{"id":8153,"date":"2025-03-02T13:58:30","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T13:58:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/premiumalu.com\/mastering-3004-alloy-expert-tips\/"},"modified":"2026-07-27T12:39:26","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T12:39:26","slug":"mastering-3004-alliage-conseils-dexperts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/premiumalu.com\/fr\/mastering-3004-alliage-conseils-dexperts\/","title":{"rendered":"3004 Aluminum Alloy: Composition, Properties, Tempers and Applications"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Faits marquants<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>3004 is a non-heat-treatable 3000-series alloy (aluminum-manganese with added magnesium) that sits between 3003 and 5052 in strength.<\/li>\n<li>It combines moderate strength with better formability than 6061, which makes it a common pick for can ends, roofing, and fuel tanks.<\/li>\n<li>Typical tempers are O, H14, and H34; strength climbs with strain hardening, but the alloy cannot be heat-treated.<\/li>\n<li>Pick 3004 when you need more strength than 3003 but still require good drawability; move to 5052 for marine exposure or 6061 for welded structure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Introduction<\/h2>\n<p>3004 aluminum is the higher-strength, still-formable member of the 3003 family. It adds magnesium to the aluminum-manganese base, raising strength above the 3003 baseline while keeping the cold-formability that makes the 3000 series useful for drawn and spun parts. The choice usually comes down to three things: how much strength the part needs, how deep the draw is, and whether the service environment is wet or corrosive.<\/p>\n<p>This guide covers what 3004 is made of, its typical properties by temper, how it compares with 3003, 5052, and 6061, and where it stops being the right grade. For a side-by-side sheet selection across the 3000 series, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/premiumalu.com\/fr\/choisir-la-tole-daluminium-parfaite-alliages-3104-vs-3003-vs-3004\/\">3104 vs 3003 vs 3004 aluminum sheet comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is 3004 Aluminum Alloy<\/h2>\n<p>3004 belongs to the wrought 3000 series. It is non-heat-treatable: final strength comes from composition and cold work, not from a solution-heat-treat-and-age cycle. Manganese provides the base strength and recrystallization control, while magnesium is the addition that lifts strength above 3003 without a large formability penalty.<\/p>\n<h3>Composition chimique<\/h3>\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\u00c9l\u00e9ment<\/th>\n<th>Typical \/ Limit (wt%)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Silicium (Si)<\/td>\n<td>0,30 max<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fer (Fe)<\/td>\n<td>0,70 max<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cuivre (Cu)<\/td>\n<td>0,25 max<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Mangan\u00e8se (Mn)<\/td>\n<td>1.0 &#8211; 1.5<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Magn\u00e9sium (Mg)<\/td>\n<td>0.8 &#8211; 1.3<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Zinc (Zn)<\/td>\n<td>0,25 max<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Aluminium (Al)<\/td>\n<td>Reste<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Figures follow the AA designation ranges; exact limits depend on the purchased standard (for example ASTM B209).<\/p>\n<h3>Typical Mechanical Properties<\/h3>\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Temp\u00e9rer<\/th>\n<th>R\u00e9sistance \u00e0 la traction (MPa)<\/th>\n<th>Limite d'\u00e9lasticit\u00e9 (MPa)<\/th>\n<th>\u00c9longation (%)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>O (recuit)<\/td>\n<td>150 &#8211; 200<\/td>\n<td>~60<\/td>\n<td>~20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>H14 (strain hardened)<\/td>\n<td>150 &#8211; 200<\/td>\n<td>~125<\/td>\n<td>~12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>H34 (strain hardened + stabilized)<\/td>\n<td>215 &#8211; 285<\/td>\n<td>~170<\/td>\n<td>~10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Values are representative for sheet and coil; thickness and testing direction shift the numbers, so confirm against the mill certificate for the actual order.<\/p>\n<h2>3004 vs 5052, 3003, and 6061<\/h2>\n<p>The three alloys most often confused with 3004 are 3003 (its weaker baseline), 5052 (the stronger, more corrosion-resistant cousin), and 6061 (a heat-treatable structural grade).