If you’re looking for a versatile, highly workable metal for your next project, 3003 H14 aluminum is worth looking into. The temper’s excellent corrosion resistance and good workability make it a popular choice for a wide range of food and chemical applications, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and roofing sheets.
Aluminum alloys in the 3000 series have manganese as their primary alloying element, and 3003 aluminum is no exception. Aluminum and manganese come together to create a moderate-strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and good workability. With these highly desirable characteristics, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most commonly used aluminum alloys.
H14 temper indicates that 3003 aluminum has been strain-hardened to increase its strength and then partially annealed to reduce internal stress and cracking. H14 temper is stronger and less formable than H12 temper, but more formable and not as strong as H18.
Chemical composition
3003 H14 aluminum is primarily composed of aluminum, but it also contains an assortment of other elements that help give the alloy its unique characteristics. Its three main elements are typically:
· Aluminum (Al): 96.7% – 99%
· Manganese (Mn): 1.0% – 1.5%
· Copper (Cu): 0.05% – 0.20%
Pure aluminum is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and strong resistance to corrosion. The manganese increases both of these characteristics and the copper adds additional strength.
Mechanical properties
When choosing the right material for your application, it’s important to consider an alloy’s mechanical properties. These properties directly influence the material’s performance and can help you determine its suitability for the needs of your project.
Notable mechanical properties of 3003 H14 aluminum include:
· Density: 2.73 g/cm³
· Tensile Strength: 130-180 MPa
· Yield Strength: 115 MPa
· Elongation: 10-12%
· Hardness: 40 (Brinell)
· Modulus of Elasticity: 70 GPa
· Melting Point: 643-654°C
The combination of low density and good elasticity make 3003 H14 aluminum a solid choice for applications that require fabrication but need to minimize weight. 3003 H14 aluminum’s good elongation, along with its moderate tensile and yield strength, lends structural integrity to the material.
Physical properties
3003 H14 aluminum’s most outstanding physical properties are good formability, strong corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-mass ratio. This lightweight alloy holds up well to chemicals or exposure to weather and can be easily bent, shaped, or drawn.
Applications
3003 H14 aluminum is widely found in a variety of industries due to its desirable characteristics. You can find it used in such applications as:
· Construction. The lightweight, corrosion resistant metal can be found in roofing, siding, gutters, and downspouts.
· Automotive. 3003 H14 aluminum is commonly found in radiators and heat exchangers due to its excellent thermal conductivity.
· Packaging. The alloy’s non-reactivity makes it a good choice for food and beverage containers.
· Kitchenware. 3003 H14 aluminum’s good workability allows it to be formed into kitchen utensils.
· HVAC. The lightweight, formable metal is easily shaped to form components, and its strong corrosion resistance allows it to perform well in harsh weather conditions.
Top advantages
3003 H14 aluminum has several sought-after characteristics. Its strong resistance to corrosion helps it to stand up to harsh outdoor environments, while its good formability allows it to easily conform to different shapes. The alloy’s moderate strength gives it structural integrity, and its lightness makes it an excellent choice for industries that have strict weight limitations, such as aerospace.
6061 aluminum and 3003 H14 aluminum comparison
The primary alloying element in 6061 aluminum is magnesium, rather than the manganese found in 3003 H14 aluminum. This gives 6061 aluminum a significant advantage in strength and allows it to be further strengthened through heat treatment. 3003 H14 aluminum has only moderate strength that has only been strengthened through strain-hardening. 3003 H14 aluminum has superior formability over 6061 aluminum.
Differences between 5052 aluminum and 3003 H14 aluminum
Having magnesium as the primary alloying element increases 5052 aluminum’s strength significantly over that of 3003 H14 aluminum, and its chromium content contributes to its superior corrosion resistance. The stronger 5052 aluminum is a better choice for high-stress applications that require durability, such as marine applications and pressure tanks. The moderate strength and superior formability of 3003 H14 aluminum make it better suited for roofing, HVAC, and other applications where formability is more important and there is less of a demand on strength.
Frequently asked questions
Can 3003 H14 aluminum be welded?
3003 aluminum can be welded using common welding methods, such as tungsten inert gas (TIG), metal inert gas (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), or resistance welding. Proper cleaning pre- and post-welding and using filler materials that exceed its properties, such as 4043 or 1100 aluminum, helps maintain corrosion resistance and create better welds.
Is 3003 H14 aluminum suitable for high-temperature applications?
With a relatively low melting point of 643-654°C (1190-1210°F), reduced strength at higher temperatures, and high thermal conductivity that will quickly bring the alloy to the temperature of its environment, 3003 H14 aluminum is not typically recommended for high-temperature applications.
How does 3003 H14 aluminum perform in terms of durability?
3003 H14 aluminum has good durability. It stands up well to moisture, chemicals, and industrial pollutants. It can be easily shaped without showing signs of significant stress or cracking. And although it’s not ideal for high-impact applications, it can withstand moderate impacts without cracking.
Cost-effective versatility
No alloy can be all things to all people, but 3003 H14 aluminum appeals to a wide range of industries. Its moderate strength, light weight, and good formability combine with good corrosion resistance to make it a versatile choice for numerous applications. These characteristics and its affordable price make it a favored material for many manufacturers.
If 3003 H14 aluminum is a good fit for your project, you’ll find what you need in Cumberland Diversified Metals’ extensive inventory. Contact us today for details on our exact inventory and pricing.
