Marine Grade Aluminum??

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I'm negotiating for the opportunity to bid the production of aluminum components for a local company that manufactures specialized boats. I'm tyring to do some homework, research in expectation. The parts consists of aluminum components, formed, welded and resin bonded into fiber body. The boats are used in fresh and saltwater. I'm assuming the parts will be anodized.In past employment I've done extensive repair welding  on anodized aluminum but have never been involved with new fabrications that are to be anodized. Research says the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys is greatly reduced by certain alloying elements, copper, iron, and silicon. Can anyone offer advice on which aluminum alloy would be the correct one for this application? Also, are there any fabrication, welding, prep, etc...stipulations required for anodizing? Thanks!Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:http://www.eng-tips.com/andhttp://www.matweb.com/index.aspxAre two great places to start.BrettA good guess is better than a bad measurement
Reply:SundownIII probably has the most marine experience that I know of on these forums, I think he'd be the best guy to speak to about this.I am what I am, Deal with it!If necessity is the Mother of Invention, I must be the Father of Desperation!
Reply:true marine grade is 5XXX hulls of boats are made or this.6XXX alum is commonly used for parts that are not in direct contact with the water. (ribs and towers....)there is copper in 6XXX that causes electrolysis in salt water (not sure about fresh) sheets are similar in price, but profiles (angles , tubes.....) are more expensive in 5XXXthats my take on it.I built a cabin from 6xxx a couple of years ago and the owner did not treat the metal.I saw it recently and it was starting to corrode.I think it would have been fine if it was painted.my supplier sells 6XXX as "marine grade".....wonder what they call 5XXX??G
Reply:if the parts are going to be anodized you must use 5356 filler, 4043 will turn blackidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tigidealarc 250/250 ac-dc tig #2 used for sticklincoln sp100hh125dual arbor grinder polisher30 yrs of hand tools52 pitch blocks 6p-26prake gauge -pitch gaugeG&D prop repair 918-207-6938Hulbert,okla 74441
Reply:Originally Posted by waginI'm negotiating for the opportunity to bid the production of aluminum components for a local company that manufactures specialized boats. I'm tyring to do some homework, research in expectation. The parts consists of aluminum components, formed, welded and resin bonded into fiber body. The boats are used in fresh and saltwater. I'm assuming the parts will be anodized.In past employment I've done extensive repair welding  on anodized aluminum but have never been involved with new fabrications that are to be anodized. Research says the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys is greatly reduced by certain alloying elements, copper, iron, and silicon. Can anyone offer advice on which aluminum alloy would be the correct one for this application? Also, are there any fabrication, welding, prep, etc...stipulations required for anodizing? Thanks!
Reply:FuisionkingCan't help notice u only got one of ur three paragraphs for answering the OP. Sure he's going to listen to you every word now.Last edited by gordfraser; 11-10-2010 at 09:34 PM.G
Reply:Originally Posted by FusionKingYour question cannot be correctly answered because you have not provided enough details.Generally 5052 would be the alloy for fresh water and 5086 for salt water if we are talking sheet goods. Extrusions would have many other choices too. Fillers for production work can mean more than just saying to use the common ones, altho 5356 is normally used for 5000 series weldments.If you are simply being vague because you are afraid we might steal your work or ideas then maybe you should be reading up before you bid something like this, rather than asking for advice on the internet. You are "assuming" parts are going to be anodized? I would want to know for sure myself.Not trying to be a jerk, but not seeing why you would want anyone beating around the bush either if money is on the line. Do your homework before you bid or someone like me will eat your lunch.
Reply:fushinnkingThis is research. If You have questions, Please ask, I would be happy to point you to a resource or advise from experience, Maybe I'm confused but I consider this forum a source of info/research.Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:I came across some interesting, detailed info on some pretty specialized aluminum alloy recommendations for marine applications from alaskan copper and brass's web site.  They are a seattle-based nonferrous metals supplier, I'll bet supply metals for lots of boats.  Here are the alloys mentioned to be used on marine applications of one sort or another on their web site's aluminum alloy description:http://www.alaskancopper.com/al.php5052 - For many years, until the advent of 5083 and 5086, this alloy was the highest strength non-heat-treatable alloy commercially available. Although easily welded, it is not recommended for brazing and soldering applications. Excellent corrosion-resistance, particularly in marine applications, and adapts to most mechanical and finishing processes although the heavier anodic films may take on a yellowish cast. Fair machining with proper set-up. Typical end uses include fuel tanks, truck-trailer side panels, small boat hulls, truck cabs, bumpers, storage tanks and pressure vessels.5083 - With excellent corrosion-resistance and weldability, together with high strength, this alloy was designed for welded structures requiring maximum joint strength and efficiency. Can be anodized for increased corrosion-resistance, but does not lend itself to decorative applications. Not meant to be a machining alloy, but can be machined fairly well with proper preperations. because of its relatively high magnesium content, the workability rating would be only fair. Typical end uses are large marine craft, containers, railroad cars, structurals and elevator cars.5086 - Has excellent corrosion-resistance and weldability. Can be anodized for increased corrosion-resistance, but does not lend itself to decorative applications. Not meant to be a machining alloy, but can be machined fairly well with proper applications. Because of its relatively high magnesium content, the workability rating would be only fair. Typical end uses are marine craft, containers, railroad cars, structurals and elevator cars.5383 - 5383 alloy offers a 15% higher welded strength than standard 5083 and may be used wherever a stronger welded aluminum structure is desired, from hulls to superstructures. Marine structures benefit from the excellent corrosion-resistance offered by 5383. Smaller boats ( 168ft ) profit from the increased strength and improved fatigue behavior of 5383 alloy. Cruise ship superstructures can be lightened further while improving stability and not compromising strength or corrosion-resistance.5456 - Highest in strength of the commercially available non-heat-treatable alloys with excellent corrosion-resistance. Only fair workability and machinability, but excellent weldability. Not recommended for brazing or soldering. Typical end uses are high-strength welded structures, marine components, pressure vessels and storage tanks.6061 - Very good corrosion-resistance and finishability plus excellent weldability and a strength level approximating that of mild steel, this is a popular general-purpose alloy. Machinability is good and, in the annealed state, its workability carries a high rating, staying at the "good" level if heat-treated without aging. Typical end uses are aircraft landing mats, large and small marine vessels, structural architectural parts, storage tanks and highway signs.
Reply:fishinking-Did you not read the first sentence in my post? And brother, If you plan on eating my lunch, Good Luck. Hope you bring lots of snacks.Miller TrailBlazer 251Miller HF-250-1Miller MaxStar 150 STLHyperTherm PowerMax 380 plasmaLincoln PowerMig 180Millermatic 252Miller Diversion 180
Reply:Originally Posted by waginfishinking-Did you not read the first sentence in my post? And brother, If you plan on eating my lunch, Good Luck. Hope you bring lots of snacks.
Reply:Notice my sig btw. I am not gonna mass produce anything.Sorta strikes me as funny when you look at where we stand on this subjectMiller Dynasty 700Miller 350P with Aluma-pro push-pullMiller 280 Dynasty with expansion card Dynasty 200 DXMigMax 215 Enuff power and hand tools to create one of anything..... but mass produce nothing!!!