<\/p>\n<h3>3004 vs 3003 Aluminum<\/h3>\n<p>Both are 3000-series and share the same corrosion behavior and welding approach. The difference is magnesium: 3004 carries 0.8-1.3% Mg where 3003 has none, which raises strength above the 3003 baseline, most visibly in the H3x tempers where 3004-H34 reaches a 215 MPa minimum tensile against 3003-H14&#8217;s 150 MPa. Formability stays close, so 3004 replaces 3003 whenever the part needs more strength without switching to a heat-treatable alloy. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/premiumalu.com\/fr\/produit\/alliage-daluminium-3003\/\">3003 aluminum alloy product page<\/a> for stock forms.<\/p>\n<h3>3004 vs 5052 Aluminum<\/h3>\n<p>5052 adds more magnesium (2.2-2.8%) and therefore beats 3004 on both strength and corrosion resistance, especially in saltwater and marine atmospheres. The trade is cost and drawability: 3004 forms and draws more easily and is the usual choice for can ends and closures, while 5052 is preferred for marine and welded tanks. Compare on the <a href=\"https:\/\/premiumalu.com\/fr\/produit\/alliage-daluminium-5052\/\">5052 aluminum alloy product page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>3004 vs 6061 Aluminum<\/h3>\n<p>6061 is a heat-treatable 6000-series grade (aluminum-magnesium-silicon) with much higher strength in T6, but it is harder to deep-draw and work-hardens differently. 3004 wins on formability and is the better pick for spun or drawn sheet; 6061 wins when the part is structural or welded and needs post-weld strength. See the <a href=\"https:\/\/premiumalu.com\/fr\/produit\/alliage-daluminium-6061\/\">6061 aluminum alloy product page<\/a> for stock forms.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Tempers: H14, H34, and O<\/h2>\n<p>3004 is usually supplied in three tempers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>O (recuit) :<\/strong> softest and most formable, used for the deepest draws and spinning.<\/li>\n<li><strong>H14:<\/strong> strain hardened to a quarter-hard level; a balance of strength and formability for panels and general parts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>H34:<\/strong> strain hardened and stabilized; the strongest of the three common tempers and the usual choice for can ends and structural sheet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>H3x tempers exist because magnesium-containing alloys can slowly soften at room temperature; the stabilization step locks the properties. Pick O for deep drawing, H34 for maximum strength in a non-heat-treatable sheet.<\/p>\n<h2>Go\/No-Go Limits<\/h2>\n<p>Use this list to decide quickly whether 3004 fits the job.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Go &#8211; use 3004 when:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Moderate strength with good cold formability is needed and the part is drawn, spun, or bent &#8211; typical uses: beverage can ends, cosmetic closures, lamp housings, and reflectors.<\/li>\n<li>Atmospheric or industrial corrosion resistance is enough and the part is not immersed in saltwater &#8211; typical uses: roofing, siding, gutters, and architectural trim.<\/li>\n<li>A non-heat-treatable sheet or coil is preferred for predictable forming behavior &#8211; typical uses: painted building panels and fuel tanks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>No-Go &#8211; do not use 3004 when:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The part sits in direct saltwater immersion or marine submersion without coating &#8211; pitting risk; 5052, 5083, or 5086 are better.<\/li>\n<li>The design needs high structural strength or carries welded loads &#8211; 6061-T6 or 5052-H32 provide higher strength, and 3004 cannot be heat-treated to recover it.<\/li>\n<li>Thick, wear-resistant hard anodizing is the priority &#8211; 3004 anodizes acceptably but magnesium can affect coating tone; 6063 or 6061 anodize more predictably.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Applications<\/h2>\n<p>The Go\/No-Go list above covers the selection logic. The systems below are where 3004 is standard practice:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Can ends and closures:<\/strong> lids, tabs, and cosmetic caps where drawability and strength both matter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Building products:<\/strong> roofing, siding, gutters, fascia, and painted wall panels.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Containers:<\/strong> fuel tanks, paint cans, and general sheet containers that need formability plus corrosion resistance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lighting and spun parts:<\/strong> lamp housings, reflectors, and decorative spun components.