Alloyed primarily with manganese, 3003 aluminum’s moderate-strength, strong corrosion resistance, and attractive price point make it a popular all-purpose metal. Its moderate strength can’t be boosted through heat-treatment, but it can be effectively increased through cold working.
Because 3003 aluminum receives good ratings for machinability, it’s relatively easy to cut, drill, mill, and turn. The versatile alloy is highly ductile, making it suited for forming, and it joins well with other metals through brazing and MIG, TIG, and resistance welding.
3003 aluminum’s properties make it a solid choice for a variety of applications. For example, its excellent heat conductivity and high corrosion resistance make it well suited for making pots, pans, and cooking utensils. It’s frequently used in automotive applications because of its moderate strength, good corrosion resistance, and formability. 3003 aluminum is also often found in roofing and siding due to its attractive appearance and ability to stand up to harsh weather conditions.
Corrosion resistance. 3003 aluminum offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for applications involving moisture and chemicals, such as storage tanks.
Workability and formability. The alloy can be formed, bent, and welded with relative ease, meeting the needs of a variety of manufacturing processes.
Moderate strength. Although there are other alloys that are stronger, 3003 aluminum is strong enough for many applications, striking a balance between strength and workability.
Electrical and thermal conductivity. 3003 aluminum’s good conductivity makes it a strong fit for electrical and thermal applications.
3003 aluminum mechanical properties
These properties demonstrate how 3003 aluminum performs under different forces or loads. The following are general mechanical properties of 3003 H14 temper and are provided for reference only.
3003 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
per The Aluminum Association, Inc.
Alloy & Temper
Thickness
Tensile Strengths – ksi
ULTIMATE
YIELD
Elongation % min in 2in or 4D
Min
Max
Min
Max
3003-H14
.009-.012
20.0
26.0
17.0
1
.013-.019
20.0
26.0
17.0
2
.020-.031
20.0
26.0
17.0
3
.032-.050
20.0
26.0
17.0
4
.051-.113
20.0
26.0
17.0
5
.114-.161
20.0
26.0
17.0
6
.162-.249
20.0
26.0
17.0
7
.250-.499
20.0
26.0
17.0
8
.500-1.00
20.0
26.0
17.0
10
3003 aluminum chemical properties
This table describes the chemical composition of 3003 aluminum that gives the alloy its base properties.
3003 Aluminum Chemical Properties
per The Aluminum Association, Inc.
Alloy & Temper
Element
Percentage
3003-H14
Aluminum (Al)
Balance
Manganese (Mn)
1.0 – 1.5
Copper (Cu)
0.05 – 0.20
Silicon (Si)
0.60 max
Iron (Fe)
0.70 max
Zinc (Zn)
0.10 max
Others (each)
0.05 max
Others (total)
0.15 max
3003 aluminum physical properties
These are the basic properties of 3003 aluminum that are independent of its mechanical characteristics.
3003 Aluminum Physical Properties
per The Aluminum Association, Inc.
Alloy & Temper
Property
Value
3003-H14
Density
2.73 g/cm^3
Melting Point
643 – 654 °C
Specific Heat Capacity
0.897 J/g- °C
Thermal Conductivity
151 – 176 W/m-K
Electrical Conductivity
40% IACS
Modulus of Elasticity
68.9 GPa
3003 aluminum uses
3003 aluminum’s strength, workability and corrosion resistance make it a favorite all-purpose aluminum alloy with near-endless applications. Some of its most popular uses include:
Cooking utensils
Storage and gasoline tanks
Chemical and food processing equipment
Home appliances
HVAC ducts
Eyelet stock
Ice cube trays
Garage doors
Refrigerator panels
Shapes and forms
We have various forms of 3003 aluminum to fit your needs, including sheet, plate, and coil.
Tempers
CDM offers various 3003 aluminum tempers. Some of the most commonly requested include:
3003 O
3003 H12
3003 H14
3003 H16
To learn more about aluminum tempers, visit tempers.
Surface finish
3003 aluminum is available in standard mill finish, prepainted sheet, or in a bright finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is 3003 aluminum’s density?
3003 aluminum alloy’s density is 0.0986 lb/in3.
How machinable is 3003 aluminum?
3003 aluminum is a soft, ductile alloy, which makes it easily machinable. Smooth, continuous chips form during machining, rather than smaller ones, making the machining process easier and more efficient.
What are the characteristics of 3003 aluminum vs. 6061 aluminum?
6061 and 3003 are two of the most common aluminum alloys available, and many consider them interchangeable. However, each offers unique mechanical values which help determine which would be preferable for a particular application. 6061 has a greater yield strength than 3003, whereas 3003 aluminum has better formability and a lower shear strength, making it easier to cut. 3003 aluminum is the better choice in forming applications. Check out our full breakdown of 3003 vs. 6061 aluminum here.
What are the differences between 3003 vs. 5052 aluminum?
5052 and 3003 aluminum are both common aluminum alloys with similar characteristics, including corrosion resistance. 5052 is stronger and more corrosion-resistant, while 3003 is easier to work and form, offering solid corrosion resistance and strength. Click here for a more detailed comparison of 3003 aluminum vs. 5052.
