Aluminum 3003
AA 3003 · UNS A93003 · EN AlMn1Cu, AW-3003 · JIS A3003, A3003P · GB 3A21
3003 is the workhorse Al–Mn (1.0–1.5 % Mn, ~0.12 % Cu) non-heat-treatable wrought alloy, about 20 % stronger than commercially pure 1100 while keeping near-1000-series formability, weldability and corrosion resistance.
3003 tempers and conditions
3003 is supplied in 13 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 13 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for maximum drawability, spinning and severe bending, or after welding/brazing. | 42 | 110 | 35 | 28 HB | 50 % IACS |
As fabricated | Mill product taken as-produced (hot-rolled plate, some extrusions) where properties are not certified. | 50 | 115 | 28 | 29 HB | 45 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | Standard temper for 3003 extrusions, thick plate and drawn tube where hot-worked strength is enough. | 55 | 120 | 25 | 30 HB | 45 % IACS |
Hot-worked plate with strain hardening from fabrication | 3003 plate/sheet supplied in the hot-worked H113 condition, where the modest strain hardening imparted during hot rolling gives strength slightly above annealed O while retaining near-annealed formability, conductivity and corrosion behaviour. | 60 | 120 | 20 | 30 HB | 46 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, quarter hard | Same strength class as H12 but with restored ductility for stamping and roll-forming of coil stock. | 115 | 140 | 14 | 35 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened, quarter hard | Light cold work for parts that still need moderate bending but more stiffness/strength than O. | 125 | 130 | 12 | 35 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | H14-level strength with better bend performance; common for roofing coil, gutters and formed housings. | 130 | 160 | 12 | 40 HB | 41 % IACS |
Strain hardened, half hard | Default stocked sheet/plate temper: best balance of strength, bendability and price for panels, ducts, trays and tanks. | 145 | 150 | 10 | 40 HB | 41 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | Higher-strength coil temper that still tolerates moderate roll-forming. | 160 | 185 | 8 | 47 HB | 41 % IACS |
Strain hardened, three-quarter hard | For flat or lightly formed parts needing higher strength and dent resistance than H14. | 170 | 180 | 6 | 47 HB | 40 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, full hard | Full-hard coil/strip with slightly better ductility than H18; used for fin and shutter stock. | 180 | 200 | 5 | 55 HB | 40 % IACS |
Strain hardened, full hard | Maximum strain-hardened strength; use for flat stock, springy clips and fin stock where forming is minimal. | 185 | 200 | 4 | 55 HB | 40 % IACS |
Strain hardened, extra hard | Thin strip and foil rolled harder than H18 where flatness and strength matter and no forming is done. | 200 | 215 | 3 | 58 HB | 40 % IACS |
What is 3003?
3003 is the workhorse Al–Mn (1.0–1.5 % Mn, ~0.12 % Cu) non-heat-treatable wrought alloy, about 20 % stronger than commercially pure 1100 while keeping near-1000-series formability, weldability and corrosion resistance. It is chosen for deep-drawn and roll-formed sheet, roofing/siding, cooking utensils, chemical and food equipment, and brazed heat-exchanger fins and tubes. Limits are low absolute strength (strength only from strain hardening, so it softens on welding or above ~150 °C), gummy machining behaviour, and a slightly grey/brown tint after clear anodizing that makes it a poor choice for decorative bright finishes. 3003 has a density of 2.73 g/cm³ (0.0986 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of aluminum grades. It melts at 643°C (1,189 °F). 3003 has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) — weaker than 68% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 68.9 GPa (9.99 Msi).
What is 3003 used for?
- Sheet metal enclosures and panels
- Brazed heat-exchanger fins and tubes
- Chemical process equipment
- Roofing and siding sheet
- Cooking utensils and holloware
- Food equipment panels and trays
- Deep-drawn and spun components
Advantages
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 83% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 41 % IACS, better than 78% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 68/100, better than 75% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
3003 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
3003 has a density of 2.73 g/cm³ (0.0986 lb/in³), heavier than 61% of aluminum grades. It melts at 643°C (1,189 °F).
