Marine Grade Alloy

[Hightower]

Is there a specific Alloy for the Marine enviroment?

If so, what is the spec?

Can I anodise it and does this stop corrosion long term?

Any Idea on a cheap source for some plate?

I have a plan!

[codprawn]

There are loads of alloys for the marine environment. Stainless is an alloy - as is corten steel and bronze - be more specific!!!

[Hightower]

Oh OK Codders

An Aluminium based Alloy....Thought the Anodising bit gave it away

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Oh OK Codders

An Aluminium based Alloy....Thought the Anodising bit gave it away

Nope - other metals can be anodised as well...........

Should have guessed aluminium though - just being pedantic for a change!!!

A lot depends on the application - some alloys are very corrosion resistant but a bitch to work with - is it going to be welded for example?

6063 is a common one but even that has many different grades depending on use. A lot of it will depend on supply and cost - find a local aluminium stockist and see what they have going spare - most of them are pretty helpful.

Some aluminium doesn't need to be anodised but the one I mentioned does. You can also get lots of nice pretty colours.....

[Hightower]

Yeh, it is going to be welded, but only in a couple of places. If I go ahead with the project, it will be quite a large structure, it'll have cut out "lightening" holes on the major supports. I'll have to find out how much this thing weighs, but I think that cost will be a deciding factor in whether I go ahead.

[codprawn]

The cost of all metals is crazy these days. If you can use scarp and offcuts etc you will save loads. Depending on what you are after - thickness etc try other sources - many horseboxes and lorry trailers have ali sides for example.

The local gyppos have found out that Motorway road signs are usually ali as well.........

[Hightower]

Well I want 10mm stuff, but I'm concerned about the weight. I've got some calculations to make.

Are there any shipyards that make Aluminium Alloy boats locally (Portsmouth, Southampton) that I could pop in to?

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Well I want 10mm stuff, but I'm concerned about the weight. I've got some calculations to make.

Are there any shipyards that make Aluminium Alloy boats locally (Portsmouth, Southampton) that I could pop in to?

They won't let you near their boats with a plasma cutter mind........

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by codprawn

They won't let you near their boats with a plasma cutter mind........

Could end up with a 8x4 porthole .....I'll choose a big ship then

[IBWET]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Could end up with a 8x4 porthole .....I'll choose a big ship then

Sooo..are you inviting guess's then..