How does 3003 aluminum compare to 3105 aluminum?
3003 aluminum is known for its excellent formability, corrosion resistance, and workability. In contrast, 3105 aluminum, while maintaining similar corrosion resistance and workability, offers slightly higher strength due to its additional magnesium content. Click on the following link for a more in-depth breakdown of 3003 vs. 3105 aluminum.
What are 3003 aluminum’s advantages over 1100 grade aluminum?
3003 aluminum has higher tensile strength and yield strength with slightly better formability than 1100 aluminum. 3003 aluminum also has slightly better corrosion resistance than 1100.These advantages make 3003 suitable for a wider range of applications than 1100 aluminum.
Get your specialty metals now
We’re here to help you find metals quickly at a competitive price, or give you the best value for your surplus metals. Reach out to us today to experience our world-class customer service for yourself.
3003 Aluminum
An all-purpose alloy for general applications
Alloyed primarily with manganese, 3003 aluminum’s moderate-strength, strong corrosion resistance, and attractive price point make it a popular all-purpose metal. Its moderate strength can’t be boosted through heat-treatment, but it can be effectively increased through cold working.
Because 3003 aluminum receives good ratings for machinability, it’s relatively easy to cut, drill, mill, and turn. The versatile alloy is highly ductile, making it suited for forming, and it joins well with other metals through brazing and MIG, TIG, and resistance welding.
3003 aluminum’s properties make it a solid choice for a variety of applications. For example, its excellent heat conductivity and high corrosion resistance make it well suited for making pots, pans, and cooking utensils. It’s frequently used in automotive applications because of its moderate strength, good corrosion resistance, and formability. 3003 aluminum is also often found in roofing and siding due to its attractive appearance and ability to stand up to harsh weather conditions.
Get a no-hassle quote now3003’s outstanding properties include
3003 aluminum mechanical properties
These properties demonstrate how 3003 aluminum performs under different forces or loads. The following are general mechanical properties of 3003 H14 temper and are provided for reference only.
3003 Aluminum Mechanical Properties
per The Aluminum Association, Inc.
3003 aluminum chemical properties
This table describes the chemical composition of 3003 aluminum that gives the alloy its base properties.
3003 Aluminum Chemical Properties
per The Aluminum Association, Inc.
3003 aluminum physical properties
These are the basic properties of 3003 aluminum that are independent of its mechanical characteristics.
3003 Aluminum Physical Properties
per The Aluminum Association, Inc.
3003 aluminum uses
3003 aluminum’s strength, workability and corrosion resistance make it a favorite all-purpose aluminum alloy with near-endless applications. Some of its most popular uses include:
Shapes and forms
We have various forms of 3003 aluminum to fit your needs, including sheet, plate, and coil.
Tempers
CDM offers various 3003 aluminum tempers. Some of the most commonly requested include:
To learn more about aluminum tempers, visit tempers.
Surface finish
3003 aluminum is available in standard mill finish, prepainted sheet, or in a bright finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is 3003 aluminum’s density?
3003 aluminum alloy’s density is 0.0986 lb/in3.
How machinable is 3003 aluminum?
3003 aluminum is a soft, ductile alloy, which makes it easily machinable. Smooth, continuous chips form during machining, rather than smaller ones, making the machining process easier and more efficient.
What are the characteristics of 3003 aluminum vs. 6061 aluminum?
6061 and 3003 are two of the most common aluminum alloys available, and many consider them interchangeable. However, each offers unique mechanical values which help determine which would be preferable for a particular application. 6061 has a greater yield strength than 3003, whereas 3003 aluminum has better formability and a lower shear strength, making it easier to cut. 3003 aluminum is the better choice in forming applications. Check out our full breakdown of 3003 vs. 6061 aluminum here.
What are the differences between 3003 vs. 5052 aluminum?
5052 and 3003 aluminum are both common aluminum alloys with similar characteristics, including corrosion resistance. 5052 is stronger and more corrosion-resistant, while 3003 is easier to work and form, offering solid corrosion resistance and strength. Click here for a more detailed comparison of 3003 aluminum vs. 5052.
How does 3003 aluminum compare to 3105 aluminum?
3003 aluminum is known for its excellent formability, corrosion resistance, and workability. In contrast, 3105 aluminum, while maintaining similar corrosion resistance and workability, offers slightly higher strength due to its additional magnesium content. Click on the following link for a more in-depth breakdown of 3003 vs. 3105 aluminum.
What are 3003 aluminum’s advantages over 1100 grade aluminum?
3003 aluminum has higher tensile strength and yield strength with slightly better formability than 1100 aluminum. 3003 aluminum also has slightly better corrosion resistance than 1100. These advantages make 3003 suitable for a wider range of applications than 1100 aluminum.
Get your specialty metals now
We’re here to help you find metals quickly at a competitive price, or give you the best value for your surplus metals. Reach out to us today to experience our world-class customer service for yourself.