What Is 3005 Aluminum Coil?
3005 aluminum coil is a wrought Al-Mn-Mg alloy supplied in coil form and belongs to the 3xxx series. Manganese is the principal alloying element, present at 1.0% to 1.5%, and a controlled magnesium addition of 0.20% to 0.60% lifts the strength above that of 3003. The result is a coil with roughly 20% higher strength than 3003 aluminium sheet together with better corrosion resistance.
Because the alloy is not heat treated, its properties are set by cold rolling and by the temper designation. That makes 3005 a practical choice where a stable, formable and corrosion-resistant surface is needed at moderate cost.
Chemical Composition
Composition limits for 3005 follow the wrought aluminium composition tables of ASTM B209 and GB/T 3190. Values are mass percent; single figures are maximums unless a range is given.
| Element | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Al |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3005 | 0.60 | 0.70 | 0.30 | 1.0-1.5 | 0.20-0.60 | 0.10 | 0.25 | Remainder |
The manganese level is the same as in 3003, so the strength advantage of 3005 comes from the magnesium addition. Low copper and low zinc keep the alloy resistant to atmospheric and water-side corrosion.
Performance Advantages of 3005 Aluminum Coil
Performs well in humid environments and offers excellent corrosion resistance
About 20% higher strength than 3003 aluminium plate at the same thickness
Good deep drawing performance, formability and welding performance
A stable, clean surface that accepts colour coating, anodising and paint without special preparation
Available in a wide temper range, so strength and ductility can be matched to the forming operation
Technical Parameters
| Alloy | Temper | Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Form | Typical products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3005 | F, O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H19, H22, H24, H26, H28, H111, H112, H114 | 0.2-10 | 100-2650 | Coil | Colour-coated aluminium substrate, lamp base material, blinds, curtain walls |
Soft tempers such as O and H111 are used where severe forming is required, while the H1x, H2x and H19 tempers provide the higher strength needed for structural and semi-structural parts. Widths up to 2650 mm make the coil suitable for wide colour-coating and continuous processing lines.
Market Applications
3005 aluminum coil is commonly used in humid environments such as air conditioners, refrigerators and car undersides, where condensation and road splash would attack a less corrosion-resistant alloy. Beyond those duties it is widely used in building materials and colour-coated aluminium plate, kitchen utensils, food and chemical product processing and storage equipment, tanks and vessels for transporting liquid products, various types of thin plate processing, pressure vessels and pipes, general utensils, heat sinks, cosmetic boards, photocopier rollers, shipbuilding materials and battery shell material.
In each case the selection reason is the same: a manganese and magnesium bearing alloy that resists humid and mildly aggressive service while still forming and welding easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much stronger is 3005 than 3003?
3005 is approximately 20% stronger than 3003 aluminium plate at the same thickness, because magnesium is added on top of the manganese content that both alloys share.
Q: Which tempers are available for 3005 aluminum coil?
The usual range is F, O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H19, H22, H24, H26, H28, H111, H112 and H114, with the choice depending on the required balance of strength and formability.
Q: What thickness and width can 3005 coil be supplied in?
Thickness normally runs from 0.2 mm to 10 mm and width from 100 mm to 2650 mm, supplied as coil for continuous processing.
Q: Is 3005 aluminum coil suitable for humid or outdoor service?
Yes. Its combination of manganese and magnesium gives excellent corrosion resistance in humid environments, which is why it is used for air conditioners, refrigerators and car undersides as well as building materials.
Q: Can 3005 aluminum coil be colour coated?
Yes. The alloy is a common substrate for colour-coated aluminium plate, and it also accepts anodising, paint and other decorative surface treatments after normal coil preparation.
Q: How does 3005 form and weld compared with higher-strength alloys?
It has good deep drawing performance, formability and welding performance, so it can be pressed, bent and joined without the cracking risk associated with harder structural alloys.
