3003 Aluminum Sheets
About 3003 Aluminum Sheets
3003-H14 aluminum sheet provides excellent formability and weldability. Conforms to ASTM B209. Ideal for general sheet metal work, fuel tanks, and fan blades. In stock with custom cutting available.
Quick Facts
- Material: 3003 Aluminum
- ASTM Standard: B209
- Temper/Condition: H14 (Strain-hardened, half-hard)
- Available Sizes: 0.025" to 0.063" thickness
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
3003 aluminum is a commercially pure aluminum alloy with added manganese, which increases its strength by about 20% over 1100 grade. As a non-heat-treatable alloy, it achieves its temper through strain hardening, with H14 being a common half-hard state. This grade provides an excellent combination of moderate strength, high ductility, superior corrosion resistance, and weldability, making it a highly versatile and economical choice.
In sheet form, 3003-H14 is prized for its smooth, semi-bright surface and light weight. Its excellent formability allows it to be easily bent, drawn, and stamped into complex shapes without cracking. This makes it a preferred material for producing components like fan blades, ductwork, trailer siding, and kitchen equipment. The alloy’s reliable performance and ease of fabrication ensure consistent results in both commercial and industrial manufacturing processes.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties (3003-H14)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 22,000 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 21,000 | PSI |
| Elongation | 8 | % |
| Hardness | 40 | HB |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0 - 1.5 |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05 - 0.20 |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.7 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.6 max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.1 max |
| Aluminum (Al) | Balance |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM B209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
Common Applications
- HVAC: Ductwork, plenums, and fan housings - Excellent formability and corrosion resistance.
- Automotive: Truck/trailer siding and roofing panels - Lightweight, weather resistant, and easy to form.
- Food & Beverage: Cooking utensils, pots, pans, and kitchen equipment - Non-toxic and has good thermal conductivity.
- Architectural: Gutters, downspouts, roofing, and siding - Superior weather resistance and formability.
- General Fabrication: Enclosures, cabinets, and decorative panels - Easy to work with, bend, and weld.
- Industrial: Chemical equipment and storage tanks - Resists corrosion from many industrial chemicals.
- Marine: Fuel tanks and non-structural components - Good resistance to saltwater corrosion.
Working with 3003 Aluminum Sheets
Machining
3003 aluminum has fair machinability. It can be gummy in softer tempers, but the H14 temper improves performance. Use sharp tools, high cutting speeds, and ample lubrication to prevent chip buildup and achieve a clean finish.
Welding
This alloy offers excellent weldability using common methods like TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW). Filler rod 4043 is typically recommended for best results. The heat-affected zone will have properties similar to the annealed (O) condition.
Finishing
3003 aluminum readily accepts various finishes. It can be anodized for increased corrosion and wear resistance, painted, or powder-coated. Its natural surface has a smooth, semi-bright finish suitable for many applications.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 3003 and 5052 aluminum sheet?
A: 3003 aluminum is best for applications requiring excellent formability. 5052 aluminum contains magnesium, giving it higher strength (33,000 PSI tensile) and superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments, but it is less formable than 3003.
Q: Can 3003 aluminum be used for structural parts?
A: While it has moderate strength, 3003 is a non-heat-treatable alloy and is generally not recommended for primary structural applications. For structural components requiring higher strength, a heat-treatable alloy like 6061-T6 is a better choice.
Q: What does the H14 temper mean for 3003 aluminum?
A: The "H14" designation indicates the material has been strain-hardened (H1) to a half-hard temper (4). This provides a good balance between strength and formability, making it stronger than annealed (O temper) but more ductile than full-hard (H18).
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available thicknesses: 0.025", 0.032", 0.040", 0.060", 0.063". Standard sheets: 4×8 ft, 4×10 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
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