Aluminum 5A03
GB 5A03
5A03 (LF3) is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mg3-Mn0.5 wrought alloy that gains strength from magnesium and cold work, placing it in the same strength class as 5154.
Reference datasheet — 5A03 is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the O condition
5A03 tempers and conditions
5A03 is supplied in 8 conditions, soft to hard. O is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 8 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ODefault Annealed | Use the annealed (GB temper M) sheet for stamping, deep drawing and welded structures; the softest state, with 22% elongation and weldability 90 at 90 MPa yield. | 90 | 200 | 22 | 55 HB | 32 % IACS |
Strain hardened from hot working only | Choose the as-hot-worked delivery state of thick plate and extruded profiles for large welded structures; properties stay near annealed at 195 MPa tensile and 18% elongation. | 90 | 195 | 18 | 55 HB | 32 % IACS |
As fabricated | Choose the as-fabricated state for forgings and some bar where properties are not guaranteed; estimate around the H112/O level of 90 MPa yield and 195 MPa tensile. | 90 | 195 | 17 | 55 HB | 32 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, quarter hard | Pick quarter-hard strain-hardened and stabilized sheet when you need 165 MPa yield yet still have to bend the part and keep stable corrosion resistance; elongation drops to 12%. | 165 | 230 | 12 | 63 HB | 31 % IACS |
Strain hardened, half hard | Choose cold-rolled half-hard sheet, not stabilized, for flat or lightly bent parts needing more strength than annealed; 195 MPa yield with only 8% elongation. | 195 | 250 | 8 | 70 HB | 31 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, half hard | Use the half-hard stabilized temper for can bodies and shell panels with moderate forming; 200 MPa yield and added stiffness at 9% elongation and a 65 °C service limit. | 200 | 255 | 9 | 73 HB | 31 % IACS |
Strain hardened and stabilized, full hard | Use the full-hard, stabilized temper in this high-magnesium alloy to avoid age softening and intergranular-corrosion sensitization; 245 MPa yield at 5% elongation. | 245 | 290 | 5 | 80 HB | 31 % IACS |
Strain hardened, full hard | Pick the full-hard cold-rolled strip or wire for flat parts, washers and rivet wire; highest 255 MPa yield but 4% elongation leaves no forming capability. | 255 | 295 | 4 | 82 HB | 31 % IACS |
What is 5A03?
5A03 (LF3) is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mg3-Mn0.5 wrought alloy that gains strength from magnesium and cold work, placing it in the same strength class as 5154. Annealed properties are 90 MPa yield, 200 MPa tensile and 22% elongation with weldability 90 and formability 90, so it suits welded tanks, pipe and formed sheet in O, H32/H34, H14/H18 and H112 tempers. Thermal conductivity is 130 W/m·K, machinability only 40, and continuous service should stay at or below 120 °C. 5A02 or 5052 is the alternative where lower strength is acceptable. 5A03 has a density of 2.67 g/cm³ (0.0965 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F). 5A03 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 87% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
What is 5A03 used for?
- welded tanks
- pipelines
- sheet metal structures
- rivets
Advantages
- Forms and bends easily — 90/100, better than 93% of aluminum grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 22%, better than 91% of aluminum grades
- Readily welded — 90/100, better than 90% of aluminum grades
- Good corrosion resistance — 72/100, better than 83% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Low strength — 90 MPa (13.1 ksi), worse than 87% of aluminum grades
- Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
5A03 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 5A03-O; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
5A03 has a density of 2.67 g/cm³ (0.0965 lb/in³), lighter than 78% of aluminum grades. It melts at 575°C (1,067 °F).
Mechanical10
5A03 has a yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 87% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 22% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
5A03 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 130 W/m·K (75.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 65% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.5 µm/m·K (13.1 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
5A03 conducts electricity at 32 % IACS, worse than 63% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (72/100), better than 83% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 5A03 takes about 200 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 60% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
5A03's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades); weldability excellent (90/100); formability excellent (90/100).
