / EN AW-AlMg4EN 755-2, EN 754-2, EN 573-3
German Werkstoff3.3545DIN EN 754 / 755
ISOAlMg4ISO 6362
Japan (JIS)A5086JIS H4040 (bar), JIS H4000 (plate)
China (GB)5086GB/T 3191

Older national names you may still see on drawings include NF A-G4MC (France) and L-3322 (Spain). For ships and offshore units, the rules of the classification society (DNV, ABS, LR, BV, NK, KR, CCS and others) apply on top of the material standard. If your drawing requires class-approved bar, tell us the society and survey level so we can confirm what can be supplied for that order.

Supply range

5086 round bar sizes and weights

Supply range

Metric diameters
about 6 – 250 mm; larger rounds by forging on request
Imperial diameters
1/4 – 8 in standard; larger on request
Lengths
Random or fixed 3 – 6 m (12 – 20 ft), or cut pieces to drawing
Other shapes
5086 square, hex and flat bar on request
Surface
As-extruded, drawn bright, or peeled / turned

At 2.66 g/cm³, a 5086 round bar weighs 0.002089 × d² kg per metre (d in mm). Values are theoretical and ignore tolerance; use the bar weight calculator for other sizes.

Diameter (mm)Approx. inchkg per metrekg per 3 m barlb per foot
60.240.0750.230.051
100.390.2090.630.140
120.470.3010.900.202
160.630.5351.600.359
200.790.8362.510.562
250.981.313.920.877
301.181.885.641.263
401.573.3410.032.246
501.975.2215.673.510
602.367.5222.565.054
702.7610.2430.716.879
803.1513.3740.118.985
1003.9420.8962.6714.039
1204.7230.0890.2520.215
1505.9147.01141.031.587
1807.0967.69203.145.485
2007.8783.57250.756.154
2509.84130.57391.787.741

Imperial sizes, as commonly ordered in North America:

Diameter (in)Diameter (mm)lb per footkg per metre
1/46.350.0570.084
3/89.520.1270.190
1/212.700.2260.337
5/815.880.3540.527
3/419.050.5090.758
7/822.220.6931.03
125.400.9061.35
1-1/431.751.4152.11
1-1/238.102.0383.03
1-3/444.452.7744.13
250.803.6235.39
2-1/263.505.6618.42
376.208.15112.13
3-1/288.9011.09516.51
4101.6014.49121.57
5127.0022.64333.70
6152.4032.60648.52
7177.8044.38066.04
8203.2057.96586.26
Tolerances & quality

Tolerances, testing and documents

Quality plan

Diameter tolerance
EN 755-8 (extruded) or EN 754-3 (drawn); ANSI H35.2 for ASTM orders
Straightness
Per the order standard; closer straightness for shafting by agreement
Chemistry and tensile
Reported per lot on the EN 10204 3.1 certificate
Ultrasonic testing
Available on request for critical parts, to an agreed acceptance class
Traceability
Bars end-marked with alloy, temper and lot; third-party inspection (for example SGS or BV) can be arranged

One thing to watch: 5xxx alloys with more than about 3 % magnesium can become sensitised if held for long periods at roughly 65 – 200 °C, making them vulnerable to intergranular corrosion. 5086 is less susceptible than 5083 or 5456, but the same rule of thumb applies: keep sustained service temperatures below about 65 °C and avoid long hot holds during fabrication.

Working with 5086

Machining, welding, forming and finishing

Machining

Soft tempers are gummy. Use sharp, polished carbide tools with high positive rake, high cutting speed and generous coolant, and use chip breakers on turning tools. Drawn H32 rod machines more cleanly than O.

Welding

MIG and TIG weld readily. Use ER5356 or ER5183 filler; ER5183 gives the higher joint strength. Do not use Al-Si fillers (4043, 4047) on 5086.

Forming

O and H111 bend, roll and head cold. Allow larger radii in H32. Hot working is possible but avoid long exposure in the sensitising range.

Cutting

Saw, waterjet and laser cutting all work; sawing is the usual way to cut bar to length.

Corrosion protection

Uncoated performance in seawater is excellent. Isolate from stainless steel and copper alloys with insulating washers or sleeves.

Anodising

Takes a protective anodic film; appearance is slightly greyer than 6xxx alloys, so it is rarely chosen for decorative anodising.

