Comprehensive Guide to 3004 Aluminum Alloy: Expert Tips

Key Highlights

• The 3004 aluminum alloy is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, which makes it suitable for outdoor use.

• It has moderate strength and good formability. This means it is easy to shape into detailed designs.

• It is found in common items like beverage cans, fuel tanks, roofs, and architectural parts.

• It has a higher strength than 3003 aluminum, and its formability is better than that of 6061 aluminum.

• Experts suggest increasing corrosion resistance by not exposing it to harsh conditions for too long and using proper coatings.

• When you choose 3004 aluminum, think carefully about what you need for your specific application. This way, you can ensure it works well.

Introduction

The 3004 aluminum alloy is a popular choice in the aluminum alloy world. People like it for its great features. This flexible aluminum alloy is used in many industries. It has good formability and can be shaped and molded easily. Also, it has excellent corrosion resistance. This quality helps it last longer and work reliably.

Understanding 3004 Aluminum Alloy

The 3004 aluminum alloy belongs to the wrought aluminum-manganese family. It usually comes in a sheet or coil shape. This alloy is non-heat-treatable, so heat-treatment processes do not improve its mechanical properties.

What makes this aluminum alloy special is the addition of magnesium. This smart change boosts its strength compared to other non-heat-treatable alloys like 3003 aluminum. The magnesium also adds to its great workability, which means it is good for jobs that need complex forming processes.

Chemical Compositions

The special qualities of this aluminum alloy come from its one-of-a-kind chemical makeup. Let’s look at the main parts that help it perform so well:

This material is mainly made of aluminum. Adding magnesium, between 0.8% and 1.3%, is important because it makes the material stronger and easier to shape. Manganese is also included in amounts from 1.0% to 1.5%. This further boosts its strength and makes it a great option for uses that need moderate strength.

The aluminum alloy has small amounts of silicon, iron, copper, chromium, and zinc. Each of these elements helps with its overall performance. It’s important to note that the amounts of these elements are carefully monitored. This ensures the aluminum alloy has the desired properties and avoids negative effects.

Element	Percentage Range
Aluminum (Al)	95.6% to 98.2%
Magnesium (Mg)	0.8% to 1.3%
Manganese (Mn)	1.0% to 1.5%
Iron (Fe)	0% to 0.7%
Silicon (Si)	0% to 0.3%
Copper (Cu)	0% to 0.25%
Zinc (Zn)	0% to 0.25%
Others	Each 0% to 0.05%, total 0% to 0.15%

Properties and Characteristics

3004 aluminum alloy has special traits. These traits make it good for many different uses.

• Good Formability: This alloy easily accommodates different forming methods. It is great for bending, drawing, and stamping and perfect for detailed designs.

• Excellent Weldability: You can weld it easily using common techniques. This makes the fabrication process simpler.

• Moderate Strength: It is not as strong as some heat-treatable alloys. However, its strength works well for many structural and non-structural needs.

• High Corrosion Resistance: This alloy naturally resists corrosion. This makes it a good option for tough environments.

• Good Machinability: With the right tools and lubrication, you can easily machine 3004 aluminum, achieving the tolerances and surface finishes you want.

Comparison with Other Aluminum Alloys

When selecting the best aluminum alloy for a specific use, knowing the differences between the grades is important. The 3004 aluminum alloy is flexible but has special traits that make it different from other aluminum alloys. Let’s look at how it stacks up against several well-known options:

3004 vs. 5052 Aluminum

Both 3004 and 5052 aluminum are alloys that do not require heat treatment. They are both known for their ability to resist corrosion. However, they are different when it comes to strength and formability.

Feature	3004 Aluminum	5052 Aluminum
Strength	Moderate	Higher Strength
Formability	Very Good	Good
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Typical Applications	Beverage cans, fuel tanks, roofing	Marine applications, pressure vessels, tanks
Finish	Commonly available in mill finish, painted, and stucco-embossed finishes	Typically supplied in a mill finish, but can also be painted or anodized

5052 aluminum is a top choice for jobs requiring higher strength and better rust resistance. On the other hand, 3004 aluminum is often better when more formability is needed.

