3A21 aluminum is a non-heat-treatable alloy belonging to the Al-Mn (Aluminum-Manganese) series, primarily characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. As a bar product, 3A21 offers these inherent alloy characteristics in a versatile form factor suitable for various machining and structural applications where high strength is not the primary requirement.
Key Properties of 3A21 Aluminum Bar
- Corrosion Resistance: Exhibits excellent resistance to atmospheric and chemical corrosion, making it a preferred choice for components exposed to various environments.
- Weldability: Readily weldable using common commercial methods, including gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW), producing strong and durable joints.
- Formability: Possesses good ductility, allowing it to be easily formed through bending, stamping, and drawing processes, even in annealed or intermediately work-hardened tempers.
- Strength: 3A21 provides moderate strength. Its strength is typically enhanced through strain hardening (cold working) rather than heat treatment.
- Machinability: While machinable, 3A21 can exhibit a slightly “gummy” characteristic common to softer aluminum alloys, necessitating sharp tooling and appropriate lubricants for optimal results.
Common Applications
The advantageous combination of properties makes 3A21 aluminum bars suitable for a diverse range of applications, such as:
- Fuel lines, oil lines, and tanks
- Heat exchangers, fins, and tubing
- Sheet metal work requiring good formability and corrosion resistance
- Architectural components
- Low to moderate-stress pressure vessels
- Chemical equipment and storage containers
- Hollowware and kitchen utensils
The reliability of 3A21 aluminum in these applications often depends on the quality of the raw material. Sourcing from established suppliers, such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, ensures material conformity to industry standards.
Manufacturing and Supply Considerations
3A21 aluminum bars are typically manufactured through extrusion or rolling, followed by appropriate finishing processes to achieve desired dimensions and tempers (e.g., O, H12, H14, H112). The specific temper dictates the final mechanical properties of the bar. When procuring 3A21 aluminum bars, it is essential to specify the required temper, dimensions, and any applicable standards. Reputable suppliers like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company can provide material test certificates (MTCs) detailing chemical composition and mechanical properties.
The alloy’s workability allows for the production of various bar profiles, including round, square, rectangular, and hexagonal. For specific projects, custom sizes and lengths may be available. Companies such as Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company often have the capability to meet diverse customer requirements.
Typical Chemical Composition (Nominal %)
- Manganese (Mn): 1.0 – 1.5
- Iron (Fe): Max 0.7
- Silicon (Si): Max 0.6
- Copper (Cu): Max 0.20
- Zinc (Zn): Max 0.10
- Magnesium (Mg): Max 0.05
- Other, each: Max 0.05
- Other, total: Max 0.15
- Aluminum (Al): Remainder
This carefully controlled composition, which entities like Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company ensure is maintained, is crucial for achieving the desired performance characteristics of 3A21 aluminum. For critical applications, always verify the exact composition from the material certification provided by your supplier. The consistency of supply from producers, including Shanxi Luokaiwei Steel Company, is vital for manufacturing processes that rely on this alloy.
