Aluminum 3203
AA 3203 · EN AW-3203, AW 3203
3203 is a low-copper version of 3003 (Cu ≤0.05 %) in the Al-Mn 3000-series family, with essentially the same composition and mechanical properties but better corrosion resistance and easier brazing.
Values for the H14 condition
3203 tempers and conditions
3203 is supplied in 13 conditions, soft to hard. H14 is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 13 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick for deep drawing, tight bending, fin-forming and for brazing-sheet core where post-braze softness is accepted. | 42 | 110 | 35 | 28 HB | 50 % IACS |
Slightly strain hardened | Near-O softness with slight flattening/levelling work; used where O flatness is insufficient but formability must stay high. | 50 | 115 | 28 | 30 HB | 49 % IACS |
As fabricated | Extruded or hot-worked product with no mechanical property guarantee; cheapest route for tube and shapes. | 55 | 115 | 25 | 30 HB | 46 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | Hot-rolled plate / extruded tube with guaranteed minimum properties; typical for thicker sections. | 60 | 120 | 22 | 32 HB | 47 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, quarter hard | H12-level strength with markedly better ductility; preferred for stamped and roll-formed heat-exchanger parts. | 115 | 140 | 14 | 35 HB | 43 % IACS |
Strain hardened, quarter hard | Light work hardening for roll-formed and moderately bent parts needing a bit more strength than O. | 124 | 131 | 10 | 35 HB | 42 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, half hard | Most common fin/tube-stock temper: H14 strength with H12-like bendability after partial anneal. | 130 | 152 | 12 | 40 HB | 42 % IACS |
H14Default Strain hardened, half hard | The general-purpose stocked sheet/tube temper: good strength–formability balance for heat-exchanger tube, panels and fin stock. | 145 | 150 | 8 | 40 HB | 41 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, three-quarter hard | For strip needing H16 strength but some residual bend ductility. | 160 | 180 | 8 | 47 HB | 41 % IACS |
Strain hardened, three-quarter hard | Higher-strength strip for lightly formed parts, shutters and tube where stiffness matters more than bendability. | 172 | 179 | 5 | 47 HB | 40 % IACS |
Strain hardened and partially annealed, full hard | Full-hard strength with a stabilised, slightly more ductile structure than H18. | 180 | 200 | 5 | 54 HB | 40 % IACS |
Strain hardened, full hard | Maximum work-hardened strength for flat blanks, fin stock and thin strip with minimal forming. | 186 | 200 | 4 | 55 HB | 40 % IACS |
Strain hardened, extra hard | Ultra-cold-rolled thin strip/foil stock where peak as-rolled strength and flatness are needed. | 200 | 215 | 3 | 58 HB | 40 % IACS |
What is 3203?
3203 is a low-copper version of 3003 (Cu ≤0.05 %) in the Al-Mn 3000-series family, with essentially the same composition and mechanical properties but better corrosion resistance and easier brazing. Non-heat-treatable and strengthened by cold work, it is used in volume for brazed heat-exchanger fin and tube stock and brazing-sheet core, with 145 MPa yield, 150 MPa tensile, 8 % elongation, 40 HB and 159 W/m·K thermal conductivity on file. Strength cannot be raised by heat treatment, strain-hardened tempers soften above about 150 °C, and anodizing looks grey, so keep it out of decorative parts; 3003 is the direct alternative. 3203 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). 3203 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 8% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
What is 3203 used for?
- Brazed heat exchanger fin stock
- Heat exchanger tube stock
- Brazing sheet core
- Radiator and condenser assemblies
- Cooking utensils
- Roofing and siding sheet
- Chemical process tanks
Advantages
- Readily welded — 88/100, better than 85% of aluminum grades
- Forms and bends easily — 70/100, better than 83% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 70/100, better than 79% of aluminum grades
- High electrical conductivity — 41 % IACS, better than 78% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Hard to polish — 45/100, worse than 76% of aluminum grades
3203 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 3203-H14; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
3203 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
3203 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 8% and the elastic modulus is 69 GPa (10 Msi).
Thermal6
3203 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
3203 conducts electricity at 41 % IACS, better than 78% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), better than 79% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 3203 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 25%.
Manufacturability7
3203's machinability is fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (88/100); 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. 3203 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 3203
Is 3203 easy to machine?
Soft and gummy — use polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed, sharp tools and flood coolant to avoid built-up edge; harder H16/H18 tempers cut cleaner.
Can 3203 be welded?
Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 1100 or 4043 filler (4047 for brazing-sheet assemblies); weld zone reverts to O-temper strength.
Can 3203 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in O/H22/H24 — deep drawing, fin corrugation and tube rolling are routine; allow larger bend radii in H16–H19.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 3203. Every 3203 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
Sheet metal
| Formability | Excellent70 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better88 / 100 |
| Bendable | Yes |
3203 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 fin stock | ≤ 0.6 | 0.25 |
| Fe | ≤ 0.7 | 0.45 |
| Cukey difference vs 3003 (Cu 0.05–0.20) | ≤ 0.05 | 0.02 |
| Mnprimary strengthening/dispersoid element | 1 – 1.5 | 1.2 |
| Zn | ≤ 0.1 | 0.03 |
| Tigrain refiner (where registered) | ≤ 0.1 | 0.02 |
| Other (each) | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others (total) | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 3203?
Takes chromate/no-chrome conversion coatings and paint well; clear anodize is protective but grey-toned, so use for functional rather than decorative finishes.
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).
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 3203 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- Aluminum Association
- AA3203
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-3203AW 3203
How much does 3203 cost?
3203 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 99% 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.
3203 — frequently asked
What is 3203 used for?
3203 is typically used for brazed heat exchanger fin stock, heat exchanger tube stock, brazing sheet core, radiator and condenser assemblies, cooking utensils and roofing and siding sheet. In short: international 3003 equivalent; general purpose.
What is the yield strength of 3203?
3203 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 3203 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, worse than 72% of aluminum grades). Soft and gummy — use polished high-rake carbide, high surface speed, sharp tools and flood coolant to avoid built-up edge; harder H16/H18 tempers cut cleaner.
Can 3203 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (88/100). Readily GTAW/GMAW welded with 1100 or 4043 filler (4047 for brazing-sheet assemblies); weld zone reverts to O-temper strength.
What surface finishes work on 3203?
Takes chromate/no-chrome conversion coatings and paint well; clear anodize is protective but grey-toned, so use for functional rather than decorative finishes.
Can 3203 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent cold formability in O/H22/H24 — deep drawing, fin corrugation and tube rolling are routine; allow larger bend radii in H16–H19.
What is the maximum service temperature of 3203?
3203 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.
What is the difference between 3203-H14 and 3203-O?
H14 is the default condition — the general-purpose stocked sheet/tube temper: good strength–formability balance for heat-exchanger tube, panels and fin stock. O: pick for deep drawing, tight bending, fin-forming and for brazing-sheet core where post-braze softness is accepted. Yield strength is 145 MPa in H14 versus 42 MPa in O.
How much does 3203 cost?
3203 is a budget-cost aluminum ($), cheaper than about 99% 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 3203?
Yes — 3203 is available for sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits for Wrought Aluminum (Teal Sheets) — The Aluminum Association (2018)
- EN 573-3 / EN 485-2 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys: chemical composition and mechanical properties of sheet, strip and plate — CEN (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol. 2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys (3003/3000-series data) — ASM International (1990)
- ASTM B209 — Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate — ASTM International (2021)
- Heat-exchanger tube and fin stock alloy datasheets (3003/3203 class) — Constellium / Novelis (2022)
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.