3004 vs. 3003 Aluminum

3004 and 3003 aluminum belong to the same family of aluminum-manganese alloys. They have similar features but differ in their mechanical properties.

3004 aluminum has more magnesium, giving it a higher strength than 3003 aluminum. This makes 3004 good for uses where you need slightly better mechanical properties. However, the higher strength of 3004 makes it a bit less easy to shape. On the other hand, 3003 aluminum is still better at being formed and shaped easily.

If your application needs a balance between moderate strength and good formability, 3004 is a great choice. However, if excellent formability is more important and you can accept a lower strength, 3003 aluminum is a better option.

Property	3003 Aluminum	3004 Aluminum
Main Alloying Elements	Manganese (Mn)	Manganese (Mn) and Magnesium (Mg)
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)	110-240 MPa	170-310 MPa
Tensile Strength (Yield)	40-210 MPa	68-270 MPa
Elongation at Break	1.1-28%	1.1-19%
Fatigue Strength	39-90 MPa	55-120 MPa
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Weldability	Excellent	Excellent
Formability	Excellent	Good, but less than 3003
Machinability	Poor	Poor
Applications	Containers, pipes, fuel tanks	Chemical storage, automotive shells, building materials

3004 vs. 6061 Aluminum

The difference between 3004 and 6061 aluminum is how they can be heat-treated. 6061 aluminum is a heat-treatable alloy, which means it can be treated with heat to gain higher strength. In contrast, 3004 aluminum does not have this ability.

The stronger 6061 aluminum is less ductile and formable. In comparison, 3004 aluminum is easier to shape, which gives it better formability. On the other hand, 6061 aluminum is great for welding. This makes it a good choice for projects that need welding as the main way to join pieces.

The choice between 3004 and 6061 aluminum depends on what you need for your application. If you want medium strength and great formability, 3004 is the better option. On the other hand, if high strength and good weldability are important, then 6061 aluminum is the way to go.

Property	3004 Aluminum	6061-T6 Aluminum
Main Alloying Elements	Manganese (Mn), Magnesium (Mg)	Magnesium (Mg), Silicon (Si), Copper (Cu)
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)	150-285 MPa (21,750-41,300 psi)	290-310 MPa (42,000-45,000 psi)
Tensile Yield Strength	68-170 MPa (9,850-24,650 psi)	240-276 MPa (35,000-40,000 psi)
Elongation at Break	1-16%	10-12%
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent, but slightly less than 3004 due to copper content
Weldability	Excellent	Excellent
Machinability	Poor	Good
Formability	Good	Good, but less than 3004 for cold forming
Applications	Beverage can bodies, chemical storage	Aerospace, automotive, construction, marine frames

Common Temper of 3004 Aluminum

The temper designation of an aluminum alloy gives important information about its mechanical properties and shows how the alloy has been processed. Knowing the different tempers of 3004 aluminum is essential when choosing the right material for a specific use. Let’s look at some commonly available tempers.

3004 H14 Vs. H34 Vs. O

• 3004-O (Annealed): This type shows 3004 aluminum in its softest form. It is easy to shape, allowing for detailed designs and complex structures. But, since it is soft, it has lower strength.

• 3004-H14 (Strain-Hardened): This type gains its features from cold working. It balances strength and ductility well, making it useful for many jobs that need moderate strength and good formability.

• 3004-H34 (Strain-Hardened and Stabilized): This type undergoes more steps to become stronger than H14 but maintains good formability. It’s often the choice for tasks that need higher mechanical properties.

The H14 and H34 tempers offer higher strength and are used in applications requiring more structural integrity. In contrast, the O temper is softer and more formable, suitable for applications requiring high ductility.

