Aluminum 3104 vs 3203
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 3104 and 3203 are both aluminum grades, both corrosion resistant al. 3104 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for 3203, about 90% more; tensile strength follows at 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi). In exchange, 3203 is the more ductile: elongation 8% versus 3% for 3104, and 3104 is harder (82 HB vs 40 HB). 3203 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 100°C continuous). On the shop floor, 3203 machines more easily (45 vs 35 out of 100).
3104Choose it when strength drives the design.
3203Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when the part sees heat.
3104 vs 3203: 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.
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 · Bulk Modulus 69 GPa10 Msi · Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Point (Solidus)
Same in both: Liquidus Temperature 654°C1,209 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
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 · Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 23.2 µm/m·K12.9 µin/in·°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).
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V · Corrosion Resistance 70 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Energy (primary production) 200 MJ/kg85,985 BTU/lb
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 | 3104 | 3203 |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
3104 vs 3203 — frequently asked
Is 3104 stronger than 3203?
Yes. 3104 has a typical yield strength of 275 MPa (39.9 ksi) against 145 MPa (21 ksi) for 3203 — about 90% more. Tensile strength is 295 MPa (42.8 ksi) vs 150 MPa (21.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 3104 or 3203?
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.
Which is easier to machine, 3104 or 3203?
3203, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 35/100 for 3104.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 3104 and 3203 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.