Aluminum 1100 vs 3003
Aluminum · grade comparison
Aluminum 1100 and 3003 are both aluminum grades, both corrosion resistant al. 3003 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) for 1100, about 26% more; tensile strength follows at 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 125 MPa (18.1 ksi). In exchange, 1100 is the more ductile: elongation 12% versus 10% for 3003, and 3003 is harder (40 HB vs 32 HB). 3003 runs hotter in service (150°C vs 120°C continuous) and 1100 conducts heat better (222 W/m·K vs 159 W/m·K).
1100Choose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
3003Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
Buyer's decision notes
Choose 1100 when high aluminum content, conductivity, chemical handling or very demanding forming drives the design. Choose 3003 for general sheet-metal work that needs more strength while retaining good forming and joining behavior.
Compare the same condition
These base-grade routes do not name a temper. Compare the same product form, gauge and temper—such as annealed sheet against annealed sheet—because cold-worked H tempers can change strength and bend behavior more than the alloy name suggests.
- Function before strength
- Start with the reason for choosing commercially pure 1100: conductivity, chemical compatibility, reflectivity or deep-forming behavior. If none is design-critical, 3003 often provides a more useful general fabrication margin.
- Forming route
- Specify draw depth, bend radius, grain direction and intermediate annealing rather than relying on “soft aluminum.” The selected temper must match the forming sequence and the final stiffness needed to resist handling damage.
- Machining and threads
- Both can produce soft chips and burrs. For precision machined features, review tool geometry, workholding, thread engagement and whether a harder alloy or inserted thread gives a more stable production route.
- Appearance
- Mill finish, bright finish, brush direction and anodize appearance are purchasing variables. Control incoming surface and cosmetic side before forming because tooling marks and orange peel can dominate the final part.
Put this on the RFQ
- Name alloy, exact temper, sheet or plate specification, gauge tolerance, surface finish and cosmetic side.
- Provide draw depth, bend direction, minimum inside radii, flatness needs and whether annealing is allowed between operations.
- State conductivity or chemical-service requirements explicitly and identify the test or certification needed for acceptance.
Primary references
- Hydro — 1100 aluminum — Producer overview of 1100 composition, forming, joining and common high-purity applications.
- Hydro — 3003 aluminum — Producer overview of 3003 for general sheet-metal, spinning and forming applications requiring moderate strength.
- ASTM — B209/B209M — Current specification for aluminum sheet and plate by alloy, temper, finish and product form.
FabDigit resources: 1100 datasheet, 3003 datasheet, CNC design guide and sheet-metal design guide.
1100 vs 3003: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all aluminum grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Vickers
Same in both: Poisson's Ratio 0.33
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Liquidus Temperature
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 643°C1,189 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Latent Heat of Fusion
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
Same in both: Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE) -0.83 V
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %)
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Castability
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 12.5 kg CO₂/kg
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every aluminum grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 1100 | 3003 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining and Sheet metal. Both take the same 16 finishes: Anodizing Type II, Cerakote, Chem Film (Alodine), DLC, E-Coating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Electropolishing, Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Anodize Type III w/ PTFE, Hard Anodizing Type III, Nickel Plating and 4 more.
1100 vs 3003 — frequently asked
Is 3003 stronger than 1100?
Yes. 3003 has a typical yield strength of 145 MPa (21 ksi) against 115 MPa (16.7 ksi) for 1100 — about 26% more. Tensile strength is 150 MPa (21.8 ksi) vs 125 MPa (18.1 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 1100 or 3003?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($, budget); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 1100 or 3003?
3003, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 45/100 against 38/100 for 1100; for welding the order is 1100 first (excellent, 95/100) then 3003 (excellent, 90/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 1100 and 3003 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.