Mechanical10
3003 has a yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) — weaker than 68% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 10% and the elastic modulus is 68.9 GPa (9.99 Msi).
Thermal6
3003 is rated for continuous service to 150°C (302 °F). It conducts heat at 159 W/m·K (91.9 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 74% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.2 µm/m·K (12.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
3003 conducts electricity at 41 % IACS, better than 78% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (68/100), better than 75% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 3003 takes about 205 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 35%.
Manufacturability6
3003's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability very good (70/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the aluminum family
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade FabDigit runs. 3003 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 3003
Is 3003 easy to machine?
Machines easily but gummy — use sharp polished-flute carbide, high surface speed, generous rake and flood lubricant; H16/H18 chip better than O.
Can 3003 be welded?
Excellent with GTAW/GMAW/resistance welding using 1100, 4043 or 4047 filler; the HAZ reverts toward O strength, and 3003 is the classic brazing core alloy for 4000-series-clad heat exchangers.
Can 3003 be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability: O and H22/H24 for deep drawing and spinning, H14 for general bending (≈1t bend radius), H18 only for gentle bends; anneal at 415 °C to reset work hardening.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit's quote engine applies to 3003. Design inside these and the part quotes instantly; outside them it routes to an engineer.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Good45 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | N.1 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 350 / 420 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 8× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 0.8 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent70 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better90 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
| Minimum bend radius | 0.5× thickness |
| Sheet thickness range | 0.5 – 6 mm |
| Spring-back | Low |
| Welding processes | MIG, TIG, SPOT, LASER |
3003 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| SiSi+Fe controlled in some specs | ≤ 0.6 | 0.25 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.7 | 0.4 |
| Cusmall Cu addition raises strength | 0.05 – 0.2 | 0.12 |
| Mnprimary strengthening element | 1 – 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Others (each)total 0.15 max | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Alremainder, ~97 % | balance |
What surface finishes work on 3003?
Takes paint, powder coat and conversion coating very well; anodizing is protective but clear coats look grey-brown from Mn constituents, so specify color anodize or paint for appearance parts.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on aluminum parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Passivation
Conversion Coating
PVD Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 3003 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A93003
- Aluminum Association
- AA3003
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AlMn1CuAW-30033.0517
- GB (China)
- 3A21
- JIS
- A3003A3003P
How much does 3003 cost?
3003 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 98% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
3003 — frequently asked
What is 3003 used for?
3003 is typically used for sheet metal enclosures and panels, brazed heat-exchanger fins and tubes, chemical process equipment, roofing and siding sheet, cooking utensils and holloware and food equipment panels and trays. In short: most affordable; easy bending.
What is the yield strength of 3003?
3003 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) and a tensile strength of 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) — weaker than 68% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 13 listed tempers.
Is 3003 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades). Machines easily but gummy — use sharp polished-flute carbide, high surface speed, generous rake and flood lubricant; H16/H18 chip better than O.
Can 3003 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). Excellent with GTAW/GMAW/resistance welding using 1100, 4043 or 4047 filler; the HAZ reverts toward O strength, and 3003 is the classic brazing core alloy for 4000-series-clad heat exchangers.
What surface finishes work on 3003?
Takes paint, powder coat and conversion coating very well; anodizing is protective but clear coats look grey-brown from Mn constituents, so specify color anodize or paint for appearance parts.
Can 3003 be formed, bent or molded?
Very good cold formability: O and H22/H24 for deep drawing and spinning, H14 for general bending (≈1t bend radius), H18 only for gentle bends; anneal at 415 °C to reset work hardening.
What is the maximum service temperature of 3003?
3003 is rated for continuous use to about 150°C (302 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 3003 cost?
3003 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 98% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 3003?
Yes — 3003 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal with instant online pricing. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM B209 / B209M — Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate — ASTM International (2021)
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- EN 573-3 / EN 485-2 — EN AW-3003 (AlMn1Cu) — CEN (2019)
- MMPDS-style typical property tables for 3003 sheet tempers — Battelle / FAA (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.