3003 H14 Aluminum: What You Need to Know
Posted by Ben Kammer in Articles
If you’re looking for a versatile, highly workable metal for your next project, 3003 H14 aluminum is worth looking into. The temper’s excellent corrosion resistance and good workability make it a popular choice for a wide range of food and chemical applications, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and roofing sheets.
Aluminum alloys in the 3000 series have manganese as their primary alloying element, and 3003 aluminum is no exception. Aluminum and manganese come together to create a moderate-strength alloy with excellent corrosion resistance and good workability. With these highly desirable characteristics, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most commonly used aluminum alloys.
H14 temper indicates that 3003 aluminum has been strain-hardened to increase its strength and then partially annealed to reduce internal stress and cracking. H14 temper is stronger and less formable than H12 temper, but more formable and not as strong as H18.
Chemical composition
3003 H14 aluminum is primarily composed of aluminum, but it also contains an assortment of other elements that help give the alloy its unique characteristics. Its three main elements are typically:
· Aluminum (Al): 96.7% – 99%
· Manganese (Mn): 1.0% – 1.5%
· Copper (Cu): 0.05% – 0.20%
Pure aluminum is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and strong resistance to corrosion. The manganese increases both of these characteristics and the copper adds additional strength.
Mechanical properties
When choosing the right material for your application, it’s important to consider an alloy’s mechanical properties. These properties directly influence the material’s performance and can help you determine its suitability for the needs of your project.
Notable mechanical properties of 3003 H14 aluminum include:
· Density: 2.73 g/cm³
· Tensile Strength: 130-180 MPa
· Yield Strength: 115 MPa
· Elongation: 10-12%
· Hardness: 40 (Brinell)
· Modulus of Elasticity: 70 GPa
· Melting Point: 643-654°C
The combination of low density and good elasticity make 3003 H14 aluminum a solid choice for applications that require fabrication but need to minimize weight. 3003 H14 aluminum’s good elongation, along with its moderate tensile and yield strength, lends structural integrity to the material.
Physical properties
3003 H14 aluminum’s most outstanding physical properties are good formability, strong corrosion resistance, and high strength-to-mass ratio. This lightweight alloy holds up well to chemicals or exposure to weather and can be easily bent, shaped, or drawn.
Applications
3003 H14 aluminum is widely found in a variety of industries due to its desirable characteristics. You can find it used in such applications as:
· Construction. The lightweight, corrosion resistant metal can be found in roofing, siding, gutters, and downspouts.
· Automotive. 3003 H14 aluminum is commonly found in radiators and heat exchangers due to its excellent thermal conductivity.
· Packaging. The alloy’s non-reactivity makes it a good choice for food and beverage containers.
· Kitchenware. 3003 H14 aluminum’s good workability allows it to be formed into kitchen utensils.
· HVAC. The lightweight, formable metal is easily shaped to form components, and its strong corrosion resistance allows it to perform well in harsh weather conditions.
Top advantages
3003 H14 aluminum has several sought-after characteristics. Its strong resistance to corrosion helps it to stand up to harsh outdoor environments, while its good formability allows it to easily conform to different shapes. The alloy’s moderate strength gives it structural integrity, and its lightness makes it an excellent choice for industries that have strict weight limitations, such as aerospace.
6061 aluminum and 3003 H14 aluminum comparison
The primary alloying element in 6061 aluminum is magnesium, rather than the manganese found in 3003 H14 aluminum. This gives 6061 aluminum a significant advantage in strength and allows it to be further strengthened through heat treatment. 3003 H14 aluminum has only moderate strength that has only been strengthened through strain-hardening. 3003 H14 aluminum has superior formability over 6061 aluminum.
Differences between 5052 aluminum and 3003 H14 aluminum
Having magnesium as the primary alloying element increases 5052 aluminum’s strength significantly over that of 3003 H14 aluminum, and its chromium content contributes to its superior corrosion resistance. The stronger 5052 aluminum is a better choice for high-stress applications that require durability, such as marine applications and pressure tanks. The moderate strength and superior formability of 3003 H14 aluminum make it better suited for roofing, HVAC, and other applications where formability is more important and there is less of a demand on strength.
Frequently asked questions
Can 3003 H14 aluminum be welded?
3003 aluminum can be welded using common welding methods, such as tungsten inert gas (TIG), metal inert gas (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), or resistance welding. Proper cleaning pre- and post-welding and using filler materials that exceed its properties, such as 4043 or 1100 aluminum, helps maintain corrosion resistance and create better welds.
Is 3003 H14 aluminum suitable for high-temperature applications?
With a relatively low melting point of 643-654°C (1190-1210°F), reduced strength at higher temperatures, and high thermal conductivity that will quickly bring the alloy to the temperature of its environment, 3003 H14 aluminum is not typically recommended for high-temperature applications.
How does 3003 H14 aluminum perform in terms of durability?
3003 H14 aluminum has good durability. It stands up well to moisture, chemicals, and industrial pollutants. It can be easily shaped without showing signs of significant stress or cracking. And although it’s not ideal for high-impact applications, it can withstand moderate impacts without cracking.
Cost-effective versatility
No alloy can be all things to all people, but 3003 H14 aluminum appeals to a wide range of industries. Its moderate strength, light weight, and good formability combine with good corrosion resistance to make it a versatile choice for numerous applications. These characteristics and its affordable price make it a favored material for many manufacturers.
If 3003 H14 aluminum is a good fit for your project, you’ll find what you need in Cumberland Diversified Metals’ extensive inventory. Contact us today for details on our exact inventory and pricing.
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