3003 Aluminum
About 3003 Aluminum
3003-H14 aluminum sheet and plate offers excellent formability, corrosion resistance, and weldability. Conforms to ASTM B209 standards. Commonly used for fan blades, ductwork, and decorative trim. Custom cutting and pickup available.
Quick Facts
- Material: 3003-H14 Aluminum
- ASTM Standard: B209
- Temper/Condition: H14 (Strain hardened)
- Available Sizes: Thicknesses 0.063" to 0.250"
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
3003 aluminum is a commercially pure aluminum alloy with manganese as its primary alloying element, increasing its strength by about 20% over 1100 grade. As a non-heat-treatable alloy, it achieves its temper through strain hardening, commonly supplied in an H14 condition. This process provides a good balance of strength and formability. Its excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion makes it a durable choice for outdoor and chemical exposure applications, including roofing, siding, and chemical handling equipment.
The defining characteristic of 3003 aluminum is its outstanding workability. It can be easily formed, drawn, stamped, and spun, making it ideal for creating complex shapes for ductwork, cookware, and decorative parts. Its weldability is excellent using all conventional methods, producing strong and reliable joints. While not designed for high-stress structural use, its combination of light weight, corrosion resistance, and formability makes it a highly versatile and cost-effective material for general fabrication and manufacturing.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 22,000 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 21,000 | PSI |
| Elongation | 8 | % |
| Hardness | 40 | HB |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM B209: Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
Common Applications
- HVAC: Ductwork, fan blades, and housings - due to excellent formability and light weight.
- Architectural: Gutters, siding, roofing, and awnings - for its superior corrosion and weather resistance.
- Food & Beverage: Cookware, storage tanks, and kitchen equipment - for being non-toxic and corrosion-resistant.
- Automotive: Radiator tanks, trailer panels, and trim - valued for its formability and resistance to road salt.
- Industrial: Chemical equipment and pressure vessels - thanks to its resistance to chemical corrosion.
- General Fabrication: Enclosures, brackets, and decorative panels - because it is easy to form and weld.
- Signage: Sign blanks and stamped letters - for its smooth surface and low weight.
- Safety Surfaces: Diamond plate for catwalks, truck beds, and ramps - provides traction and durability.
Working with 3003 Aluminum
Machining
3003 aluminum has fair machinability. It can be gummy, so sharp tooling, high speeds, and proper lubrication are recommended to prevent material buildup on the cutting edge and ensure a clean finish.
Welding
This alloy has excellent weldability and is readily joined using common fusion welding techniques, including TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW). No preheating is required, and it produces strong, ductile welds. Filler rod 4043 is typically recommended.
Finishing
The surface of 3003 aluminum readily accepts various finishes. It can be anodized for increased corrosion and wear resistance, painted, or powder-coated. Its natural mill finish is also clean and uniform for many applications.
Grade Comparison
| Grade | Tensile (PSI) | Yield (PSI) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3003-H14 | 22,000 | 21,000 | General forming, chemical tanks |
| 5052-H32 | 33,000 | 28,000 | Marine environments, welded tanks |
| 6061-T6 | 45,000 | 40,000 | Structural frames, machined parts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the H14 temper mean for 3003 aluminum?
A: The 'H14' designation indicates that the aluminum has been strain-hardened ('H1') to a half-hard temper ('4'). This provides a good compromise between the fully soft (O) and full-hard (H18) conditions, offering moderate strength while retaining excellent formability.
Q: Can I use 3003 aluminum for structural parts?
A: 3003 aluminum is not recommended for primary structural applications due to its relatively low strength (22,000 PSI tensile). For structural components requiring higher strength, 6061-T6 aluminum is a more suitable choice.
Q: What is the difference between 3003 and 5052 aluminum sheet?
A: Both offer excellent corrosion resistance, but 5052 is significantly stronger (33,000 vs 22,000 PSI tensile strength) and has superior resistance to saltwater corrosion, making it ideal for marine applications. 3003 is more economical and slightly easier to form.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available thicknesses: 0.063", 0.125", 0.188", 0.250". Standard sheets: 4×10 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed 3003 Aluminum? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
Request a Quote Ask an Expert