3004 aluminium alloy
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.[1]
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.[2]
Alternate designations include 3.0526 and A93004. 3004 aluminium and its various tempers are discussed in the following standards:[3]
- ASTM B 209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
- ASTM B 221: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
- ASTM B 547: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Formed and Arc-Welded Round Tube
- ISO 6361: Wrought Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Sheets, Strips and Plates
Chemical Composition
The alloy composition of 3004 aluminium is:[3]
- Aluminium: 95.6 to 98.2%
- Copper: 0.25% max
- Iron: 0.7% max
- Magnesium: 0.8 to 1.3%
- Manganese: 1.0 to 1.5%
- Silicon: 0.3% max
- Zinc: 0.25% max
- Residuals: 0.15% max