Alloy comparison
5083-H116 Aluminum vs 6061-T6 Aluminum
marine vs general structural
Side-by-side handbook properties for preliminary material selection. Green values mark the preferable metric for that row (higher strength, lower density, better fabrication rating).
5083-H116 Aluminum
5xxx · EN 573-3 / ASTM B928
Premier marine alloy. Density ~2.66 g/cm³ means a 2.70 assumption overestimates weight by ~1.5%. Excellent weldability.
Density
2.66 g/cm³
Yield
215 MPa
6061-T6 Aluminum
6xxx · ASTM B209 / EN AW-6061
The most common general-purpose structural aluminum. Balanced strength, weldability, and machinability. Density 2.70 g/cm³.
Density
2.70 g/cm³
Yield
275 MPa
| Property | 5083-H116 Aluminum | 6061-T6 Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.66 g/cm³ | 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Error if using 2.70 | -1.5% | 0.0% |
| Yield strength | 215 MPa | 275 MPa |
| Tensile strength | 290 MPa | 310 MPa |
| Elongation | 16% | 12% |
| Modulus E | 71 GPa | 69 GPa |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good |
| Machinability | Fair | Good |
| Corrosion | Excellent | Good |
| 1 m² × 10 mm plate | 26.60 kg | 27.00 kg |
Quick selection guide
- Choose 5083-H116 Aluminum when you prioritize marine plate and shipbuilding, and welding is acceptable.
- Choose 6061-T6 Aluminum when you prioritize structural frames and bike frames (higher yield: 275 vs 215 MPa).
- Weight difference on a 1 m² × 10 mm plate: 0.40 kg (5083-H116 Aluminum is lighter).