3005 Aluminum Alloy Composition

May. 06, 2025

The chemical composition of 3005 aluminum alloy is based on aluminum, with the addition of multiple alloying elements. This alloy optimizes mechanical properties through the synergistic effect of manganese and magnesium, while retaining the typical characteristics of the 3000 series aluminum alloys, such as corrosion resistance and formability.

3005 aluminum alloy is a manganese-magnesium alloy in the 3000 series. Compared to alloys such as 3003, it has higher strength and better corrosion resistance.

3005 aluminum alloy (UNS A93005 / EN AW-3005A) is a non-heat-treatable wrought alloy in the 3000 series, primarily composed of manganese (1.0–1.5 wt%) and a suitable amount of magnesium (0.20–0.60 wt%), which provides higher strength than grade 3003. It contains trace amounts of iron (≤ 0.70%), silicon (≤ 0.60%), copper (≤ 0.30%), zinc (≤ 0.25%), chromium (≤ 0.10%), and titanium (≤ 0.10%), with total residuals not exceeding 0.15%. In typical H14/H22 tempers, it exhibits moderate tensile strength (ultimate tensile strength around 180 MPa, yield strength around 165 MPa), good ductility (elongation about 7%), an elastic modulus of approximately 69 GPa, and a Brinell hardness of about 45 HB. Its fine-grained microstructure provides excellent formability, corrosion resistance in atmospheric and marine environments, and broad weldability, making it suitable for architectural panels, roofing, heat exchangers, and general sheet applications.

3005 Aluminum Alloy Chemical Composition

Nominal Elemental Ranges (wt %)

Element	Range
Aluminum (Al)	95.7 – 98.8
Manganese (Mn)	1.0 – 1.5
Magnesium (Mg)	0.20 – 0.60
Iron (Fe)	≤ 0.70
Silicon (Si)	≤ 0.60
Copper (Cu)	≤ 0.30
Zinc (Zn)	≤ 0.25
Chromium (Cr)	≤ 0.10
Titanium (Ti)	≤ 0.10
Others (each)	≤ 0.05
Others (total)	≤ 0.15

The composition of 3005 lies between pure aluminum and high-strength magnesium alloys, combining good formability with moderate strength.

Key Properties of 3005 Aluminum Alloy Influenced by Composition

Strength and Formability

Compared to 3003 aluminum, the manganese-magnesium combination increases tensile strength by approximately 20% while maintaining good ductility.

The fine-grained structure imparted by manganese provides excellent cold working properties (e.g., rolling, bending).

Corrosion Resistance

The high manganese content enhances resistance to atmospheric and marine environments, making it ideal for roofing, wall panels, and marine components.

Non-Heat Treatable

Strengthened through work hardening (e.g., H14, H18 tempers) rather than heat treatment.

Mechanical Properties of 3005 Aluminum Alloy (O Temper)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS): ~130 MPa (18, 900 psi)
Yield Strength: ~55 MPa (7, 980 psi)
Elongation: 25% @ thickness ≥ 3 mm
Hardness (Brinell): 35 HB

Thermal and Electrical Properties of 3005 Aluminum Alloy

Melting Point: 640–660 °C
Thermal Conductivity: 160 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity: 900 J/kg·K
Electrical Conductivity: Approximately 42% IACS by volume

Workability of 3005 Aluminum Alloy

Formability: Excellent; fine grains facilitate deep drawing and bending.
Weldability: Performs well in all standard welding methods (TIG, MIG, resistance), with very low risk of hot cracking.
Work Hardening: Strength increased through strain hardening; common tempers like H14–H28 used to tailor final properties.
Surface Treatment: Suitable for anodizing; can produce uniform oxide layers for architectural applications.

Regional Variations of 3005 Aluminum Alloy

EN AW 3005A (Europe): Allows slightly higher iron (≤ 0.8%) and zinc (≤ 0.4%) content.
UNS A93005 (USA): Follows AA standards, but with stricter impurity limits.

Applications of 3005 Aluminum Alloy

3005 strikes a balance between strength, corrosion resistance, and formability, making it a core material in the following areas:

Construction: Roofing sheets, wall panels, gutters, and downspouts.
Heat Exchangers: Radiators, condensers (good thermal conductivity).
Household Items: Cookware, wall cladding, laundry equipment.
Transportation: Light truck bodies, interior marine extrusions (non-structural components).
Automotive: Heat exchangers and panels (lightweight and formable).
Consumer Goods: Kitchenware and chemical storage (acid-resistant environments).

3005 aluminum alloy is a highly adaptable manganese-magnesium alloy, offering a cost-effective solution for medium-strength, high-formability, and corrosion-resistant applications across many industries.

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