Project Overview
A metal fabrication contractor based in Thailand placed a single order for 40 tons of aluminum plate covering two very different product families: thin 5052 H32 sheet for general fabrication and 5083 H112 heavy gauge plate for structural and marine-grade work. The order combined eight sizes from 1.5mm sheet up to 115mm thick plate, all shipped together with mill test certificates.
The Customer Challenge
The customer runs a fabrication workshop supplying signage frames, truck body panels and marine structures to projects across Thailand and neighbouring countries. Their previous supply chain split the order between two traders, which created three recurring problems:
- Inconsistent material documentation: thin sheet arrived without heat number traceability, which blocked acceptance on their marine projects.
- Flatness and thickness deviation: thin 1.5mm and 2.0mm sheet showed waviness that increased laser cutting rejection.
- Split deliveries: thin sheet and heavy gauge plate came from different ports, so a single project waited on two shipments and two sets of documents.
They asked for one supplier who could deliver the full mix in one container shipment, with test certificates for every lot.
The Solution: One Mixed Order, Two Alloy Families
We quoted the complete requirement as a single mixed shipment from our Henan rolling mill, matching each size to its end use:
| Alloy & Temper | Thickness | Width x Length | Quantity | Intended Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5052 H32 | 1.5 mm | 1220 x 2440 mm | Part of 40 tons | Signage frames, panels, general sheet metal |
| 5052 H32 | 2.0 mm | 1220 x 2440 mm | Part of 40 tons | Truck body panels, cladding, bent components |
| 5083 H112 | 8 mm | 1220 x 2440 mm | Part of 40 tons | Marine deck plate, structural gussets |
| 5083 H112 | 32 mm | 1500 x 3000 mm | Part of 40 tons | Heavy brackets, machine base plates |
| 5083 H112 | 45 mm | 1500 x 3000 mm | Part of 40 tons | Structural blocks, welded assemblies |
| 5083 H112 | 85 mm | 1500 x 3000 mm | Part of 40 tons | Heavy machined components |
| 5083 H112 | 105 mm | 1500 x 3000 mm | Part of 40 tons | Press and mould base plates |
| 5083 H112 | 115 mm | 1500 x 3000 mm | Part of 40 tons | Offshore and marine structural parts |
Why This Material Combination Works
- 5052 H32 for forming: magnesium-based 5052 offers excellent corrosion resistance in coastal and humid climates such as Thailand, with good bending and welding behaviour in H32 temper, ideal for panels and frames that are cut, bent and riveted.
- 5083 H112 for strength: 5083 is the standard marine-grade alloy, and H112 supplies it in the as-rolled condition suited to heavy thickness. It keeps high strength after welding and resists seawater attack at heavy thickness.
- Matched stock thicknesses: supplying 8mm through 115mm from the same mill let the customer machine all structural parts without mixing suppliers and risking different mechanical properties.
Quality Control and Documentation
Every lot was inspected before packing and shipped with a mill test certificate showing heat number, chemical composition and mechanical properties. Key checkpoints included:
- Thickness tolerance and flatness verification on 1.5mm and 2.0mm sheet to protect laser cutting yield
- Dimensional check on 1500 x 3000 mm heavy plate,
- Surface inspection for scratches, roll marks and oxidation on both faces
- Certificate package: MTC per lot, packing list, and loading photos shared before vessel departure
Packing and Loading
Thin sheet was packed in wooden pallets with PE film and anti-corrosion paper to prevent edge damage and white rust during the sea voyage. Heavy plates from 32mm to 115mm were strapped into reinforced steel bundles with edge protectors, loaded with the heavy gauge at the container floor for weight distribution. 40 tons was shipped in two 20GP containers with loading photos shared before departure.
Delivery Timeline
- Day 1-3: Specification confirmation, size list and quotation approved
- Day 4-18: Rolling, slitting to 1220mm and 1500mm width, cutting to 2440mm and 3000mm length
- Day 19-22: Inspection, MTC issue, pallet packing and container loading
- Day 23-30: Sea freight from Qingdao to Laem Chabang, Thailand
Results
- 40 tons delivered in one order, replacing two separate suppliers and two document sets
- Zero rejection on incoming inspection for thickness, flatness and dimensions
- Complete MTC package accepted by the customer marine project client on first submission
- Repeat order placed for the following quarter, with an added 60mm and 70mm heavy gauge size
Conclusion
Mixing thin 5052 H32 sheet with 5083 H112 heavy gauge plate in a single order is a common requirement for fabricators serving both commercial and marine markets. Supplying the full size range from one mill, with documented traceability and export-grade packing, removes the coordination cost that buyers in Southeast Asia face when they split orders between traders.
