3104 is a 3xxx series aluminum-manganese alloy with magnesium addition. It is a non-heat-treatable alloy developed for applications requiring a good balance of formability, moderate strength, corrosion resistance, and production efficiency.
The alloy is best known as a major material for beverage can bodies, where it is processed through high-speed forming and drawing operations. It is also used for selected packaging, transportation, architectural, and industrial products where good formability and moderate strength are required.
1. Chemical Composition of 3104 Aluminum Sheets & Plate
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Mn | 0.8–1.4 |
| Mg | 0.8–1.3 |
| Fe | ≤0.80 |
| Si | ≤0.60 |
| Cu | ≤0.25 |
| Zn | ≤0.25 |
| Ti | ≤0.10 |
| Al | Balance |
The exact composition limits depend on the applicable material standard. For commercial orders, the chemical composition should be confirmed against the specified standard and the manufacturer's Material Test Report (MTR).
2. Mechanical Properties by Temper
3104 is strengthened primarily through cold working, rather than solution heat treatment and artificial aging. The final mechanical properties depend on temper, product thickness, and the applicable standard.
| Temper | Typical Tensile Strength | Typical Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| O | About 125–175 MPa | Maximum formability and ductility |
| H14 | About 170–220 MPa | Moderate strength with good formability |
| H16 | About 190–240 MPa | Higher strength and stiffness |
| H18 | About 210–260 MPa | High strength and reduced formability |
These figures are general reference ranges only. Guaranteed tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation should be confirmed according to the required thickness and applicable standard.
For beverage can stock, specialized tempers and tightly controlled gauges may be used to meet the requirements of high-speed can forming. Therefore, beverage-can applications should be specified separately from general-purpose 3104 sheet.
The density of 3104 aluminum is approximately 2.72–2.73 g/cm³, depending on the reference used.
3. Key Properties of 3104 Aluminum
Excellent Formability
3104 has good ductility and is suitable for stamping, bending, rolling, and drawing. O temper provides the highest formability, while work-hardened tempers provide progressively higher strength and stiffness.
Moderate Strength
Manganese and magnesium contribute to the alloy's strength, while cold working further increases its mechanical properties. This provides a useful balance between weight, strength, and manufacturing performance.
Corrosion Resistance
3104 provides good resistance to normal atmospheric exposure and moisture. Its corrosion resistance makes it suitable for beverage packaging and many general indoor and outdoor applications. For aggressive chemical or marine environments, alloy selection should be evaluated according to the actual service conditions.
Surface Finishing
3104 can be painted, lacquered, printed, coated, or otherwise finished according to the application. Surface preparation is particularly important for packaging products and architectural applications requiring uniform coating or printing.
Weldability
3104 can be welded using appropriate aluminum welding processes, including MIG, TIG, and resistance welding. Filler selection depends on the welding process, joint design, service requirements, and compatibility with the base alloy. Welding can alter the local temper and mechanical properties, so welded components should be evaluated based on the final application.
4. Applications
Packaging
The most important application for 3104 is beverage can bodies. It is also used for selected food cans, aerosol containers, closures, lids, and other formed packaging components.
Automotive and Transportation
3104 can be used for selected lightweight panels, heat shields, trim components, and other formed parts where its combination of formability and moderate strength is appropriate.
Industrial Products
Typical applications include ventilation components, ducting, lightweight enclosures, containers, toolboxes, and equipment covers.
Building and Architectural Products
3104 may be used for selected roofing, wall cladding, decorative panels, ceilings, and other formed architectural products. For structural applications or highly demanding exterior environments, a different alloy may be more appropriate.
Consumer Products
The alloy can also be found in selected kitchenware, household products, containers, and other formed aluminum components.
5. Standards and Supply Range
3104 aluminum sheet and plate can be supplied according to standards such as ASTM B209, EN 573-3, and GB/T 3880, depending on the customer's requirements.
| Item | Typical Supply Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | About 0.2–6.0 mm |
| Common Sheet Sizes | 1220 × 2440 mm |
| Larger Sizes | 1500 × 3000 mm and other custom dimensions |
| Temper | O, H14, H16, H18 and other agreed conditions |
| Form | Sheet, coil, or cut-to-length material |
Actual thickness, width, length, and temper availability depend on the production equipment and application.
When ordering 3104 aluminum sheet, specify the alloy, temper, thickness, width, length, surface condition, quantity, applicable standard, and packaging requirements. A Material Test Report can be provided to verify chemical composition and mechanical properties.
For demanding applications such as beverage can manufacturing, additional requirements for thickness tolerance, flatness, surface quality, mechanical properties, and forming performance should be agreed with the supplier before production.
