3004 Aluminum Guide: Properties, Applications & Specifications | HXM

3004 aluminum is a medium-strength, non-heat-treatable aluminum-manganese-magnesium alloy belonging to the 3xxx series. It is one of the most widely used aluminum alloys in the world, primarily known for its excellent deep drawing characteristics and formability. The alloy contains approximately 1.0-1.5% manganese and 0.8-1.3% magnesium, which together provide a balance of strength, formability, and corrosion resistance that makes it ideal for sheet metal applications.

Developed from the 3003 aluminum composition by adding magnesium, 3004 achieves approximately 25-30% higher strength while maintaining excellent workability. Compared to standard 3003 alloy, 3004 offers significantly improved deep drawing performance, making it the material of choice for beverage can bodies worldwide. At HXM Aluminum, we supply 3004 aluminum sheets, plates, and coils in a wide range of tempers and dimensions to meet diverse industrial requirements.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about 3004 aluminum alloy: its chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties, temper options, formability characteristics, corrosion resistance, welding performance, and detailed application guidance. Whether you are sourcing material for can stock manufacturing, building and construction, or general sheet metal fabrication, this guide will help you understand why 3004 alloy is a preferred choice across multiple industries.

3004 aluminum belongs to the Al-Mn-Mg alloy system and is classified as a non-heat-treatable wrought aluminum alloy. The controlled addition of manganese and magnesium gives this alloy its distinctive combination of properties: improved strength over 3003 while maintaining excellent formability and corrosion resistance.

Elemental Composition Breakdown

The standard chemical composition of 3004 aluminum per ASTM B209 and EN 573-3 specifications is as follows:

• Aluminum (Al): 95.6 – 98.2% (balance)
• Manganese (Mn): 1.0 – 1.5% — Primary strengthening element through solid solution strengthening. Manganese improves strength and recrystallization temperature without significantly reducing ductility.
• Magnesium (Mg): 0.8 – 1.3% — Secondary strengthening element. The addition of magnesium distinguishes 3004 from 3003 alloy, providing approximately 25-30% higher strength through additional solid solution strengthening.
• Iron (Fe): ≤ 0.7% — Present as an impurity and constituent element that can form intermetallic phases affecting formability.
• Silicon (Si): ≤ 0.3% — Controlled as an impurity to maintain ductility and corrosion resistance.
• Copper (Cu): ≤ 0.25% — Limited to preserve corrosion resistance and weldability.
• Zinc (Zn): ≤ 0.25% — Trace element controlled for alloy consistency.
• Others (each): ≤ 0.05%
• Others (total): ≤ 0.15%

Comparison: 3004 vs 3003 vs 3104 Composition

The key difference between 3004 and 3003 is the deliberate addition of 0.8-1.3% magnesium in 3004, which provides significant strength enhancement through solid solution strengthening. 3104 is an evolution specifically optimized for can body stock with slightly tighter composition control for high-speed can manufacturing.

The mechanical properties of 3004 aluminum vary significantly depending on the temper condition. As a non-heat-treatable alloy, its strength is developed primarily through work hardening (cold working) during processing. The alloy exhibits good strength with excellent elongation, making it suitable for applications requiring both structural integrity and formability.

Mechanical Properties by Temper

As shown in the table, the O temper (fully annealed) offers the lowest strength but highest elongation (≥20%), making it ideal for deep drawing operations where maximum formability is required. The H3x tempers (strain hardened and stabilized) provide progressively higher strength levels for applications requiring structural performance. The H19 temper, commonly used for beverage can body stock, offers the highest strength with minimal elongation, optimized for high-speed can manufacturing processes.

Fatigue and Impact Properties

3004 aluminum exhibits good fatigue strength of approximately 95-110 MPa in the H34 temper, making it suitable for applications involving cyclic loading. The alloy maintains adequate impact resistance across all temperature ranges, performing well in sub-zero environments where some aluminum alloys may become brittle.

Understanding the physical properties of 3004 aluminum is essential for engineering calculations, thermal management design, and selection for specific application environments.

