Aluminum 3004-H16
Temper
AA 3004 · UNS A93004 · EN AW-3004, AW 3004
H16 = strain hardened, three-quarter hard
Choose for stiff flat panels and shallow-formed parts needing higher strength than H14.
Values for the H16 condition
Other 3004 tempers and conditions
3004 is listed in 15 conditions; see the grade overview at 3004.
Compare all 15 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for maximum ductility: severe deep drawing, spinning, roll forming and multi-stage stamping. | 70 | 180 | 22 | 45 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | Hot-worked plate/extruded 3004 supplied as-fabricated with guaranteed minimum strength, only slightly above annealed level. | 85 | 185 | 16 | 46 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, quarter hard | Cold-rolled then partially annealed 3004 sheet at quarter-hard strength, mechanically close to H32 but with better ductility retention. | 170 | 220 | 12 | 52 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard | Stabilized quarter-hard sheet; best balance of formability and strength for roofing, siding and drawn housings. | 170 | 215 | 17 | 52 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened, quarter hard | Light cold work when moderate stiffening is wanted with most of the annealed formability retained. | 180 | 215 | 10 | 55 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, half hard | The most commonly stocked 3004 temper: half-hard stabilized sheet for pressure-tight drawn parts, drums, panels and utensils that still need bending and stretch forming. | 200 | 240 | 12 | 63 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Half-hard partially annealed 3004 sheet — the common general-purpose strength/formability compromise for roofing, siding and can ends. | 200 | 240 | 9 | 63 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened, half hard | General-purpose half-hard cold-rolled sheet/strip where higher yield than H34 is wanted and bend radii can stay generous. | 215 | 245 | 7 | 66 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | Three-quarter-hard partially annealed 3004 sheet/strip with high strength and limited residual formability. | 225 | 260 | 6 | 70 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, three-quarter hard | Higher-strength stabilized sheet for lightly formed pressure/structural panels and closure stock. | 230 | 260 | 9 | 70 HB | 42 % IACS |
H16This page Strain hardened, three-quarter hard | Choose for stiff flat panels and shallow-formed parts needing higher strength than H14. | 240 | 265 | 5 | 72 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, full hard | Full-hard partially annealed 3004 strip at maximum strain-hardened strength with minimal ductility, used for can bodies and shutter/fin stock. | 250 | 285 | 5 | 77 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, full hard | Maximum-strength stabilized 3004 sheet/strip for flat panels, closures and shells where only minimal forming follows. | 250 | 285 | 6 | 77 HB | 41 % IACS |
Strain hardened, full hard | Full-hard strip for maximum strength/springiness in flat or simply bent parts. | 270 | 290 | 4 | 78 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened, extra hard | Heavily cold-rolled coil made for drawn-and-ironed beverage can bodies and rigid containers; almost no residual formability for bending. | 280 | 295 | 3 | 80 HB | 42 % IACS |
What is 3004-H16?
3004-H16 is 3004 in the H16 temper — choose for stiff flat panels and shallow-formed parts needing higher strength than H14. 3004-H16 has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi). 3004-H16 has a density of 2.72 g/cm³ (0.0983 lb/in³), heavier than 57% of aluminum grades. It melts at 629°C (1,164 °F).
Advantages
- Readily welded — 87/100, better than 82% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 42 % IACS, better than 81% of aluminum grades
- Conducts heat well — 161 W/m·K (93 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 68/100, better than 75% of aluminum grades
3004-H16 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 3004-H16; 19 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are 3004 reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
3004-H16 has a density of 2.72 g/cm³ (0.0983 lb/in³), heavier than 57% of aluminum grades. It melts at 629°C (1,164 °F).
Mechanical11
3004-H16 has a yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 5% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
3004-H16 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 161 W/m·K (93 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 76% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.2 µm/m·K (12.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
3004-H16 conducts electricity at 42 % IACS, better than 81% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 3004-H16 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 55%.
Manufacturability7
3004-H16's machinability is good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (87/100); formability fair (50/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with 3004-H16
Is 3004 easy to machine?
Gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/H32 tempers — use sharp polished high-rake carbide, high speed, generous lubrication; harder H36/H38/H19 tempers cut and part off much more cleanly.
Can 3004 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW/resistance welded with 5356 or 4043 filler (5356 for higher joint strength); the HAZ reverts toward O temper so design joints for annealed properties.
Can 3004 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability — O and H32 take deep draws and spinning; stabilized H3x tempers resist age-softening and Lüders marking, and H19 is engineered specifically for draw-and-iron canmaking.
What surface finishes work on 3004?
Takes clear/hard anodising, chromate or chrome-free conversion coatings, coil-coated paint and lithographic lacquers well; bright decorative anodising is only fair because Mn gives a grey cast, so paint or coil coating is preferred for cosmetic panels.
3004 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.3 | 0.15 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.7 | 0.4 |
| Cu | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Mn | 1 – 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Mg | 0.8 – 1.3 | 1 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.25 | 0.05 |
| Others (each)each | ≤ 0.05 | — |
| Others (total)total | ≤ 0.15 | — |
| Al | ≥ 96.3 (balance) | — |
3004-H16 — frequently asked
What is 3004-H16 used for?
3004-H16 is typically used for beverage can bodies, roofing and siding sheet, chemical drums, lighting reflectors, cooking utensils and deep-drawn and spun housings. In short: can body alloy; higher strength.
What is the yield strength of 3004-H16?
3004-H16 has a typical yield strength of 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 265 MPa (38.4 ksi) — stronger than 63% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 15 listed tempers.
Is 3004-H16 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (55/100, worse than 59% of aluminum grades). Gummy and prone to built-up edge in O/H32 tempers — use sharp polished high-rake carbide, high speed, generous lubrication; harder H36/H38/H19 tempers cut and part off much more cleanly.
Can 3004-H16 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (87/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW/resistance welded with 5356 or 4043 filler (5356 for higher joint strength); the HAZ reverts toward O temper so design joints for annealed properties.
What surface finishes work on 3004-H16?
Takes clear/hard anodising, chromate or chrome-free conversion coatings, coil-coated paint and lithographic lacquers well; bright decorative anodising is only fair because Mn gives a grey cast, so paint or coil coating is preferred for cosmetic panels.
Can 3004-H16 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability — O and H32 take deep draws and spinning; stabilized H3x tempers resist age-softening and Lüders marking, and H19 is engineered specifically for draw-and-iron canmaking.
What is the maximum service temperature of 3004-H16?
3004-H16 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Can FabDigit make parts in 3004-H16?
Yes — 3004-H16 is available for sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASTM B209 / B209M — Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate — ASTM International (2021)
- EN 485-2 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys: sheet, strip and plate, mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 13B — Corrosion: Materials — ASM International (2005)
- Can body stock / 3004 sheet & coil datasheets — Constellium / Novelis (2022)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.