Aluminum 7003
AA 7003 · UNS A97003 · EN AW-7003, AW 7003
7003 (EN AW-7003, A97003, AlZn6Mg0.8Zr) is a copper-free, heat-treatable Al-Zn-Mg (7000 series) extrusion alloy with zirconium for grain refinement, giving good extrudability, low quench sensitivity and high strength after press quenching and aging.
7003 tempers and conditions
7003 is supplied in 5 conditions, soft to hard.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annealed | Pick when maximum ductility for bending, forming or straightening is required before re-heat-treating. | 85 | 175 | 18 | 45 HB | 45 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and naturally aged | Use when parts must be formed or welded before final artificial aging; Al-Zn-Mg keeps aging at room temperature so strength drifts upward. | 195 | 300 | 16 | 80 HB | 33 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and overaged (stabilized) | Over-aged condition traded ~8–12 % strength for markedly better stress-corrosion resistance and dimensional stability in humid/chloride service. | 275 | 325 | 12 | 95 HB | 42 % IACS |
Cooled from hot working and artificially aged | Cheapest high-strength route for 7003 profiles: press-quench then age, giving ~90 % of T6 strength without a separate solution treatment. | 280 | 330 | 11 | 98 HB | 38 % IACS |
Solution heat treated and artificially aged | Standard stocked condition for structural profiles and bicycle/motorcycle frames where peak strength and hardness are wanted. | 315 | 360 | 11 | 105 HB | 39 % IACS |
What is 7003?
7003 (EN AW-7003, A97003, AlZn6Mg0.8Zr) is a copper-free, heat-treatable Al-Zn-Mg (7000 series) extrusion alloy with zirconium for grain refinement, giving good extrudability, low quench sensitivity and high strength after press quenching and aging. Engineers specify it for bicycle frame tubing, motorcycle and automotive structural members, bumper beams and other high-strength profiles, and it can be joined by conventional arc welding. Strength is lower than copper-bearing 7000-series alloys such as 7075, the heat-affected zone softens, and stress-corrosion cracking plus limited hardenability in thick walls need attention. 7003 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 605°C (1,121 °F). 7003 has a yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) — stronger than 79% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
What is 7003 used for?
- Bumper beams
- Bicycle frame tubing
- Motorcycle structural extrusions
- Automotive crash boxes and crush cans
- Vehicle chassis and subframe profiles
- High-strength extruded structural sections
- Welded frame assemblies
Advantages
- High strength — 315 MPa (45.7 ksi), better than 79% of aluminum grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 120°C (248 °F), worse than 79% of aluminum grades
7003 properties
Typical room-temperature values; bars are the position among aluminum grades.
Physical3
7003 has a density of 2.78 g/cm³ (0.1 lb/in³), heavier than 74% of aluminum grades. It melts at 605°C (1,121 °F).
Mechanical13
7003 has a yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) — stronger than 79% of aluminum grades. Elongation at break is 11% and the elastic modulus is 70 GPa (10.2 Msi).
Thermal6
7003 is rated for continuous service to 120°C (248 °F). It conducts heat at 150 W/m·K (86.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 58% of aluminum grades. Thermal expansion is 23.2 µm/m·K (12.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
7003 conducts electricity at 39 % IACS, better than 65% of aluminum grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (55/100), worse than 51% of aluminum grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 7003 takes about 205 MJ of energy and emits 12.5 kg of CO₂ — more than 76% of aluminum grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability7
7003's machinability is good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades); weldability very good (75/100); formability fair (35/100).
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. 7003 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 7003
Is 7003 easy to machine?
Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; softer O/T4 tempers tend to gum and smear.
Can 7003 be welded?
One of the more weldable 7000-series alloys — MIG/TIG with 5356 or 5183; the HAZ partially re-strengthens by natural aging, but avoid heavy restraint and consider post-weld aging to limit SCC.
Can 7003 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent extrudability with low quench sensitivity (press-quench to T5); bend and hydroform in O or T4 and age afterwards, since T6 tubing cracks at tight radii.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 7003. Every 7003 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Better65 / 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 | Better35 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Better75 / 100 |
7003 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Si | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Fe | ≤ 0.35 | |
| Cu | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Mn | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mg | 0.5 – 1 | 0.75 |
| Cr | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Zn | 5 – 6.5 | 5.8 |
| Zrgrain refiner / recrystallisation inhibitor | 0.05 – 0.25 | 0.15 |
| Ti | ≤ 0.2 | |
| Others (each)0.15 total | ≤ 0.05 | |
| Al | balance |
What surface finishes work on 7003?
Takes clear and hard anodizing well (slightly yellow-grey tint), also chromate/Ti-Zr conversion coating and powder paint; polish before anodizing for cosmetic frames.
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 7003 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
- UNS
- A97003
- Aluminum Association
- AA7003
- EN / DIN / Werkstoff-Nr.
- AW-7003AW 7003AlZn6Mg0.8Zr
How much does 7003 cost?
7003 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
7003 — frequently asked
What is 7003 used for?
7003 is typically used for bumper beams, bicycle frame tubing, motorcycle structural extrusions, automotive crash boxes and crush cans, vehicle chassis and subframe profiles and high-strength extruded structural sections. In short: weldable 7000-series extrusion.
What is the yield strength of 7003?
7003 has a typical yield strength of 315 MPa (45.7 ksi) and a tensile strength of 360 MPa (52.2 ksi) — stronger than 79% of aluminum grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is 7003 easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated good (65/100, better than 62% of aluminum grades). Machines well in T5/T6 with sharp carbide tools, high speed and flood coolant; softer O/T4 tempers tend to gum and smear.
Can 7003 be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated very good (75/100). One of the more weldable 7000-series alloys — MIG/TIG with 5356 or 5183; the HAZ partially re-strengthens by natural aging, but avoid heavy restraint and consider post-weld aging to limit SCC.
What surface finishes work on 7003?
Takes clear and hard anodizing well (slightly yellow-grey tint), also chromate/Ti-Zr conversion coating and powder paint; polish before anodizing for cosmetic frames.
Can 7003 be formed, bent or molded?
Excellent extrudability with low quench sensitivity (press-quench to T5); bend and hydroform in O or T4 and age afterwards, since T6 tubing cracks at tight radii.
What is the maximum service temperature of 7003?
7003 is rated for continuous use to about 120°C (248 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 7003 cost?
7003 is a standard-cost aluminum ($$), cheaper than about 62% 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 7003?
Yes — 7003 is available for CNC machining and 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 755-2 — Aluminium and aluminium alloys: extruded rod/bar, tube and profiles, mechanical properties — CEN (2016)
- ASM Handbook Vol.2 — Properties and Selection: Nonferrous Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.13B / Vol.19 — Corrosion and Fatigue of Aluminium Alloys — ASM International (2005)
- Al-Zn-Mg extrusion alloy datasheets (7003/7005 profiles and bicycle tubing) — Constellium / Hydro Extrusion (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.