Key Physical Properties

The density of 3004 aluminum at 2.72 g/cm³ is approximately one-third that of steel, providing significant weight savings in applications where mass reduction is critical. The thermal conductivity of 162 W/m·K makes it suitable for heat exchanger applications. The coefficient of thermal expansion (23.9 ×10⁻⁶/K) should be considered when joining 3004 aluminum with other materials to account for differential thermal movement in assembled structures.

3004 aluminum is available in a range of temper conditions, each designed for specific manufacturing processes and end-use requirements. The temper designation follows the standard aluminum temper system where the letter prefix indicates the basic treatment and the digits indicate specific processing conditions.

O Temper (Annealed)

The O temper represents the fully annealed condition of 3004 aluminum — the softest and most formable state. In this condition, the material has been heated and slowly cooled to produce maximum ductility. O temper 3004 is the preferred choice for deep drawing operations, complex forming, and applications requiring maximum elongation. With elongation typically exceeding 20%, this temper allows for extensive deformation without cracking or tearing.

H32, H34, H36, H38 Tempers

The H3x tempers are strain-hardened and stabilized conditions, offering progressively increasing strength levels:

• H32: Strain hardened to quarter-hard and stabilized. Good combination of strength and formability for general sheet metal work.
• H34: Strain hardened to half-hard and stabilized. Offers balanced properties for structural applications requiring moderate forming.
• H36: Strain hardened to three-quarter-hard and stabilized. Higher strength for applications with limited forming requirements.
• H38: Strain hardened to full-hard and stabilized. Maximum strength for flat product applications with minimal forming.

H19 Temper (Can Body Stock)

The H19 temper represents extra-hard strain hardened condition, specifically developed for aluminum beverage can body stock. This temper requires tight control of gauge (±0.005mm) and surface quality to ensure consistent performance in high-speed can manufacturing lines. H19 temper 3004 sheet is typically supplied in thin gauges ranging from 0.25-0.35mm with exceptional flatness and surface finish requirements.

Can Stock Specifications

The outstanding deep drawing performance of 3004 aluminum is what sets it apart from many other aluminum alloys and makes it the global standard for can body manufacturing. The combination of the Al-Mn-Mg composition with proper temper control delivers exceptional drawability, stretch formability, and resistance to tearing during multi-stage forming operations.

Why 3004 Excels at Deep Drawing

Several metallurgical factors contribute to 3004’s superior deep drawing characteristics:

• High strain hardening exponent (n-value): 3004 exhibits excellent work hardening behavior, allowing the material to strengthen as it deforms. This distributes strain more evenly and prevents localized thinning (necking) during drawing.
• Good plastic strain ratio (r-value): The alloy demonstrates favorable crystallographic texture developed during rolling, providing resistance to thinning in the thickness direction during drawing.
• Fine, uniform grain structure: Controlled processing produces a fine grain size that promotes uniform deformation and reduces the tendency for orange peel surface defects.
• Low earing tendency: Proper thermomechanical processing minimizes earing (uneven cup edge formation) during deep drawing, reducing trim loss and improving material yield.

Formability Comparison

The Limiting Drawing Ratio (LDR) of 2.1-2.2 for 3004-O indicates that a cup can be drawn to a height greater than its diameter in a single draw operation. Combined with excellent ironing performance, this makes 3004 the dominant material for two-piece can body production where the cup is drawn and then wall-ironed to final thin-wall dimensions at high speed.

3004 aluminum alloy offers generally good weldability by most conventional aluminum welding methods, though with some important considerations that designers and fabricators should understand before selecting joining processes.

Recommended Welding Methods

• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG): Excellent results with 4043 or 5356 filler metal. TIG welding provides the best control and quality for 3004 aluminum joints, particularly for thinner gauge materials and cosmetic applications. Use AC current with argon shielding gas for optimal results.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG): Good results with 4043 filler wire (preferred for general applications) or 5356 (for higher strength and improved color match after anodizing). MIG welding is preferred for thicker sections and production environments due to higher deposition rates.
• Resistance Welding: Excellent spot and seam welding characteristics. 3004 aluminum responds well to resistance welding with proper surface preparation and electrode selection. This method is commonly used in can manufacturing for seam welding operations.

