3/16 Inch Aluminum Sheet – The Versatile Medium-Gauge Solution for Structural, Marine & Industrial Applications

Introduction: The Sweet Spot in Aluminum Sheet Thickness

When it comes to aluminum sheet, the 3/16 inch gauge (0.1875 inches or approximately 4.76mm) occupies a highly versatile middle ground. It is thick enough to handle structural loads and demanding marine environments, yet light enough to be cut, formed, and welded without the need for heavy industrial equipment. This balance makes 3/16 inch aluminum sheet a preferred choice across a wide range of industries—from shipbuilding and automotive manufacturing to architectural cladding and heavy-duty fabrication.

As a leading South Korean manufacturer, Gwangyang Aluminum (GYAL) produces premium 3/16 inch aluminum sheets in a variety of alloys, including 5052, 6061, and 3003. With a 50,000㎡ plant, an annual production capacity of 120,000 tons, and certifications in IATF 16949:2016 and ISO 9001:2015, Gwangyang Aluminum ensures consistent quality and reliable supply for OEMs and fabricators worldwide.

What Is 3/16 Inch Aluminum Sheet?

In imperial measurements, 3/16 inch translates to 0.1875 inches. In metric terms, this is 4.7625 mm, commonly rounded to 4.76 mm on mill specification sheets. In many metric markets, this plate is often listed as 4.8 mm or even rounded up to 5 mm in product catalogs.

While technically falling within the ASTM definition of "sheet" (under 6.35 mm / 1/4 inch), fabricators often refer to 3/16 inch material as "plate" due to its rigidity and heavy-duty industrial applications. Regardless of terminology, the critical specification remains the thickness: 0.1875 inches / 4.76 mm.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Common Alloys 5052, 6061, 3003, 5083

Standards ASTM B209, EN 485 Common Alloys Available in 3/16 Inch Gwangyang Aluminum offers 3/16 inch sheet in multiple alloy grades, each suited to different applications:

5052 Aluminum (Al-Mg) – The Marine-Grade All-Rounder

5052 is a 5xxx series alloy with magnesium as the primary alloying element. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in saltwater and marine atmospheres, and passes ASTM B117 salt-spray testing for 480 hours. With a tensile strength of approximately 230 MPa in H32 temper, it is approximately 20–30% stronger than 3003. It welds cleanly with 5356 filler and holds good strength after welding. This makes it the go-to choice for marine components, fuel tanks, boat hulls, automotive body panels, chemical tanks, and 3C electronics enclosures.

6061 Aluminum (Al-Mg-Si) – The Structural Powerhouse

6061 is a heat-treatable 6xxx series alloy that achieves high strength through T6 tempering. With a tensile strength of approximately 310 MPa in T6 temper, it is the strongest of the common aluminum plate alloys. It machines cleanly, accepts anodizing well, and suits parts that carry real load. While it has poor formability in T6 and is not recommended for tight-radius bending, it is the correct choice for structural frames, brackets, CNC-machined components, and aerospace-adjacent parts.

3003 Aluminum (Al-Mn) – The General-Purpose Workhorse

3003 is a 3xxx series alloy with manganese for improved strength over pure aluminum. It offers excellent formability for deep drawing, stamping, and bending, with moderate strength of approximately 150 MPa in H14 temper. It is the lowest-cost reliable option for general fabrication and is commonly used for storage tanks, roofing panels, HVAC ductwork, signage backing, and light structural parts.

5083 Aluminum – The High-Strength Marine Alloy

5083 is a high-strength marine alloy used in ship hulls, offshore equipment, and heavy-duty marine structures where 5052 is not strong enough. It has excellent weldability and performs well at low temperatures, which suits cryogenic storage applications.

Applications of 3/16 Inch Aluminum Sheet

The 3/16 inch gauge serves a diverse range of industries and applications:

• Marine & Shipbuilding: Boat hulls, decks, bulkheads, marine fixtures, and offshore equipment

• Automotive: Truck and trailer floors, body panels, and structural components

• Construction & Architecture: Structural panels, decorative facades, roofing, and wall cladding

• Industrial Fabrication: Storage tanks, fuel tanks, chemical tanks, pressure vessels, and machinery parts

• Aerospace: Lightweight structural components and aircraft parts

• General Manufacturing: Frames, brackets, heavy-duty signs, and custom fabrication

Why Choose Gwangyang Aluminum?

Gwangyang Aluminum (GYAL) is a leading South Korean manufacturer and exporter with several key advantages:

• Advanced Manufacturing Facility: 50,000㎡ plant in Gwangyang-Si, Jeollanam-Do, equipped with hot and cold rolling lines, annealing furnaces, tension levelers, and slitting lines

• Massive Production Capacity: Annual output of 120,000 tons

• International Certifications: IATF 16949:2016 (automotive quality management) and ISO 9001:2015

• Comprehensive Alloy Range: 1xxx, 3xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx, and 8xxx series

• Custom Sizes: Thicknesses from 0.2mm to 6.0mm, widths up to 1,650mm, and custom lengths and coils available

• End-to-End Quality Control: From raw materials to final packaging, every batch undergoes chemical, dimensional, and mechanical testing

How to Choose the Right Alloy

Get a Quote Today

Whether you need 5052 for marine fabrication, 6061 for structural frames, or 3003 for general industrial use, Gwangyang Aluminum has the 3/16 inch sheet in the alloy you need. Contact our sales team for a competitive quote, custom sizing options, or technical specifications.

Gwangyang Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd.

Phone: +82 (0)61-762-6699

Email: gwangyangaluminum@gmail.com

Website: www.gyal.co.kr

Address: 266 Sepungsandan Road, Gwangyang-Eub, Gwangyang-Si, Jeollanam-Do, Republic of Korea