5456 is a high magnesium, non heat treatable alloy delivering the highest strength in the 5xxx family together with very good resistance to seawater corrosion. It is the marine hull and superstructure plate alloy.
It welds readily with 5556 or 5183 filler and retains strong joint properties, which is essential for large welded fabrications.
Stocked as plate and sheet in O, H116 and H321 tempers, the latter two intended to resist exfoliation and stress corrosion in marine service.
Sizes and stock
- Bar and rod 0.250" through 16" diameter
- Plate 0.250" through 12", sheet from 0.016"
- Standard and custom extruded profiles to your die print
- Tube, pipe and coil in common tempers
Processing capabilities
- Custom extrusions and profiles from your die print
- Solution treat, age and anneal to T-temper
- Waterjet, saw and CNC machined blanks
- Anodizing, chemical milling and surface finishing
Specifications
Material is released to the applicable specification with mill test reports and, on request, independent lab verification.
Why engineers specify 5456
- Highest strength common 5xxx marine alloy
- Excellent seawater corrosion resistance
- High weld joint efficiency in large fabrications
- H116 and H321 tempers for exfoliation resistance
Nominal chemistry
Percent by weight, nominal composition per the governing specification. The mill test report for your heat is the controlling document.
Typical mechanical properties
| Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | ~45 ksi | ~23 ksi | ~16% | - |
| H116 / H321 | 46 ksi min | 33 ksi min | 10% min | - |
Typical published values for reference only, not for design. Properties vary with section size, product form and processing. Order to the specification and condition your drawing requires.
Typical applications
- Ship hull and superstructure plate
- Marine pressure vessels
- Armored and defense vehicle hull plate
- Welded structural fabrication
Fabrication notes
Machining
Machines rapidly with sharp, polished, high rake tooling and high surface speeds. Heat treatable alloys cut cleanest in the T temper. Thick plate benefits from stress relieved tempers to limit movement when large volumes of material are removed.
Welding
Weldability varies by series. The 5xxx and 6xxx alloys weld readily with 4043 or 5356 filler; the 2xxx and 7xxx aerospace alloys are normally joined mechanically or by friction stir and specialized processes rather than fusion welding.
Forming
Form in the annealed or freshly solution treated condition where the temper allows, then age to final strength. Bend radii should follow the temper and thickness in the governing specification.
5456 compared with similar grades
5083
Slightly lower strength, very similar marine behaviour, more widely stocked.
5454
Lower magnesium and better suited to sustained elevated temperature.
Designations and cross reference
- Material family
- Aluminum Alloys
- UNS number
- A95456
Working from an obsolete, foreign or superseded designation? Send it over and we will cross reference it to a current grade and specification.
Quality, testing and traceability
Supplied with mill test reports, temper verification, and ultrasonic inspection, conductivity, hardness and mechanical testing available on request.
We are AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 registered. If our stock does not already carry the inspection your specification requires, we can quote the material with that work performed. More on our quality system
Available forms
5456 frequently asked questions
What is 5456?
5456 is a high magnesium, non heat treatable alloy delivering the highest strength in the 5xxx family together with very good resistance to seawater corrosion. It is the marine hull and superstructure plate alloy.
What forms is 5456 available in?
We supply 5456 in bar, coil, extrusion, plate, profile, rod, sheet, tube. Custom sizes are converted from billet, and we can provide saw cut, waterjet or near net blanks so material arrives closer to your finished part.
What is the UNS or equivalent designation for 5456?
5456 is designated UNS A95456. If your drawing calls out an obsolete or foreign designation we can cross reference it and confirm the equivalent before you order.
What specifications can 5456 be supplied to?
Commonly ordered specifications include ASTM B209, ASTM B928, UNS A95456. Material is released to the specification and condition on your purchase order, with mill test reports supplied as standard.
What conditions can 5456 be ordered in?
We can supply O, H116 / H321. If our stock is not already in the condition you need, we can quote it with the heat treatment performed before shipment.
Can you cut 5456 to size?
Yes. Saw cutting, waterjet, laser and shearing are available, along with trepanning, gun drilling, lathe turning and CNC machining, so you can order blanks or rough machined pieces rather than full lengths.
Do you provide test reports and additional testing on 5456?
Every order ships with mill test reports and heat traceability. If your print calls for ultrasonic inspection, penetrant dye, magnetic particle, chemical assay, micrography, hardness or mechanical testing and our stock does not already carry it, we can quote the material with that work performed.
Can 5456 be supplied to DFARS domestic melt requirements?
Tell us at quote stage if the order is DFARS or domestic melt restricted and we will confirm availability against that requirement before you commit.
What do you need to quote 5456?
Grade, form, dimensions, quantity, specification and condition, plus any testing or certification requirements and the date you need it. Send a drawing if you have one. Quotes are typically ready within 24 hours.
How does 5456 compare with 5083?
Slightly lower strength, very similar marine behaviour, more widely stocked.