3A21 aluminum alloy is a non-heat-treatable alloy belonging to the Al-Mn (Aluminum-Manganese) series, prized for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and moderate strength. It is often considered an enhanced version of the 3003 alloy, with tighter controls on impurities and a manganese content that contributes to its slightly higher strength characteristics while maintaining excellent workability.
Key Properties of 3A21 Aluminum Coil
3A21 aluminum coil offers a balanced set of properties making it suitable for diverse applications:
- Corrosion Resistance: It exhibits outstanding resistance to atmospheric corrosion and many chemicals. This makes it ideal for applications exposed to various environments.
- Formability: 3A21 has excellent formability, allowing it to be easily bent, drawn, spun, and stamped. The O (annealed) temper provides the best formability.
- Weldability: This alloy is readily weldable using common commercial techniques, including MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding.
- Strength: It possesses moderate strength, significantly higher than 1xxx series aluminum alloys. Strength can be increased through cold working (strain hardening).
- Non-Heat Treatable: The strength of 3A21 is enhanced by cold work rather than heat treatment.
Many fabricators rely on consistent material properties, and suppliers such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often provide 3A21 coils that adhere to precise specifications.
Common Tempers and Mechanical Characteristics
The mechanical properties of 3A21 aluminum coil are largely determined by its temper. Common tempers include:
- O (Annealed): This is the softest state, offering maximum ductility. Typical Tensile Strength: 95-135 MPa.
- H14 / H24: Strain-hardened / Strain-hardened and partially annealed. These offer a good balance of strength and formability. Typical Tensile Strength for H24: 140-180 MPa. Material in these tempers is widely available from stockists, including Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company.
- H18 / H28: Fully hard / Strain-hardened and partially annealed to three-quarter hard. These tempers provide the highest strength but with reduced formability. Typical Tensile Strength for H18: ~180 MPa or higher.
Specific yield strength and elongation values will also vary based on the temper and thickness of the coil.
Typical Applications of 3A21 Aluminum Coil
The advantageous combination of properties makes 3A21 aluminum coil a preferred material for numerous applications:
- Cookware and Kitchen Equipment: Its good formability, corrosion resistance, and non-toxic nature make it ideal.
- Chemical Storage and Transportation: Used for tanks, piping, and containers handling various substances.
- Building Products: Roofing sheets, siding, gutters, and architectural panels.
- Heat Exchangers: Components like fins and tubes benefit from its good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- Automotive Parts: Including radiator tanks, fuel lines, and other fluid handling components.
- Pressure Vessels: Suitable for low to moderate pressure applications.
- General Sheet Metal Fabrication: For enclosures, ductwork, and various stamped parts. The reliable quality from sources like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company supports its use in diverse manufacturing processes.
Processing and Fabrication Considerations
3A21 aluminum coil is generally easy to work with using standard fabrication methods:
- Forming: Excellent results in bending, drawing, and stamping, particularly in softer tempers.
- Machining: Machinability is fair, generally better in harder tempers. Use of appropriate coolants and tool geometry is recommended.
- Welding: Good weldability with common methods. Filler alloy 4043 is often used for optimal results.
- Finishing: Can be anodized for increased surface hardness, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. It also accepts paint and powder coatings well.
For demanding applications, ensuring the quality and consistency of the 3A21 aluminum coil is crucial. Working with established suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can help guarantee material that meets the required standards for performance and fabricability.
