1100 VS 3004 aluminum sheet for architectural design

In architectural aluminum sheets, 1100 aluminum sheet and 3004 aluminum sheet are like two architects with different styles. One adheres to the simple aesthetics and extreme corrosion resistance of pure aluminum, and the other uses a reinforced formula to create higher strength and lasting toughness. They compete on the same stage such as roofs and curtain walls, but due to their core endowment differences, they interpret completely different performance chapters.

Material Gene

1100 aluminum sheet: As a representative of industrial pure aluminum (aluminum content ≥ 99.0%), it almost perfectly inherits the excellent corrosion resistance and excellent machinability of pure aluminum. Its core charm lies in purity. It sacrifices some strength but gains excellent formability, weldability and thermal/electrical conductivity. It is an unreinforced “pure guardian”.

3004 aluminum sheet: The key to this “strength player” lies in the addition of manganese (Mn) (1.0-1.5%) and magnesium (Mg) (0.8-1.3%) elements. Manganese increases strength and maintains good corrosion resistance, while magnesium further enhances its strength and fatigue resistance. Although it cannot be greatly strengthened by heat treatment like 2xxx or 7xxx series, its cold work hardening ability is significantly better than 1100, making it a performance leader among non-heat-treated strengthened aluminum.

Performance Showdown

✅ Forming and Installation

1100 aluminum sheet has extraordinary plasticity and ductility, and is a favorite of sheet metal processing. It is easy to shear, bend, and stamp into complex shapes (such as special-shaped roof panels and decorative lines), has a low work hardening rate, is smooth and labor-saving to operate, and is relatively tolerant of installation process requirements.

3004 aluminum sheet has good formability, but is slightly stiffer than 1100 aluminum sheet. Its advantage is that the strength is significantly improved after cold work hardening, which means that the formed components can better maintain their shape and resist external deformation. Its bending rebound requires more precise process control.

✅ Environmental durability

1100 aluminum sheet is almost perfect in corrosion resistance, especially for atmospheric environment (including industrial atmosphere) and water erosion. The dense aluminum oxide film formed on the surface after long-term exposure is its natural barrier, which is very suitable for uncoated applications or as an ideal substrate for anodizing, showing a pure metallic luster.

3004 aluminum sheet also has good corrosion resistance, thanks to the addition of manganese. Its comprehensive corrosion resistance is slightly inferior to that of 1100 aluminum sheet, especially in more severe environments (such as coastal areas with high salt fog). But its higher strength makes it more advantageous when bearing wind loads, snow loads or resisting unexpected impacts (such as hail), and its structural durability is better.

✅ Surface treatment

Both are very suitable for anodizing and can form a beautiful and durable protective layer. After oxidation, the color of 1100 aluminum sheet is more uniform and pure, and it is the preferred substrate for high-end decoration. 3004 aluminum sheet also works well after oxidation, and its higher basic strength provides stronger support for components after surface treatment.

Application Focus

In the core field of architectural aluminum, they each show their strengths:

✅ The pure stage of 1100 aluminum sheet

• Architectural decoration: Indoor and outdoor decorative strips, trims, grilles, ceiling panels that require high gloss and complex shapes (especially aesthetics and corrosion resistance).
• Low-load roof/wall: Small building roof panels, awnings, sun roofs, etc. do not require high strength, but require excellent weather resistance and easy processing.
• Signboard and logo substrate: Rely on its good formability to make special-shaped signs, and the long-lasting bright appearance after anodizing.
• Chemical environment lining/container: Take advantage of its extreme chemical corrosion resistance.

✅ Strength field of 3004 aluminum sheet

• High-performance roof/curtain wall system: Large public building roofs (stadiums, airports), large-span curtain wall panels, need to resist strong wind pressure and snow loads, and its high strength and fatigue resistance are the key.
• Durable exterior wall panels: The core substrate of aluminum-plastic composite panels (ACM) is the first choice because its strength can better support the composite structure and resist deformation.
• Drainage system: Large rain gutters and downspouts need to withstand water flow impact and possible physical collisions, and 3004 has more reliable toughness and strength.
• Structural sunshade devices: Large outdoor blinds and awning frames have high requirements for rigidity and wind vibration resistance.

1100 aluminum sheet and 3004 aluminum sheet, the “pure guardian” and “strength leader” in the field of architectural aluminum sheets, are not substitutes, but complementary pairs with precise positioning. Only by deeply understanding the core differences between these two aluminum alloy grades in strength grade, corrosion resistance, forming requirements and load environment can we accurately select materials in the blueprint of architectural design.