Property	3004-H14 Aluminum	3004-H34 Aluminum	3004-O Aluminum
Temper	Strain hardened to H14	Strain hardened to H34	Fully annealed (O)
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)	240-285 MPa (35,000-41,300 psi)	260-310 MPa (38,000-45,000 psi)	95-115 MPa (13,750-16,700 psi)
Tensile Yield Strength	200-240 MPa (29,000-35,000 psi)	220-260 MPa (32,000-38,000 psi)	25-40 MPa (3,625-5,800 psi)
Elongation at Break	2.8-5%	2-4%	15-28%
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Weldability	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Machinability	Poor	Poor	Poor
Formability	Good, but less than O temper	Good, but less than O temper	Excellent
Applications	Beverage can bodies, chemical storage	Similar to H14, but with higher strength	Electrical applications, high-purity uses

Expert Tips for Using 3004 Aluminum

To get the best results and make your 3004 aluminum alloy last longer, keep these expert tips in mind for your specific uses:

To improve its natural high corrosion resistance, focus on protecting the surface. You can use coatings or finishes like painting or anodizing, especially in harsh conditions. Also, keeping it clean and well-maintained will help it last longer. When you weld 3004 aluminum, using the right filler alloys and following the correct welding methods is important. This will help keep the material’s mechanical properties and stop welding issues.

Using these expert tips, you can take advantage of the great qualities of 3004 aluminum alloy. This will help you ensure it stays strong and works well for your needs over time.

Tips for maximizing corrosion resistance.

Use the great corrosion resistance of 3004 aluminum alloy by storing it in dry conditions. Clean it regularly to take away grime that can speed up corrosion. When picking coatings, choose those that work well with aluminum for better protection. Consider the environment where the alloy will be used and select coatings matching those conditions. By keeping a protective layer with coatings and regular care, you can really boost the corrosion resistance of 3004 aluminum alloy.

Considerations for specific applications.

For certain uses, you should look at the 3004 alloy. It has excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. Its moderate strength and weldability make it a great choice for beverage cans and fuel tanks. The addition of magnesium helps improve its mechanical properties. This ensures the alloy is durable even at high temperatures. When you choose the 3004 alloy, remember that it has lower ductility and medium strength. Make sure to follow ASTM guidelines to select the right thickness, width, and finish, whether you need a flat or coiled sheet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the details of 3004 aluminum alloy can really help your projects. This guide provides expert information about its chemical makeup, properties, and common uses for more effective use. Knowing how it stacks against other aluminum alloys and the best ways to enhance corrosion resistance can lead to better results. Whether you work in construction or manufacturing, using 3004 aluminum carefully is very important for success. Contact our experts if you need personal help or quotes for commercial use. Improve your projects with the adaptability of 3004 aluminum alloy today.

Why Choose Linsy Aluminum

As one of the leading aluminum brands and a top supplier in China, Linsy Aluminum emphasizes quality and reliability in all its products. Our advanced aluminum factory in China manufactures high-performance aluminum alloys that satisfy the toughest industry requirements. Dedicated to excellence, we provide precision, durability, and tailored options to accommodate your specific project needs, establishing us as a trusted partner for businesses globally searching for exceptional aluminum solutions. GET A QUOTE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 3003 and 3004 aluminum?

Both 3004 and 3003 aluminum are not heat-treatable. However, 3004 aluminum has more magnesium, which gives it higher strength. On the other hand, 3003 aluminum is a little better for formability. The decision on which to use depends on whether you need strength or formability for your project.

What are the standard sizes and thicknesses of 3004 aluminum?

Standard sizes and thicknesses for 3004 aluminum sheets and plates follow ASTM standards. The thickness usually goes from 0.2mm to 350mm. The widths can range from 1000mm to 2500mm. If you need different sizes, you can request custom options.

What are the differences between H14 and H34 tempers?

H14 and H34 have gone through strain hardening. However, H34 is more stable, which gives it higher strength. This extra strength means H34 is a bit less ductile than H14. If you want better mechanical properties, choose H34. If you prefer a good balance between strength and formability, go with H14.