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3004 Aluminum vs. 3004-H18 Aluminum

Dec. 31, 2024

3004-H18 aluminum is a specific variant of 3004 aluminum, processed to the H18 condition (fully hardened), and its properties are significantly different from other conditions of the base material.

Comparison of 3004 Aluminum and 3004-H18 Aluminum

Property Category 3004 Aluminum 3004-H18 Aluminum
Condition Annealed or other softer conditions H18 condition (fully hardened)
Hardness Medium hardness, suitable for conventional processing Significantly higher hardness, suitable for high-strength applications
Strength Moderate strength, meets general structural requirements Higher strength, suitable for applications requiring higher mechanical properties
Ductility High elongation at fracture, suitable for complex forming and processing Reduced ductility, suitable for simple shapes or applications not requiring complex forming
Thermal Properties Excellent thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and heat resistance Same as 3004 aluminum, thermal properties remain unchanged
Electrical Properties Moderate electrical conductivity, meets general electrical conduction requirements Same as 3004 aluminum, no significant difference in electrical properties
Workability Good formability, suitable for deep drawing, stamping, and other complex processing techniques Work hardening reduces formability, suitable for simple processing
Density Same for both Same for both
Typical Applications Architectural exterior decoration, container manufacturing, structural parts requiring higher ductility Packaging can lids, vehicle body panels, structural parts requiring high strength

There is no significant difference between the two materials in terms of thermal and electrical properties, but 3004-H18 aluminum exhibits higher strength and hardness in mechanical properties, while 3004 aluminum has an advantage in ductility and workability. The material choice should be based on the specific application requirements, balancing material performance.

Key Differences Between 3004 Aluminum and 3004-H18 Aluminum

3004-H18 aluminum achieves a significant increase in hardness and strength through work hardening, but sacrifices some ductility. In contrast, regular 3004 aluminum has a wider performance range, maintaining a better balance between ductility and strength.

Selection Recommendations for 3004 Aluminum and 3004-H18 Aluminum

The appropriate material should be chosen based on specific application requirements. If strength and rigidity are the focus, 3004-H18 aluminum is recommended; if formability and ductility are more important, regular 3004 aluminum is more suitable.

Applications of 3004 Aluminum and 3004-H18 Aluminum

3004 Aluminum:

More suitable for applications that require higher formability and ductility, such as thin sheet stamping, deep drawing containers, architectural exterior decoration, etc.

3004-H18 Aluminum:

The enhanced strength and hardness make it suitable for fields requiring higher mechanical strength but not complex forming, such as vehicle body panels, packaging can lids, etc.

Mechanical Properties Comparison of 3004 Aluminum and 3004-H18 Aluminum

3004-H18 aluminum shows significant improvement in hardness and strength but a noticeable decrease in ductility. This difference primarily results from the processing method of the H18 condition, which involves full work hardening.

  • 3004 Aluminum: Has a larger elongation at fracture, suitable for applications requiring higher ductility and formability.
  • 3004-H18 Aluminum: Has higher hardness and strength, suitable for applications that require higher mechanical strength, but workability and ductility are reduced.
Property 3004 Aluminum 3004-H18 Aluminum
Brinell Hardness 45 - 83 80
Elastic Modulus (Young's, x 10⁶ psi) 10 10
Elongation at Break (%) 1.1 - 19 1.1
Fatigue Strength (x 10³ psi) 7.9 - 17 13
Poisson's Ratio 0.33 0.33
Shear Modulus (x 10⁶ psi) 3.8 3.8
Shear Strength (x 10³ psi) 15 - 25 24
Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS, x 10³ psi) 25 - 45 43
Tensile Strength: Yield (x 10³ psi) 9.9 - 40 36

3004 and 3004-H18 Aluminum Thermal Properties Comparison

In terms of thermal properties, both materials perform similarly, exhibiting excellent thermal conductivity and stable thermal expansion properties.

Whether it is 3004 aluminum or 3004-H18 aluminum, their thermal properties are the same, making them suitable for applications that require stable thermal conductivity.

Property 3004 Aluminum 3004-H18 Aluminum
Latent Heat of Fusion (J/g) 400 400
Maximum Temperature: Mechanical (°F) 360 360
Melting Completion (Liquidus) (°F) 1210 1210
Melting Onset (Solidus) (°F) 1170 1170
Specific Heat Capacity (BTU/lb-°F) 0.21 0.21
Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h-ft-°F) 94 94
Thermal Expansion (µm/m-K) 24 24

3004 and 3004-H18 Aluminum Electrical Properties Comparison

Both materials perform similarly in terms of electrical conductivity and can meet general electrical conductivity requirements.

Regardless of the processing condition, the difference in electrical properties between 3004 aluminum and its H18 condition is minimal, making them suitable for applications where electrical conductivity is not a critical requirement.

Property 3004 Aluminum 3004-H18 Aluminum
Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume (% IACS) 42 42
Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (% IACS) 140 140

Other Properties Comparison

Property 3004 Aluminum 3004-H18 Aluminum
Base Metal Price (% relative) 9.5 9.5
Calomel Potential (mV) -750 -750
Density (lb/ft³) 170 170
Embodied Carbon (kg CO₂/kg material) 8.3 8.3
Embodied Energy (x 10³ BTU/lb) 66 66
Embodied Water (gal/lb) 140 140

Common Calculations Comparison

Property 3004 Aluminum 3004-H18 Aluminum
Resilience: Ultimate (MJ/m³) 3.2 - 27 3.2
Resilience: Unit (kJ/m³) 33 - 540 450
Stiffness to Weight: Axial (points) 14 14
Stiffness to Weight: Bending (points) 50 50
Strength to Weight: Axial (points) 18 - 31 30
Strength to Weight: Bending (points) 25 - 37 36
Thermal Diffusivity (mm²/s) 65 65
Thermal Shock Resistance (points) 7.6 - 13 13

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