Marine grade aluminum enclosures are engineered to withstand some of the harshest environmental conditions, making them a reliable choice for many applications, especially in corrosive settings. Constructed from alloys such as 5052 or 6061, these enclosures offer superior resistance to saltwater, UV exposure, and extreme temperatures—ensuring long-term protection for sensitive electrical and electronic equipment. Their lightweight nature, combined with high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, makes them a preferred solution for maritime, oil and gas, and industrial applications where durability and performance are critical.
What is Marine Grade Aluminum?
Marine Grade Aluminum is a category of aluminum alloys that are specifically engineered to withstand harsh environments. All these alloy configurations are corrosion resistant and provide high strength. Depending on the application, some compounds are preferred due to their specific properties.
5000 Series – Magnesium Alloys (Marine Grade Standard)
- 5052 – All StrongBox Aluminum Backflow Enclosures are made of this alloy compound. Offering excellent corrosion resistance and formability, they are often used in manufacturing small boats and fuel tanks.
- 5083 – This is the strongest non-heat-treatable alloy. Making it ideal for ship hulls, superstructures, and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tankers.
- 5086 – While comparable to 5052, this alloy is more resistant to stress corrosion, making it ideal for patrol and work boats.
- 5454 – Used in environments requiring high temperature and corrosion resistance, such as tankers and pressure vessels.
- 5456 – While not technically “Military Grade” this alloy offers excellent protection all around and is used in naval vessels, armored vehicles and marine structures.
6000 Series – Magnesium & Silicon Alloys (Heat-Treatable)
Used in less aggressive environments where weldability and versatility are more important than corrosion resistance.
6063 – Ideal for anodizing and surface finishing, mostly used for tubing, architectural trim and decking.
6061 – This alloy is the most versatile and widely available and can be anodized for extra protection.
Benefits of Marine Grade Aluminum
Corrosion Resistance
Marine Grade Aluminum forms a natural aluminum oxide layer that protects it from oxidation and pitting, leading to long-term outdoor durability in hard conditions, especially in saltwater conditions.
Fabrications and Weldability
It’s lightweight compared to steel, making it easier to maneuver and manufacture. 5000 series aluminum maintains its strength even after welding and can be easily bent and shaped without stress cracks.
High Strength
Marine Grade Aluminum provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio compared to other metals. Even though it’s lighter weight, it does not compromise its strength, providing structural integrity in high-stress applications, such as ship hulls.
Durability
It can withstand abrasions, impacts, UV radiation and harsh weather cycles. Resulting in a long operational life, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Recyclability
Aluminum is 100% recyclable, both at the beginning and end of its life cycle, without degradation of properties. This offers sustainability benefits with reduced environmental impact and scrap value recovery.
StrongBox® Aluminum Backflow Enclosures
StrongBox offers multiple sizes and configurations of Aluminum Backflow enclosures. Including Front Entry, Clamshell or Insulated enclosures.
Made from a solid sheet of Marine Grade Aluminum, providing maximum security and concealed access points. These single-door front-entry enclosures lift up and open, to provide full access to backflows for service or repairs. Sizes ranging from 22 inches to 52 inches wide.
Perfect for larger backflows, these two-piece enclosures split in the center, allowing each side to hinge outward to provide full access to plumbing equipment. Its concealed latching rod with padlock provisions deter unauthorized access to crucial equipment. Sizes range from 41inches to 91 inches wide.
Insulated Aluminum Backflow Enclosures.
StrongBox offers insulated versions of our Front Entry and Clamshell enclosures. These enclosures include our Polar Bearier Bag which provides an R-30 insulation rating, protecting your plumbing equipment from frost and lower temperature climates.
Request a Quote for a Backflow Enclosure
If you are looking for a long-lasting Backflow Enclosure to protect your plumbing equipment, StrongBox enclosures are the ideal solution. StrongBox works with landscape architects and specifiers across the U.S. to create solutions for any application.
QuickPadTM
The robust QuickPadTM mounting system is designed for easy installation of any StrongBox enclosure or pedestal. Whether installing a brand-new system or replacing an existing enclosure, the quickpad™ system cuts down on labor and materials with no concrete required. Simply place the support base underground, securing it with dirt and stone. The heavy-duty base and accompanying pad are fastened together and to the pedestal with concealed, stainless steel hardware. This creates one solid system that is completely secure, corrosion and vandal resistant
Interested in working with StrongBox on your next project? Contact us for a custom quote today!
Don’t hesitate to contact us online or call 800-729-1314 to speak to our dedicated customer service team.