Applications

Applications of 5086 round bar

  • Marine and shipbuilding: shafts, pins, bollard and cleat bodies, rudder and hatch fittings, welded deck hardware
  • Offshore and oil and gas: platform brackets, walkway and handrail fittings, parts in salt-spray zones
  • Pressure and cryogenic equipment: flanges, nozzles and supports where low-temperature toughness is needed (confirm the governing code)
  • Defence and special vehicles: light, corrosion-resistant welded and machined parts
  • Food and general engineering: machine parts and frames that must resist washdown and cleaning chemicals
Comparison

5086 compared with 5052, 5083, 6061 and 5456

ComparisonWhat changesPractical choice
5086 vs 50525086 has more Mg, so higher strength; both resist seawater well5086 for structural marine parts; 5052 for light fittings and formed parts
5086 vs 50835083 is about 10 – 15 % stronger; 5086 is easier to extrude and less sensitive to sensitisation5083 for maximum welded strength; 5086 for bar, extrusions and warmer service
5086 vs 60616061-T6 has a much higher yield and machines better, but loses strength when welded5086 for welded, wet service; 6061 for machined parts kept above the waterline
5086 vs 54565456 is stronger but more prone to stress corrosion and harder to weld well5086 unless the design needs the extra strength and controls exposure
5086 vs 60636063 is an architectural extrusion alloy with lower strength5086 for marine and higher-strength parts
Ordering

How to order 5086 round bar

  1. SpecifyAlloy and temper (for example 5086-H111), shape and size, length or cut pieces, quantity, and the governing standard (ASTM B221, EN 755-2, EN 754-2 or a class rule).
  2. QuoteWe confirm availability, tolerance class, certification and delivery terms (EXW, FOB, CIF or DAP) for your destination.
  3. ProcessBars are cut to length or to blanks on request, end-marked with alloy, temper and lot number, and inspected for size, straightness and surface.
  4. DocumentEach shipment carries a mill test certificate to EN 10204 3.1 with chemistry and tensile results, plus the packing list; third-party inspection on request.
  5. ShipBundles are wrapped and packed in seaworthy wooden cases or on pallets and sent by sea or air to your port or door.
Sources

References and standards

  1. ASTM B221 – Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
  2. EN 755-2 – Extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles: mechanical properties
  3. EN 754-2 – Cold drawn rod/bar and tube: mechanical properties
  4. EN 573-3 – Chemical composition and form of wrought products
  5. The Aluminum Association – International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits
  6. ASM Handbook, Vol. 2 – Properties of Wrought Aluminum Alloys: 5086
FAQ

5086 aluminium (aluminum) round bar: frequently asked questions

Is 5086 stronger than 5083?

No. 5083 has more magnesium and is roughly 10 – 15 % stronger in comparable tempers. 5086 is chosen when slightly lower strength is acceptable and easier extrusion, better formability or lower sensitisation risk is worth more.

Can 5086 round bar be welded?

Yes, by MIG or TIG with ER5356 or ER5183 filler. Because 5086 is not heat-treated, the weld zone keeps close to the strength of annealed parent metal, which makes it well suited to welded marine structures.

Can 5086 be heat treated to increase strength?

No. It is a non-heat-treatable alloy. Strength is increased by cold work (H32, H34 tempers) and reduced by annealing to O. Thermal treatments above about 65 °C for long periods should be avoided because of sensitisation.

What does a 1 inch 5086 round bar weigh?

About 0.906 lb per foot, or 1.35 kg per metre, using a density of 2.66 g/cm³. A 12 ft bar weighs roughly 10.9 lb.

Which temper of 5086 bar should I order for machined marine parts?

H112 or H111 extruded bar suits most machined parts. Choose drawn H32 for small-diameter pins and shafts needing more strength, and O when the rod will be bent or headed.

What standards apply to 5086 round bar?

ASTM B221 (and ASME SB-221) for extruded bar in North America; EN 755-2 for extruded and EN 754-2 for drawn bar in Europe; GB/T 3191 in China; JIS H4040 in Japan. Classification-society rules apply on top for ship work.

Sourcing 5086 round bar?

Send diameter, temper, production route, length and quantity. We will confirm availability, certification and a delivered price.