Hoogtepunten
- 3003, 3004, and 3104 are all 3000-series aluminum sheets built on the aluminum-manganese base.
- 3003 is the baseline (manganese only); 3004 and 3104 add magnesium for higher strength while keeping good formability.
- Strength order in comparable tempers is 3104 and 3004 above 3003; 3104 is tuned for beverage can-body stock.
- The choice is strength versus formability versus cost – 3003 for easy forming, 3004 for strength with drawability, 3104 for high-strength thin-wall can bodies.
Inleiding
3003, 3004, and 3104 look similar on a spec sheet – all three are 3000-series aluminum-manganese sheets, all form easily, and all resist normal atmospheric corrosion. The decision between them is not about which is “best” but about where the part sits on the line between formability and strength, and how much the gauge and temper cost. This guide compares their composition, properties, and typical uses so the right sheet can be specified the first time.
For a deeper look at one of the three, the 3004 aluminum alloy guide covers tempers and properties in detail.
Key Properties of 3003, 3004, and 3104
All three are non-heat-treatable; their properties come from composition and cold work, not heat treatment. The clearest split is magnesium: 3003 has none, while 3004 and 3104 both add it, which is what raises strength above the 3003 baseline.
Composition and Strength at a Glance
| Alloy | Key Alloying (besides Mn) | Typical Temper | Treksterkte (MPa) | Vervormbaarheid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 | No magnesium | O, H14, H24 | 150 – 200 | Uitstekend |
| 3004 | 0.8 – 1.3% Mg | O, H14, H34 | 215 – 285 (H34) | Very good |
| 3104 | 0.8 – 1.3% Mg (can-body grade) | H19 (D&I) | ~270 – 310 (H19) | Good (D&I draw) |
Values are representative; check the mill certificate for the ordered thickness and temper.
Vergelijking van duurzaamheid en sterkte
In comparable tempers, 3004 and 3104 sit above 3003 in strength because of the added magnesium. 3104 reaches the highest numbers only after heavy cold work (H19), the temper used for drawn-and-ironed beverage can bodies. 3003 trades strength for the best drawability and lowest cost of the group.
Corrosiebestendigheid en chemische eigenschappen
All three resist atmospheric, industrial, and mild-chemical corrosion well. None is suited to direct saltwater immersion without coating; for marine submersion move to 5052 or 5083. Corrosion behavior is similar across the three, so environment rarely decides between them – strength and formability do.
Algemene toepassingen en gebruik
Where Each Alloy Fits
- 3003: cookware, general sheet metal, decorative trim, signage, and light-duty enclosures where forming ease and price lead.
- 3004: beverage can ends and closures, roofing, siding, gutters, fuel tanks, and painted building panels where more strength than 3003 is needed.
- 3104: beverage can bodies produced by draw-and-iron, plus other thin-wall high-strength drawn parts.
Advantages in Manufacturing
All three spin, draw, and bend cleanly, which keeps tooling simple. 3003 is the easiest to form and cheapest to buy. 3004 and 3104 add strength for thinner walls and lighter parts without leaving the 3000-series forming window.
Making the Best Choice
Use the decision below to match the alloy to the job:
- Choose 3003 when maximum formability and lowest cost matter more than strength – cookware, decorative trim, and light enclosures.
- Choose 3004 when the part needs more strength than 3003 but must still draw or bend well – can ends, roofing, fuel tanks, painted panels.
- Choose 3104 when the component is a beverage can body or similar deep-drawn, ironed thin-wall part needing high strength in thin gauge – supplied in H19.
Do not use any of the three when:
- The part is immersed in saltwater or marine service without coating – use 5052, 5083, or 5086.
- The design carries welded structural load and needs post-weld strength – use 6061-T6.
Conclusie
3003, 3004, and 3104 are close cousins: all 3000-series, all formable, all fine in normal atmospheres. The decision is strength versus formability versus cost – 3003 for easy, cheap forming, 3004 for more strength with drawability, and 3104 for high-strength can-body stock. The trade-off is that mills often stock these alloys mainly in a few standard tempers and gauges, so an unusual thickness or a mixed-spec order can slow sourcing.
Linsy Aluminum stocks 3003, 3004en 3104 sheet and coil, and cuts custom sizes at low minimum order quantities with an MTC for every order and in-house surface treatment – so a non-standard gauge or a mixed alloy order rarely stalls the project. If the alloy is still undecided, send the drawing or requirement sheet and we will review grade, temper, and gauge fit before you order.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat zijn de belangrijkste verschillen tussen 3104, 3003 en 3004 aluminiumlegeringen?
All three are 3000-series aluminum-manganese sheets. 3003 is the baseline with manganese only and no magnesium, giving the best formability at the lowest strength. 3004 and 3104 both add magnesium, which raises strength; 3104 is a tightly controlled variant developed for beverage can-body stock and is usually supplied heavily cold worked (H19). The practical difference is strength and end use, not corrosion behavior.
Welke invloed hebben de mechanische eigenschappen van deze legeringen op hun toepassing?
Higher magnesium content lifts strength, so 3004 and 3104 suit parts that must hold shape or carry light load, while 3003 is chosen where deep drawing and low cost dominate. In their supplied tempers, 3104-H19 is the strongest, 3004-H34 is moderate, and 3003-H14 is the softest. Match the temper to the forming method and service load.
Can 3003 be used as a substitute for 3004 or 3104?
Only when strength is not critical. 3003 forms more easily and costs less, but it is well below 3004 in comparable tempers and far below 3104-H19. Substituting 3003 for 3004 or 3104 will thin walls or lower pressure capacity, so confirm the strength margin before swapping.
Wat zijn de gevolgen voor de kosten als je de ene legering boven de andere kiest?
3003 is usually the cheapest because it has the fewest alloying elements. 3004 and 3104 cost a bit more due to the added magnesium and tighter composition control, but the extra strength can mean thinner stock and a longer service life, which often offsets the material premium.
Which alloy is best for outdoor roofing or siding?
3004 is the common choice for roofing, siding, and gutters because it pairs more strength than 3003 with good drawability for formed profiles, and it resists atmospheric corrosion well. 3003 works where budget leads and loads are light. Coat or paint the surface for the longest outdoor life; neither is meant for direct saltwater exposure.
