When selecting the right aluminum alloy for your project, do you often find yourself balancing between versatility and specific performance? Are you looking for a material that offers higher strength than the common 3003 alloy while maintaining excellent formability and outstanding cost-effectiveness?
If the answer is yes, then 3105 aluminum alloy is your ideal performance upgrade.
As your trusted partner in metal materials, Worthwill has prepared this comprehensive guide to 3105 aluminum alloy.
What is 3105 Aluminum Alloy?
3105 aluminum alloy is a non-heat-treatable wrought alloy from the Al-Mn-Mg series, essentially a high-performance alloy containing approximately 98% pure aluminum. Through the precise addition of key elements like manganese (0.3-0.8%) and magnesium (0.2-0.8%), its strength significantly surpasses that of general-purpose alloys like 1100 and 3003.
- Core Features:A 3000 series aluminum-manganese alloy, strengthened by cold working (strain hardening), it is the "performance upgrade" choice that perfectly balances strength, corrosion resistance, formability, and cost.
- International Standards:GB/T 3190-2020 | ASTM B209 | EN AW-3105 | UNS A93105
One Alloy, Multiple Forms
3105 Aluminum Sheet
- Thickness Range:0.2mm - 150mm
- Width:100mm - 2600mm
- Typical Applications:Residential siding, mobile home panels, room partitions, sign substrates, automotive body panels.
3105 Aluminum Coil
- Thickness Range:0.1mm - 4.5mm
- Width:200mm - 2000mm
- Typical Applications:Corrugated roofing, gutters and downspouts, color-coated aluminum substrates, shutter material.
3105 Aluminum Strip
- Thickness Range:0.1mm - 2.0mm
- Width:20mm - 1500mm
- Typical Applications:Bottle cap stock, lamp cap material, electronic component housings, cosmetic container caps.
Key Showdown: 3105 vs. 3003 Aluminum Alloy
For many engineers and procurement managers, the biggest question is: should I choose 3105 or 3003? The comparison table below provides a clear answer:
| Feature | 3105 Aluminum Alloy (Preferred Choice) | 3003 Aluminum Alloy (General Purpose) |
| Strength | Higher (Typical values 176-200 MPa) | Standard (Typical values 145-185 MPa) |
| Formability | Excellent (Elongation 8-24%) | Superior (Elongation 10-30%) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (Better performance in salt spray environments) | Excellent |
| Cost-Effectiveness | More Economical | Standard Price |
| Best For | Applications requiring both structural and anti-corrosion properties | Applications requiring extreme formability and high ductility |
When to Choose 3105?
- When the application has higher requirements for structural strength.
- For outdoor or architectural applications, aiming for a service life of over 20 years.
- In cost-sensitive projects, seeking higher value for money.
- For applications needing a perfect balance between strength and good formability.
Conclusion:If your application requires higher strength and durability than 3003, while also needing to control costs, 3105 is undoubtedly the smarter choice.
The Advantages of 3105 Aluminum Alloy
- Superior Corrosion Resistance:A dense, naturally forming Al₂O₃oxide film on its surface allows it to outperform 3003 in humid, salt-spray environments, making it an ideal choice for marine climates and coastal areas.
- Optimized Medium Strength:With a tensile strength between 140-195 MPa, it perfectly fills the performance gap between pure aluminum (~100 MPa) and high-strength 6xxx series alloys (≥290 MPa).
- Good Formability:In the O temper, its elongation can reach 28%, easily handling complex processes like deep drawing, bending, and stretching. It resists cracking at a bend radius of 1t-2t.
- Reliable Weldability:Compatible with various methods like TIG, MIG, and resistance welding, with weld seam strength close to the parent material and a low rate of porosity defects.
- Perfect Surface Finishing:Achieves uniform color after anodizing and offers strong adhesion for coatings (PVDF/PE). It can also be embossed to meet high-end decorative demands.
- Stable Electrical Conductivity:With a conductivity of 41-44% IACS, it delivers stable and reliable performance in electronic component applications.
Quick Reference: Temper States & Performance Parameters
| Temper State | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) | Typical Use |
| 3105-O (Annealed) | 117-160 | 55-60 | 22-28 | 31-40 | Deep drawing, complex bending |
| 3105-H12 (1/4 Hard) | 130-180 | 105-150 | 10-15 | 50-55 | General forming |
| 3105-H14 (1/2 Hard) | 152-172 | 130-152 | 5-8 | 46-60 | Medium-strength needs |
| 3105-H16 (3/4 Hard) | 165-195 | 150-165 | 3-6 | 60-70 | Structural applications |
| 3105-H18 (Full Hard) | 180-230 | 165-190 | 2-4 | 65-75 | Maximum strength needs |
| 3105-H24 (Stabilized) | 165-179 | 152 | 8-12 | - | Strain-hardened & partially annealed |
| 3105-H26 (Stabilized) | 165-200 | 165 | 8-11.5 | - | 3/4 hard + partially annealed |
Note: The above are typical value ranges. Actual properties may vary slightly depending on thickness and production process.