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Forming, Welding, and Finishing<\/h2>\n<p>3004 behaves like a ductile 3000-series sheet in production:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Formation :<\/strong> excellent cold formability with less springback than 5000- or 6000-series alloys. Use O for the deepest draws, H34 for parts that also need strength.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Soudage :<\/strong> readily weldable with 4043 or 5356 filler using TIG or MIG. As a non-heat-treatable alloy, strength in the weld zone drops and does not recover, so size the joint for the as-welded condition. Use 5356 when the part will be anodized for a closer color match.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Finishing:<\/strong> anodizes to an acceptable coating, but painting and coil coating are more common for 3004 building products. Linsy Aluminum offers anodizing, powder coating (RAL 9016), polishing, mill finish, and PVC protective film.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Usinage :<\/strong> fair; 3004 is a forming and drawing alloy rather than a machining grade, so reserve heavy CNC work for 6000-series stock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>3004 is the stronger, still-formable cousin of 3003 &#8211; capable enough for can ends, roofing, and fuel tanks, but it stops being the right pick once the job needs marine-grade corrosion resistance, welded structural strength, or heat-treatable performance. The practical trade-off is that most mills stock 3004 mainly in standard tempers and coil widths, so an unusual thickness or cut-to-size requirement can stretch lead time.<\/p>\n<p>Linsy Aluminum stocks <a href=\"https:\/\/premiumalu.com\/fr\/produit\/alliage-daluminium-3004\/\">Alliage d'aluminium 3004<\/a> sheet and coil and supplies custom dimensions at low minimum order quantities, with in-house cutting, anodizing, and powder coating plus an MTC for every order &#8211; so standard-availability limits rarely block a project. When the specification calls for 3004, send the drawing or requirement sheet for a grade-and-temper fit check and a quote.<\/p>\n<h2>Questions fr\u00e9quemment pos\u00e9es<\/h2>\n<h3>Quelle est la diff\u00e9rence entre l'aluminium 3003 et 3004 ?<\/h3>\n<p>Both are 3000-series and non-heat-treatable. 3003 contains manganese only; 3004 adds 0.8-1.3% magnesium, which raises strength above the 3003 baseline while keeping similar formability and corrosion resistance. Choose 3004 when the part needs more strength, and 3003 when maximum formability and lower cost matter most.<\/p>\n<h3>Quelles sont les dimensions et \u00e9paisseurs standard de l'aluminium 3004 ?<\/h3>\n<p>3004 is supplied as sheet and coil. Common tempers are O, H14, and H34; thickness ranges depend on the standard and mill, with coil stock typical for can and building use. Linsy Aluminum cuts custom thicknesses and widths at low MOQ when a standard gauge is not available.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the difference between H14 and H34 tempers?<\/h3>\n<p>Both are strain-hardened, but H34 is also stabilized, which locks the properties of the magnesium-containing alloy against room-temperature softening. H34 is the stronger of the two common tempers and the usual choice for can ends and structural sheet; H14 is a lighter strain-hardened condition used for general parts.<\/p>\n<h3>Can 3004 aluminum be welded?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. 3004 welds well with 4043 or 5356 filler using TIG or MIG. Because it is non-heat-treatable, the weld zone loses strength that cannot be recovered by heat treatment, so design the joint for the as-welded condition. Use 5356 filler when the finished part will be anodized.<\/p>\n<h3>Is 3004 aluminum suitable for marine or saltwater use?<\/h3>\n<p>Not for direct immersion or continuous saltwater exposure. 3004 resists atmospheric and industrial corrosion well, but it will pit in chloride-rich marine environments without coating or cathodic protection. For hull plates, decks, and submersed parts, 5052, 5083, or 5086 are the safer choices.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key Highlights 3004 is a non-heat-treatable 3000-series alloy (aluminum-manganese with added magnesium) that sits between 3003 and 5052 in strength. It combines moderate strength with better formability than 6061, which makes it a common pick for can ends, roofing, and fuel tanks. Typical tempers are O, H14, and H34; strength climbs with strain hardening, but [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8211,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"3004 Aluminum Alloy: Composition, Properties, Tempers and Applications","_seopress_titles_desc":"3004 aluminum alloy offers higher strength than 3003 with excellent formability. 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