Welding Considerations

Several factors affect the quality of 3004 aluminum welds:

• Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) softening: As a work-hardened alloy, 3004 in H3x tempers will experience strength reduction in the HAZ due to annealing of the cold-worked structure. Designers should account for this when calculating joint efficiency, which typically ranges from 60-80% of the parent material strength depending on the filler alloy and temper.
• Filler metal selection: 4043 filler (Al-Si) provides the best crack resistance and fluidity, while 5356 filler (Al-Mg) offers higher joint strength and better color match. For can body stock applications, 4043 is the standard recommendation.
• Surface preparation: Proper cleaning and oxide removal immediately before welding is essential. The aluminum oxide layer melts at approximately 2050°C while the base metal melts at 630-655°C, making oxide removal critical for fusion.
• Pre-weld cleaning: Degreasing followed by stainless steel wire brushing (dedicated to aluminum only) provides the best surface for welding.

Alternative Joining Methods

Beyond fusion welding, 3004 aluminum can be effectively joined using:

• Brazing: Possible with appropriate flux, though not commonly used for 3004 due to its lower melting range compared to braze alloys. Vacuum brazing offers the best results.
• Mechanical fastening: Excellent compatibility with rivets, screws, and clinching methods. 3004’s good ductility supports deformation-based mechanical joining.
• Adhesive bonding: Good results with epoxy and acrylic structural adhesives when proper surface preparation is performed.

3004 aluminum exhibits very good corrosion resistance comparable to other 3xxx series alloys, including the widely used 3003. The alloy’s corrosion behavior is primarily influenced by its manganese and magnesium content, as well as the distribution of intermetallic phases in the microstructure.

General Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance

In atmospheric exposure, 3004 aluminum develops a thin, protective aluminum oxide layer that provides excellent natural corrosion resistance. The alloy performs well in:

• Rural and suburban environments
• Industrial atmospheres (moderate exposure)
• Inland locations away from marine influence

The corrosion rate in most atmospheric conditions is less than 0.025 mm/year, making 3004 suitable for long-term outdoor applications such as building panels, roofing, and architectural cladding without the need for protective coatings in most environments.

Marine Environment Performance

While not as corrosion-resistant as 5xxx series alloys (such as 5052 or 5083), 3004 aluminum can perform adequately in mild marine environments when properly maintained. However, for severe marine exposure with salt spray and high humidity, 5052 or other 5xxx series alloys are generally recommended due to their superior resistance to pitting and intergranular corrosion in chloride-rich environments.

Chemical and Food Contact Resistance

3004 aluminum demonstrates good resistance to many chemicals, including:

• Most organic compounds and solvents
• Fresh water (neutral pH range of 4.5-8.5)
• Many food products (making it suitable for can body applications)
• Petroleum products and lubricants

However, 3004 aluminum is susceptible to attack by:

• Strong alkaline solutions (pH > 9)
• Strong acids (pH < 4)
• Mercury and certain heavy metal compounds
• Chloride-rich environments (may cause pitting)

Corrosion Protection Options

When additional protection is required, common surface treatments for 3004 aluminum include:

• Anodizing: Provides enhanced corrosion resistance and decorative finish. 3004 anodizes with good color uniformity, though slightly less clarity than pure aluminum or 5xxx series alloys due to intermetallic particles in the microstructure.
• Chemical conversion coating: Chromate or chrome-free conversion coatings improve corrosion resistance and provide a good base for paint adhesion.
• Painting/Coating: For architectural applications, 3004 panels are frequently painted or PVDF coated for both aesthetic and protective purposes.

The single most important application for 3004 aluminum globally is beverage can body stock, accounting for a substantial portion of worldwide 3004 consumption. The alloy’s unique combination of deep drawing performance, ironing characteristics, strength after forming, and compatibility with food/beverage contact makes it the industry standard for two-piece aluminum beverage cans.

