Aluminum Alloy 3004

Aluminum Alloy 3004

3004 aluminum alloy is an alloy in the wrought aluminum-manganese alloy series (3000 or 3xxx series). It is similar to alloy 3003, except that about 1% magnesium is added. It can be cold worked (but, unlike some other types of aluminum alloys, not heat treated) to produce a stronger but less ductile state. Like most other aluminum-manganese alloys, 3003 is a general-purpose alloy with moderate strength, good processability, and good corrosion resistance. It is usually rolled and extruded, but usually not forged. As a wrought alloy it is not used in casting.

3004 alloy is commonly used to make beverage cans. It was developed to meet the demand for thinner gauges in can materials, partly replacing its predecessor 3003 alloy in beverage can manufacturing. The can blank can be made thinner thanks to the addition of 1% magnesium, which aids in solid solution strengthening.

Alternative names include 3.0526 and A93004. The following standards discuss 3004 aluminum and its various states:

ASTM B 209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Plate and Plate
ASTM B 221: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Extruded Rods, Bars, Wire, Shapes, and Tubing
ASTM B 547: Standard Specification for Formed and Arc Welded Round Pipe of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
ISO 6361: Wrought aluminum and aluminum alloy plates, strips and plates