Aluminum 3005 vs 3104
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 3005 and 3104 are both aluminum grades, both corrosion resistant al. 3104 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) for 3005, about 77% more; tensile strength follows at 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi). In exchange, 3005 is the more ductile: elongation 5% versus 3% for 3104, and 3104 is harder (82 HB vs 48 HB). 3005 runs hotter in service (120°C vs 100°C continuous).
3005Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3104Choose it when strength drives the design.
3005 vs 3104: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Elastic (Young's) Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Shear Modulus 26 GPa3.8 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Liquidus Temperature
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Same in both: Specific Heat Capacity 893 J/kg·K0.21 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Same in both: Electrical Conductivity 41 % IACS · Electrical Resistivity 4.2×10⁻⁸ Ω·m1.65 µΩ·in
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability 35 / 100 · Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 30% · Weldability 85 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb · Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 3005 | 3104 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both are offered for Sheet metal. Both take the same 15 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating, PTFE Coating and 3 more.
3005 vs 3104 — frequently asked
Is 3104 stronger than 3005?
Yes. 3104 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 155 MPa (22.5 ksi) for 3005 — about 77% more. Tensile strength is 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 175 MPa (25.4 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 3005 or 3104?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
When should I choose 3005 over 3104?
Pick 3005 when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat. Pick 3104 when strength drives the design.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3005 and 3104 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.