Why 3004 is the Can Body Standard

The two-piece aluminum beverage can manufacturing process subjects the material to extreme deformation conditions that very few alloys can withstand:

1. Cupping: Blanks are cut from coil stock and drawn into shallow cups in a single operation. 3004’s high LDR allows for efficient blank-to-cup conversion with minimal scrap.
2. Redrawing: The cup undergoes one or more redraw operations to reduce diameter and increase wall height. The alloy’s strain hardening behavior strengthens critical areas during forming.
3. Wall Ironing: The drawn cup passes through a series of ironing rings that progressively reduce wall thickness while extending height. This is the most demanding step, requiring the material to withstand severe compressive and tensile forces simultaneously without tearing or galling. 3004-H19 provides the optimal strength and surface characteristics for high-speed ironing at production rates exceeding 2,000 cans per minute.
4. Trimming and Necking: The formed can undergoes trimming, cleaning, decoration, and neck/flange forming operations. Low earing tendency minimizes trim waste.

3004 Can Stock Supply Chain

The can stock supply chain demands exceptionally high quality standards with tight specifications for:

• Gauge control (±0.005mm tolerance)
• Surface quality (defect-free, bright finish)
• Earing control (≤4% typically)
• Mechanical property consistency within coil and across lots
• Cleanliness (no inclusions that could cause can failures)

At HXM Aluminum, we understand these stringent requirements and supply 3004 can body stock that meets international quality standards for can manufacturing.

3004 aluminum finds extensive use in the building and construction industry, where its combination of moderate strength, excellent corrosion resistance, lightweight nature, and formability provides distinct advantages over traditional construction materials.

Roofing and Cladding Systems

3004 aluminum sheets and coils are widely used for:

• Standing seam roofing: The alloy’s good formability allows for on-site roll-forming of long panels for standing seam roof systems. The material’s thermal expansion characteristics (23.9 ×10⁻⁶/K) must be properly accommodated in design through appropriate clip and fastener systems.
• Wall cladding panels: 3004 aluminum provides durable, low-maintenance exterior wall panels that can be formed into various profiles, including corrugated, trapezoidal, and flat panel configurations.
• Soffit and fascia systems: Lightweight and easily fabricated for architectural trim applications.
• Rain-screen systems: Used in ventilated facade systems where the aluminum panels provide weather protection while allowing airflow behind the cladding.

Advantages in Construction

• Weight savings: At 2.72 g/cm³, 3004 aluminum roofing weighs approximately 65-70% less than steel roofing of equivalent thickness, reducing structural support requirements.
• Corrosion resistance: Unlike galvanized steel, 3004 aluminum does not rust, maintaining appearance and structural integrity over decades of service with minimal maintenance.
• Design flexibility: Available in a wide range of colors through PVDF and polyester coating systems, 3004 panels can be formed into complex architectural shapes.
• Sustainability: Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, and 3004 building products contain significant recycled content, supporting green building certification programs.

Beyond its dominant position in can stock, 3004 aluminum serves a broad range of sheet metal and deep drawing applications across multiple industries.

Deep Drawn Components

The alloy’s excellent deep drawing characteristics make it suitable for manufacturing various containers, housings, and hollow forms:

• Industrial containers: Deep drawn aluminum containers for chemical, food, and industrial product packaging.
• Electronic enclosures: Housings and chassis components for electronic equipment where electromagnetic shielding and thermal management are beneficial.
• Lighting reflectors and housings: Formed aluminum components for commercial and industrial lighting applications.
• Cookware and kitchen products: Drawn aluminum vessels and pans where food contact compatibility is required.
• Automotive stampings: Various formed components including heat shields, trim parts, and non-structural panels.

General Sheet Metal Applications

• Storage tanks and vessels: 3004 sheet is used for fabricating storage containers where the alloy’s weldability and corrosion resistance provide advantages.
• Signage and display: Flat and formed aluminum signs, display panels, and point-of-purchase fixtures.
• Appliance components: Interior panels, trim, and non-structural components for household appliances.
• HVAC components: Duct work, vent covers, and housing panels where thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance are valued.

Application Suitability Matrix

Understanding the differences between 3004, 3003, and 3104 aluminum alloys is essential for selecting the right material for your application. While all three belong to the 3xxx series (Al-Mn system), their specific compositions and properties differ significantly.

Comprehensive Comparison

3004 vs 3003: When to Choose Each

Choose 3003 when: Application primarily requires corrosion resistance and moderate formability. 3003 is the more economical choice for applications where strength requirements are modest. Common uses include general sheet metal work, non-structural components, chemical equipment, and cooking utensils. See our full guide on 3003 aluminum sheets for more details.

