Aluminium 3003 Data Sheet

3003 Overview

Alloy 3003 is a non-heat treatable aluminium alloy from the wrought aluminium-manganese family supplied as sheet, coil or tread plate. It has excellent corrosion resistance, moderate strength and very good formability including drawing and spinning. 3003 can be cold worked to produce tempers with higher strength but lower ductility. 3003 is a common alloy that is considered a good general purpose alloy. 3003 is available in both mill and bright finish, in flat and propeller pattern sheet and plate.

3003 Mass Conversion Factor: Kilograms (kg) per mm per square metre = 2.73kg

Finishing, Anodising and Painting

Harder temper 3003 H14 may show slight discolouration when anodising though reacts well to mechanical and organic finishes. 3003 is suitable for a variety of paint finishes. 3003 will be found in applications requiring moderate strength, good weldability and good formability even after optional surface treatments have been applied.

Common Applications

3003 can be used with a diverse range of industries including building products both internal and external, food and chemical, automotive, transport, HVAC, oil and gas, and architecture. Some specific applications include garage doors and acoustic ceilings, truck and trailer roofing, radiators since it is light and thermal conductive, fuel tanks and pressure vessels, façade panelling and signage

Welding

3003 has excellent weldability by all standard methods especially with GMAW (MIG) and GTAW (TIG). Preferred filler is 1100 alloy though filler alloy 4043 and 5356 are most commonly utilised

Machining

Machinability of the softer tempers of 3003 like O is poor, with the harder tempers such as H14 and above being better to machine. Accuracy of machining is managed with high speeds, ample lubrication, sharp tools, positive rakes, adequate clearance and continuous cutting.

Chemical Composition Specification (%) Single values are maxima except as noted

Alloy

Si

Fe

Cu

Mn

Mg

Cr

Zn

Ti

Other
Each Total
3003 0.6 0.7 0.05 – 0.20 1.0-1.5 – – 0.1 – 0.05 0.15

Mechanical Property Specification – Single values are maxima except as noted
Alloy and Temper Thickness mm Tensile Strength Elongation (% min in 50mm)
Over Up to Ultimate Yield
Min Max Min Max
3003-O 1.21 6.3 95 130 35 – 25
3003-H14 1.21 6.3 140 180 115 – 5
3004-H34 1.21 6.3 220 265 170 – 4
5005-H14 0.8 6 145 185 115 – 2-6
5005-H34 0.8 6 135 180 105 – 4-7

Bend radii

Recommended Minimum Bend Radii for 90-Degree Cold Forming of Sheet of 3003
(Reference test method – ASTM E290) Thickness (t)
Temper 0.8mm 1.6mm 3.2mm 4.8mm 6.0mm
0 0t 0t 0t ½t 1t
H12 0t 0t ½t 1t 1t
H14 0t 0t 1t 1t 1½t
H16 1t 1t 1½t 2½t 3t
H18 1½t 2t 2½t 3½t 4½t

Bend radii listed are minimum recommendations only for bending sheets without fracture. Application method based on cold forming in a standard press brake with air bend dies. Alternative types of bending operations may require larger radii or smaller radii. Tooling quality and design may vary radii outcomes. 

Material Specification & References

AS/NZS 1734:1997 Reconfirmed 2020 – Aluminium and aluminium alloys – Flat sheet, coiled sheet and plate
ASTM B209M – Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Sheet and Plate
ASTM E290 – Bend Radii reference test method

The information in this data sheet document is not an exhaustive statement of all relevant information and is provided by way of general information only. BlueScope Distribution Pty Ltd makes no representation or warranty in relation to this data sheet document or the products or processes it describes, and takes no responsibility for any adverse consequences of any nature which arise as a result of reliance on the information or recommendations contained in it. You must make your own assessment of the information and recommendations contained in this data sheet document, including when necessary seeking specific advice as to the suitably of the products or processes featured in this data sheet document for the purpose for which, and the manner in which, you propose to use them. This may involve further independent analysis and testing.