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. 5A03 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 5A03
Is 5A03 easy to machine?
Annealed stock is soft and tends to smear; use sharp high-rake tooling, high spindle speed and plenty of emulsion or alcohol-based lubricant. H3x cold-worked tempers break chips and finish noticeably better.
Can 5A03 be welded?
TIG and MIG weldability is excellent with magnesium-bearing ER5356 or ER5183 filler; avoid 4043 to prevent Mg2Si embrittlement. In cold-worked tempers the heat-affected zone softens back to O-temper strength, so design joints on annealed properties.
Can 5A03 be formed, bent or molded?
O temper draws, bends and stretches well with bend radii of about 0.5-1 t. The high magnesium content promotes Lueders bands and orange peel; after heavy cold work, intermediate anneal near 345 °C to restore ductility.
5A03 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mgmain solid-solution strengthening element | 3.2 – 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Mn | 0.3 – 0.6 | 0.45 |
| Siintentional Si addition specific to 5A03 | 0.5 – 0.8 | 0.65 |
| Feimpurity limit | ≤ 0.5 | |
| Cuimpurity limit | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Znimpurity limit | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Ti | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Others (each)each other impurity | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Others (total)total other impurities | ≤ 0.15 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 5A03?
Suitable for sulfuric and hard anodizing and for chromate or chromate-free conversion coating. Silicon content makes clear anodize look grey, so for bright decorative surfaces switch to 5052 or chemically polish before dyeing.
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).
Organic Coating
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Aluminum 5A03 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- GB (China)
- LF3
How much does 5A03 cost?
5A03 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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.
5A03 — frequently asked
What is 5A03 used for?
5A03 is typically used for welded tanks, pipelines, sheet metal structures and rivets. In short: 5154-class welded sheet; good forming and rivet stock; stronger than 5A02.
What is the yield strength of 5A03?
5A03 has a typical yield strength of 90 MPa (13.1 ksi) and a tensile strength of 200 MPa (29 ksi) — weaker than 87% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 8 listed tempers.
Is 5A03 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 81% of aluminum grades). Annealed stock is soft and tends to smear; use sharp high-rake tooling, high spindle speed and plenty of emulsion or alcohol-based lubricant. H3x cold-worked tempers break chips and finish noticeably better.
Can 5A03 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated excellent (90/100). TIG and MIG weldability is excellent with magnesium-bearing ER5356 or ER5183 filler; avoid 4043 to prevent Mg2Si embrittlement. In cold-worked tempers the heat-affected zone softens back to O-temper strength, so design joints on annealed properties.
What surface finishes work on 5A03?
Suitable for sulfuric and hard anodizing and for chromate or chromate-free conversion coating. Silicon content makes clear anodize look grey, so for bright decorative surfaces switch to 5052 or chemically polish before dyeing.
Can 5A03 be formed, bent or molded?
O temper draws, bends and stretches well with bend radii of about 0.5-1 t. The high magnesium content promotes Lueders bands and orange peel; after heavy cold work, intermediate anneal near 345 °C to restore ductility.
What is the maximum service temperature of 5A03?
5A03 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between 5A03-O and 5A03-H18?
O is the default condition — use the annealed (GB temper M) sheet for stamping, deep drawing and welded structures; the softest state, with 22% elongation and weldability 90 at 90 MPa yield. H18: pick the full-hard cold-rolled strip or wire for flat parts, washers and rivet wire; highest 255 MPa yield but 4% elongation leaves no forming capability. Yield strength is 90 MPa in O versus 255 MPa in H18.
How much does 5A03 cost?
5A03 is a premium-cost aluminum ($$$), cheaper than about 51% 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.
Sources
- ASM Handbook Vol.2: Properties and Selection — Nonferrous Alloys (5154/5754 data) — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B: Corrosion — Aluminum Alloys — ASM International (2005)
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.