3004 aluminium alloy is an alloy in the wrought aluminium-manganese family (3000 or 3xxx series). It is similar to the 3003 alloy, except for the addition of approximately 1% magnesium. It can be cold worked (but not, unlike some other types of aluminium alloys, heat treated) to produce tempers with a higher strength but a lower ductility. Like most other aluminium-manganese alloys, 3003 is a general-purpose alloy with moderate strength, good workability, and good corrosion resistance. It is commonly rolled and extruded, but typically not forged. As a wrought alloy, it is not used in casting
The alloy 3004 is commonly used in the making of beverage cans. It was developed to satisfy the need for thinner gauges in can-stock, and thereby to some extent replaced its predecessor 3003 alloy in the making of beverage cans. Can-stock can be made thinner due to the addition of 1% magnesium, which contributes in solid solution strengthening.
Alternate designations include 3.0526 and A93004. 3004 aluminium and its various tempers are discussed in the following standards:
Physical Properties
The physical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy are tabulated below.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.6-2.8 g/cm3 | 0.0939- 0.101 lb/in3 |
| Melting point | 633°C | 1170°F |
Mechanical Properties
The mechanical properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy are outlined in the following table.
| Properties | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 215 MPa | 31183 psi |
| Yield strength | 170 MPa | 24656 psi |
| Shear strength | 115 MPa | 16680 psi |
| Fatigue strength | 105 MPa | 15229 psi |
| Elastic modulus | 70-80 GPa | 10153-11603 ksi |
| Poisson’s ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Elongation | 10% | 10% |
| Hardness | 52 | 52 |
Thermal Properties
The thermal properties of Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy are given in the following table.
| Properties | Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| T (ºC) | Treatment | ||
| Thermal conductivity | 162 W/mK | 25 | – |
Other Designations
Other designations that are equivalent to Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy include:
- ASTM B209
- ASTM B221
- ASTM B313
- ASTM B547
- ASTM B548
- SAE J454
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
Machinability
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy has good machinability in the hard temper. Oil lubricant is used for performing machining operations.
Forming
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy can be formed using conventional hot working or cold working methods.
Welding
The Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy can be welded using TIG or MIG welding techniques.
Heat treatment
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy is a non-heat treatable alloy.
Forging
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy is forged at temperatures ranging from 372 to 510°C (700 to 950°F).
Hot Working
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy is hot worked at 260 to 483°C (500 to 900°F).
Cold Working
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy can be cold worked up to 75% reduction of area using conventional techniques. This process should be followed by annealing if it is cold worked beyond 75% reduction of area.
Annealing
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy is annealed at 344°C (650°F) followed by cooling in air.
Hardening
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy can be annealed by cold working.
Applications
Aluminium / Aluminum 3004 alloy is used in sheet metal work. It is also used in manufacturing storage tanks.
