Manganese Aluminium
What is 3103 grade Manganese Aluminium?
Manganese is combined with aluminium to improve both its chemical resistance and strength. This process is called intermetallic phases whereby the new alloy has a different crystallographic structure than both aluminium and manganese. Aluminium 3103 is classed as a medium strength aluminium alloy and is considered a commercially pure aluminium despite the addition of manganese. A key benefit of this alloy is the fact it offers superior resistance to atmospheric corrosion, it cannot however be strengthened by heat treatment.
Chemical Composition
Spec: BS EN 573-3:2009
Alloy 3103
Chemical Element % Present
Manganese (Mn) 0.90 - 1.50
Iron (Fe) 0.0 - 0.70
Copper (Cu) 0.0 - 0.10
Magnesium (Mg) 0.0 - 0.30
Silicon (Si) 0.0 - 0.50
Zinc (Zn) 0.0 - 0.20
Other (Each) 0.0 - 0.05
Others (Total) 0.0 - 0.15
Chromium (Cr) 0.0 - 0.10
Titanium + Zirconium (Ti+Zr) 0.0 - 0.10
Aluminium (Al) Balance
Properties
Physical Property Value
Density 2.73 g/cm³
Melting Point 655 °C
Thermal Expansion 23.1 x10^-6 /K
Modulus of Elasticity 69.5 GPa
Thermal Conductivity 160 W/m.K
Electrical Resistivity 42 % IACS
Spec: BS EN 485-2:2008
Mechanical Property Value
Tensile Strength 140 - 180 MPa
Proof Stress 120 Min MPa
Hardness Brinell 45 HB
What is 3103 used for?
This is a versatile grade that combines increased strength with good corrosion resistance and workability. This means that it has a wide variety of uses including storage tanks, heat exchangers, kitchen, and chemical equipment. Commonly, made as a sheet, it is also used in HVAC and transport environments.
Can manganese aluminium be machined or welded?
3103 aluminium alloy is mainly sold in sheet due to its strength, workability, and corrosion resistance.
Workability – Cold: Good
Machinability: Acceptable
Alloy 3103 has very good weldability
Weldability – Gas: Very Good
Weldability – Arc: Very Good
Weldability – Resistance: Good
Brazability: Very Good
Solderability: Very Good
How does 3103 compare to other aluminium grades?
The added manganese to 3103 gives improved strength and mechanical properties over other grades such as 1000 series alloys. The alloy also boasts improved mechanical properties when compared with 1000 series alloys and is up to twenty percent stronger than grade 1100. It also has better mechanical properties over the 1000 series, particularly when used at elevated temperatures.