Choose 3004 when: The application demands higher strength than 3003 can provide while maintaining excellent formability. 3004 is the preferred choice for deep drawing, can body stock, and architectural applications requiring improved structural performance. The cost premium for 3004 over 3003 is typically 10-15%, justified by the 25-30% strength improvement.

3004 vs 3104: Can Stock Comparison

3104 is essentially an optimized variant of 3004 specifically developed for can body stock. The main differences are tighter composition control (particularly for Fe, Si, and Mn) and improved earing characteristics through carefully controlled thermomechanical processing. For most non-can applications, 3004 provides equivalent performance at a more competitive price point.

3004 vs 5052 Comparison

For applications requiring higher corrosion resistance, particularly in marine environments, 5052 aluminum sheets may be more suitable. 5052 offers superior corrosion resistance in chloride-rich environments but with less favorable deep drawing characteristics compared to 3004. The choice between these alloys depends on whether corrosion resistance or formability is the primary requirement.

3004 aluminum is covered by multiple international and national standards that define its chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensional tolerances, and quality requirements.

International Standard Cross-Reference

Common Product Forms and Available Dimensions

At HXM Aluminum, we supply 3004 aluminum in the following standard product forms:

• Aluminum sheets: Thickness 0.3-6.0mm, width up to 2200mm, length up to 12000mm
• Aluminum plates: Thickness 6.0-200mm, width up to 2500mm, length up to 12000mm
• Aluminum coils: Thickness 0.2-6.0mm, width up to 2200mm, various coil weights available
• Aluminum strip: Thin gauge material for specialized applications including can stock

All products are supplied with mill test certificates (MTC) documenting chemical composition and mechanical properties per the applicable standard.

As a leading aluminum manufacturer and supplier in China, HXM Aluminum provides high-quality 3004 aluminum alloy products to customers worldwide. Our manufacturing capabilities, quality control systems, and logistics expertise ensure reliable supply of 3004 aluminum sheets, plates, and coils that meet international specifications.

HXM 3004 Aluminum Product Range

We offer 3004 aluminum in the following product forms:

• 3004 Aluminum Sheets: Available in thicknesses from 0.3mm to 6.0mm, widths up to 2200mm, and various lengths. Supplied in O, H32, H34, H36, and H38 tempers per ASTM B209. Browse our full range of aluminum sheets for detailed specifications.
• 3004 Aluminum Plates: Thick gauge material from 6.0mm to 200mm for heavy-duty applications. Available in O and H112 tempers with saw-cut or machined edges.
• 3004 Aluminum Coils: Continuous coil material in thicknesses from 0.2mm to 6.0mm. Our aluminum coil products are ideal for high-volume sheet metal and roll-forming operations.
• 3004 Can Body Stock: Specialized thin-gauge coil material for beverage can manufacturing, produced to exacting gauge and surface quality specifications.

Quality Assurance

Every shipment of 3004 aluminum from HXM includes:

• Mill Test Certificate (MTC) per EN 10204 3.1
• Chemical composition analysis via optical emission spectroscopy (OES)
• Mechanical property testing per ASTM/EN standards
• Dimensional inspection and surface quality verification
• Optional third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or TUV upon request

Why Choose HXM for 3004 Aluminum

• Competitive pricing: Direct factory supply eliminates intermediary costs
• International standards compliance: Products manufactured to ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB standards
• Flexible order quantities: From trial orders to container loads and bulk shipments
• Global logistics: Experienced in sea freight, air freight, and multimodal shipping to destinations worldwide
• Technical support: Engineering assistance for material selection, process optimization, and application development

HXM Aluminum is your trusted source for high-quality 3004 aluminum sheets, plates, and coils. Whether you need material for can body stock, building and construction, deep drawing, or general sheet metal fabrication, we have the right products in the tempers and dimensions you require.

Contact our sales team today for a competitive quotation on 3004 aluminum. We offer factory-direct pricing, fast turnaround on inquiries, and reliable global shipping. Browse our product pages below to learn more about our full range of aluminum products: