As a flagship product in the 3000 series aluminum alloys, the 3004 aluminum sheet stands out as a versatile, cost-effective solution for industrial and commercial needs, blending exceptional formability, corrosion resistance, and structural stability. Unlike pure aluminum (e.g., 1100) or magnesium-rich 5052 alloys, 3004 is classified as an Al-Mn (aluminum-manganese) alloy, with manganese as its primary strengthening element. This unique composition makes it ideal for applications requiring repeated forming, moderate strength, and long-term durability in harsh environments. For businesses seeking reliable aluminum materials paired with end-to-end machining, our 3004 aluminum sheets are engineered to integrate seamlessly with CNC milling, laser cutting, and precision bending – aligning with your project’s exact specifications.
1. Alloy Composition & Metallurgical Core
The performance of 3004 aluminum sheets starts with its tightly controlled chemical makeup, compliant with ASTM B209 (the global standard for aluminum and aluminum alloy flat-rolled products) and EN 573-3 for European markets. Its key components by weight include:
- Manganese (Mn): 1.0%~1.5% (primary alloying element, enhancing strain hardening capacity and improving resistance to deformation without sacrificing ductility).
- Magnesium (Mg): 0.8%~1.3% (secondary strengthener, boosting tensile strength and optimizing formability for deep drawing or complex shaping).
- Iron (Fe): ≤0.7% (trace element, controlled to prevent brittle intermetallic phases that could weaken the alloy).
This composition creates a metallurgical structure that responds predictably to processing. In the annealed (O) state, 3004 exhibits a soft, ductile matrix—perfect for intricate forming operations like stamping beverage can ends. When cold-worked to tempers such as H14 (half-hard) or H18 (full-hard), its crystal structure rearranges to deliver higher strength, making it suitable for load-bearing components like automotive trim or building panels.
2. Mechanical & Physical Performance
3004 aluminum sheets balance strength and workability, making them a go-to choice for industries prioritizing both performance and manufacturing flexibility. Below are key mechanical properties across common tempers (tested per ASTM E8 standards):
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (25mm, %) |
Brinell Hardness (HB) |
| O(Annealed) | 130-160 | 40-70 | 20–25 | 25-35 |
| H14 (Half-Hard) | 180-210 | 150-180 | 8-12 | 45-55 |
| H18 (Full-Hard) | 240-270 | 210-240 | 3-5 | 65-75 |
Physically, 3004 aluminum sheets offer practical advantages for diverse environments:
- Density: 2.73 g/cm³ (30% lighter than steel, supporting automotive and aerospace goals).
- Thermal Conductivity: 151 W/(m·K) (superior to stainless steel, making it ideal for heat exchangers or electronic components).
- Corrosion Resistance: Naturally forms a protective oxide layer, with enhanced resistance to saltwater, industrial fumes, and acidic environments—outperforming 1050 aluminum in marine or chemical processing applications.
Notably, 3004 retains these properties even after fabrication, avoiding post-processing brittleness that plagues less stable alloys.
3. Industry-Specific Applications
The adaptability of 3004 aluminum sheets makes them indispensable across sectors—from consumer goods to heavy industry. Our clients leverage this alloy for:
Beverage & Packaging
3004 is the industry standard for beverage can stock, particularly for two-piece can bodies and ends. Its high formability allows deep drawing (up to 30mm depth) without cracking, while its corrosion resistance prevents interaction with acidic drinks (e.g., soda, beer). We supply 3004 sheets in gauges as thin as 0.2mm (for can walls) to 0.5mm (for rigid can ends), with surface finishes (e.g., bright annealed) that ensure print adhesion for branding.
Building & Construction
In architectural projects, 3004 aluminum sheets excel as facade panels, ceiling tiles, and gutter systems. Their resistance to atmospheric corrosion eliminates the need for frequent repainting, while their malleability allows custom profiles (e.g., curved facades). We offer sheets in widths up to 2000mm and lengths up to 6000mm, compatible with our in-house CNC routing to create interlocking joints or decorative cutouts.
Automotive & Transportation
Automakers rely on 3004 for lightweight structural components like door panels, roof rails, and heat shields. Its strength-to-weight ratio reduces vehicle curb weight (improving fuel efficiency) while meeting crash safety standards. For electric vehicles (EVs), 3004’s thermal conductivity makes it a top choice for battery cooling plates, paired with our precision machining to drill micro-channels for fluid flow.
Electronics & Industrial Equipment
In electronics, 3004 sheets are used for heat sinks, chassis, and enclosure panels. Their ability to be laser-cut into intricate patterns (e.g., finned heat sinks) and welded via TIG or MIG methods ensures compatibility with compact device designs. For industrial machinery, we supply 3004 sheets in thick gauges (up to 10mm) for conveyor belts or machine guards, treated with anti-slip coatings upon request.
4. Machining Compatibility & Quality Assurance
As a one-stop provider of aluminum materials and machining, we understand that 3004’s performance depends on seamless post-processing. Our 3004 aluminum sheets are optimized for:
- CNC Machining: Cold-worked tempers (H14/H18) maintain rigidity during milling or turning, producing tight tolerances (±0.05mm) for precision parts. Annealed (O) sheets are ideal for threading or tapping, as they resist thread stripping.
- Forming & Bending: 3004’s low bending radius (1x sheet thickness for H14 temper) allows sharp angles without cracking—critical for custom brackets or enclosures.
- Welding: Compatible with TIG, MIG, and spot welding. Post-weld strength retention is 80% of the base metal (when using 4043 filler wire), eliminating the need for heat treatment.
To ensure consistency, all our 3004 aluminum sheets undergo rigorous quality checks:
- Chemical Analysis: Spectrometric testing to verify alloy composition.
- Mechanical Testing: Tensile and hardness tests on every production batch.
- Surface Inspection: Automated optical scanning to detect scratches, dents, or oxide defects.
- Dimensional Accuracy: Calibrated measuring tools to ensure thickness (±0.01mm) and flatness (≤1mm/m) meet ASTM B209 standards.
We also offer customizations, including anodizing (clear, black, or colored), powder coating, and pre-cutting to your exact dimensions—reducing your production lead time.
3004 aluminum sheets are more than a material—they are a solution for businesses needing strength, formability, and reliability. Whether you’re manufacturing beverage cans, automotive components, or architectural panels, our 3004 sheets deliver consistent performance, while our in-house machining services turn raw material into finished parts.
To request a sample, get a personalized quote, or discuss your machining requirements, contact our team today. We’ll help you leverage 3004 aluminum’s full potential for your next project.
Post time: Oct-22-2025