Chemical Composition & Physical Properties
Chemical Composition (wt%, ASTM B209)
| Element | Standard Range | High-Purity Grade | Control Point |
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder | Remainder | Base metal |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.30-0.80 | 1.0-1.2 | Main strengthening element |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 0.20-0.80 | 0.6-0.9 | Increases strength |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.70 | ≤ 0.50 | Limits brittle phases |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.60 | ≤ 0.40 | Controls fluidity |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
| Density | 2.72 | g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 635-654 | °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 170-173 | W/(m·K) |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 23.2-24.5 × 10⁻⁶ | /°C |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 68.9 | GPa |
Processing & Fabrication Guide
Forming & Bending Recommendations
| Temper State | Recommended Bend Radius | Applicable Processes |
| O (Annealed) | 1-2t | Deep drawing, complex bending, spinning |
| H12/H14 | 2-3t | Conventional stamping, general bending |
| H16/H18 | 4-7t | Requires precision tooling, springback control |
Tip: t = material thickness
Machining Highlights
- Lubricants:Oil-based lubricants are recommended.
- Machinability:Easier to machine in harder tempers like H14/H18 than in the annealed state, as chips break more easily.
Heat Treatment Process
- Annealing:Performed at 343-350°C, followed by air cooling to restore ductility.
- Important Note:3105 is a non-heat-treatable alloy and is not suitable for solution heat treatment or age hardening.
Wide Range of Applications
- Architecture & Construction:Roofing systems (20-year warranty), wall siding, curtain wall panels, drainage systems, interior partitions.
- Packaging Industry:Wine and beverage bottle caps (FDA food-grade certified), can ends, cosmetic caps.
- Automotive & Transportation:Radiator cores (thermal conductivity 170 W/m·K), fuel tanks, RV side panels, decorative trim.
- Electronics & Appliances:Heat sinks, appliance casings, control panels, mobile phone mid-frames (ultra-flat surface).
- Signage & Display:Road signs, billboard substrates (10+ years outdoor weather resistance), retail display racks.
Worthwill's Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
Patented Casting Technology
Our twin-roll continuous casting process enables 7 days of continuous production (industry standard is 3 days) and reduces the magnesium burn-off rate from 14.69% to 5.11%, providing you with a higher quality product with more uniform grain and 30% lower cost.
Precision Machining & Surface Treatment
- Precision Stamping:Tolerances up to ±0.05mm.
- CNC Machining:Accuracy up to ±0.01mm.
- Surface Treatment:We offer anodizing, PVDF/PE coating, chrome-free passivation, custom embossing, and more.
- Quality Control:Capable of achieving superior flatness (waviness ≤0.3mm/m) and tight thickness tolerance (±0.05mm).
Quality Certifications & International Standards
- Authoritative Certifications:ISO 9001:2015 | IATF 16949 (replaces TS 16949) | FDA Food Contact Certification | EN 573-3 | ASTM B209
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International Grade Equivalents:
- China (GB):3105
- USA (AA):3105 (UNS A93105)
- Europe (EN):EN AW-3105
- ISO:AlMn0.5Mg0.5
Inventory, Delivery & Service
- Stock Inventory:Common tempers like O, H14, and H24 are in stock and can be shipped within 3-5 business days.
- Custom Orders:Standard lead time for custom orders is 15-25 business days.
- Packaging Standards:We use moisture-proof kraft paper, fumigated wooden pallets, and marine-grade desiccants to ensure cargo safety.
- Customer Service:We offer free material selection consultation, samples, and test reports, with a commitment to a 24-hour after-sales response.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can 3105 be color anodized?
A: Yes. 3105 responds extremely well to Type II anodizing, offering excellent color uniformity, making it ideal for architectural and decorative applications.
Q: Is 3105 suitable for use in marine environments?
A: Absolutely. Its Al₂O₃protective layer provides excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion, making it a top choice for coastal regions.
Q: What is the difference between H24 and H26 tempers
A: H24 is strain-hardened and then stabilized to a 1/2 hard strength. H26 is the 3/4 hard equivalent. H26 has higher strength but lower ductility.
Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: Our standard MOQ is 8 tons. For stock products, smaller orders may be accepted; please contact us for details.
Q: Is there a big price difference between 3105 and 3003?
A: 3105 is generally more economical. Due to its optimized alloy composition and production efficiency, its cost-performance ratio is typically better than 3003.
Take Action Now: Get Your Custom Solution
Is your next project ready for an upgrade to 3105 aluminum alloy? Contact Worthwill today, and our team of experts will be at your service.
- Email:sales@worthwillaluminium.com
- Phone:+8615780583990
- Website:https://www.worthwillaluminium.com
Conclusion
With its perfect balance of strength, corrosion resistance, formability, and cost-effectiveness, 3105 aluminum alloy is becoming the smart choice for a growing number of industries. It is not just a reliable material but a strategic asset that can bring you a competitive edge.
