Aluminum Alloy 3003 (UNS A93003)

Image of aluminium 3003 bars

Aluminum 3003 is a manganese-alloyed wrought aluminum alloy with added copper for enhanced strength, formability, and corrosion resistance, widely used in sheet metal and heat exchangers.

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Chemical Composition
ElementMinMax
Aluminum96.8%99.0%
Copper0.05%0.2%
Iron——0.7%
Manganese1.0%1.5%
Silicon——0.6%
Zinc——0.1%
Residuals——0.15%

The following table provides a list of aluminum 3003 properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units.

Click on the button to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Aluminum 3003 Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Density2730 kg/m3
Mechanical PropertiesMetric
Tensile Strength95 - 135 MPa
Yield Strength40 - 125 MPa
Young’s Modulus (E)70 - 80 GPa
Shear Modulus (G)26 GPa
Elongation at Break10%
Poisson’s Ratio (ν)0.33
Brinell Hardness35 - 55 HB
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point640 - 655 °C
Thermal Conductivity140 - 160 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)890 J/kg·K
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αL)2.32×10-5 1/°C
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Electrical Conductivity2.6×107 S/m
Electrical Resistivity4.0×10-8 Ω·m

The values in this table are approximate and can vary depending on various factors such as the specific manufacturing process and heat treatment applied to the alloy.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Aluminum 3003

AdvantagesDisadvantages
Corrosion resistanceLower strength
Good formabilityLimited heat treatability
Good weldabilityLimited machinability
LightweightLimited electrical conductivity

Applications of Aluminum 3003

Aluminum 3003 is the go-to alloy for industries requiring lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily fabricated materials, including:

  • Sheet metal work: Commonly used for roofing, siding, gutters, and downspouts due to its excellent formability and corrosion resistance.
  • Cooking utensils: Ideal for pots, pans, and baking sheets because of its good heat conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
  • Packaging: Widely employed for cans, foil, and containers owing to its light weight and ability to protect against moisture and oxygen.
  • Heat exchangers: Frequently chosen for air conditioning, refrigeration, and automotive radiators due to its good thermal conductivity.
  • Signage: Popular for outdoor signs because of its durability against weather exposure and ease of fabrication.
  • Electrical components: Used in bus bars, transformers, and heat sinks thanks to its thermal conductivity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Marine applications: Suitable for boat hulls, decks, and railings as it resists corrosion in saltwater environments.
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