3003 aluminum alloy is a non-heat-treatable Al-Mn (3000 series) alloy widely used in roofing, siding, chemical equipment, cooking utensils, heat exchangers, and general sheet metal fabrication. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and moderate strength — roughly 20% stronger than 1100 aluminum. Linsy supplies 3003 aluminum sheet, coil, plate, tube, bar, and wire in tempers O, H12, H14, H16, H18, and H112, with custom sizes, surface finishing options, and MTC reports available for every order.
Formularios disponibles: sheet / coil / plate / tube / bar / wire
Temperamentos habituales: O / H12 / H14 / H16 / H18 / H112
Asistencia técnica: Mecanizado CNC / corte por láser / soldadura TIG y MIG / anodizado / pulido
Documentos de calidad: Informe MTC con cada pedido; ensayos de SGS bajo petición
3003 aluminum alloy is one of the most widely used Al-Mn (aluminum-manganese) alloys. First introduced in the 1930s and standardized as UNS A93003, it is a non-heat-treatable wrought alloy that derives its mechanical properties from cold working (work-hardening) rather than precipitation hardening. This makes 3003 fundamentally different from heat-treatable alloys like 6061 or 7075 — its strength is controlled by the degree of cold reduction during rolling or forming, expressed by the H temper designation (H12, H14, H16, H18, etc.).
With 1.0–1.5% manganese as its primary alloying element, 3003 offers approximately 20% higher strength than commercially pure 1100 aluminum while retaining outstanding corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. It is the most common general-purpose sheet aluminum alloy and is approved under major international standards including ASTM B209, ASTM B210, ASTM B211, ISO 6361, and EN 573-3.
3003 cannot be strengthened by heat treatment. Annealing (O temper) restores full softness, while controlled cold reduction produces the H1x strain-hardened tempers. This characteristic makes 3003 ideal for applications where deep drawing, spinning, stamping, or roll forming are required — such as roofing panels, cooking utensils, chemical storage tanks, and heat exchanger fins.
Linsy supplies 3003 aluminum in the full range of standard and custom product forms. Length, width, and dimensional tolerances can be tailored to your project requirements.
| Formulario | Temple | Espesor (mm) | Anchura (mm) | Longitud (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 Sheet / Coil | O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H112 | 0.3 – 6.0 | 500 – 2600 | 500 – 16000 |
| Formulario | Temple | Espesor (mm) | Anchura (mm) | Longitud (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 Plate | O, H12, H14, H16, H112 | 6.0 – 150 | 500 – 2600 | 500 – 16000 |
| Formulario | Temple | Diámetro exterior (mm) | Pared (mm) | Longitud (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 Tube | O, H12, H14, H16 | 6 – 200 | 1 – 50 | 1000 – 6000 |
| Formulario | Temple | Diámetro (mm) | Longitud (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 Round Bar | O, H12, H14, H16, H112 | 3 – 200 | 1000 – 6000 |
| Formulario | Temple | Diámetro (mm) | Weight / Coil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3003 Wire | O, H12, H14, H16 | 0.5 – 25 | Mín. 50 kg |
3003 aluminum is recognized under international designations and product standards. The table below maps the most common equivalents used in procurement specifications.
| Estándar | Denominación | Applicable Product Standards |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | A93003 | — |
| ES | EN AW-3003 / EN AW-AlMn1Cu | EN 485, EN 573-3, EN 754, EN 755 |
| AA (Asociación del Aluminio) | 3003 | ASTM B209, B210, B211, B221 |
| ISO | AlMn1Cu | ISO 6361 |
| JIS (Japón) | A3003 | JIS H4000, JIS H4040, JIS H4080 |
| GB (China) | 3003 | GB/T 3190, GB/T 3880 |
The following chemical composition limits apply to 3003 aluminum per ASTM B209 and EN 573-3. All values are weight percent (%).
| Elemento | Mín. % | Máx. % |
|---|---|---|
| Silicio (Si) | — | 0.6 |
| Hierro (Fe) | — | 0.7 |
| Cobre (Cu) | 0.05 | 0.20 |
| Manganeso (Mn) | 1.0 | 1.5 |
| Magnesio (Mg) | — | 0.05 |
| Cromo (Cr) | — | 0.05 |
| Zinc (Zn) | — | 0.10 |
| Titanio (Ti) | — | 0.05 |
| Otros Cada uno | — | 0.05 |
| Otros Total | — | 0.15 |
| Aluminio (Al) | — | Saldo |
The mechanical properties of 3003 aluminum depend strongly on temper. Cold working increases both tensile and yield strength while reducing ductility. The values below are typical for sheet products per ASTM B209.
| Propiedad | Valor típico |
|---|---|
| Resistencia a la tracción (MPa) | 95 – 130 |
| Límite elástico (MPa) | ≥ 35 |
| Alargamiento (%) | ≥ 25 |
| Dureza (Brinell) | 28 |
| Propiedad | Valor típico |
|---|---|
| Resistencia a la tracción (MPa) | 140 – 180 |
| Límite elástico (MPa) | ≥ 115 |
| Alargamiento (%) | ≥ 5 |
| Dureza (Brinell) | 40 |
| Propiedad | Valor típico |
|---|---|
| Resistencia a la tracción (MPa) | ≥ 185 |
| Límite elástico (MPa) | ≥ 165 |
| Alargamiento (%) | ≥ 3 |
| Dureza (Brinell) | 55 |
The temper you choose determines the balance of strength, formability, and surface finish. Use the guide below to select the right temper for your application.
| Temple | Descripción | Ventaja principal | Aplicaciones típicas |
|---|---|---|---|
| O | Recocido — totalmente blando | Máxima conformabilidad y ductilidad | Deep-drawn parts, spinning, complex stampings |
| H12 | Strain-hardened, 1/4 hard | Good formability with slight strength gain | Moderate forming, general sheet metal |
| H14 | Endurecido por deformación, semiduro | Best balance of strength and formability | Roofing, siding, cooking utensils, tanks |
| H16 | Strain-hardened, 3/4 hard | Higher strength, limited formability | Structural panels, signage |
| H18 | Strain-hardened, full hard | Maximum strength for 3003 | Flat panels, non-formed structural parts |
| H112 | As-fabricated (no special strain-hardening control) | Economical for thicker plate | Plate and heavy-gauge structural applications |
3003 aluminum offers excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, including in marine and industrial environments. The manganese content suppresses grain-boundary corrosion, and 3003 performs well in contact with food products, mild chemicals, and fresh water. It is commonly used without protective coatings in roofing, siding, and food processing applications.
3003 shows outstanding cold formability in the O and H1x tempers. It can be deep drawn, spun, stamped, roll formed, and bent — making it a first-choice material for cookware and complex sheet metal parts. For welding, 3003 is rated as highly weldable by all common methods including TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), and resistance welding. Filler metal 4043 or 1100 is recommended for fusion welding. Note that welding will anneal the heat-affected zone, reducing local strength in cold-worked tempers.
3003 aluminum has good thermal conductivity (approximately 160–190 W/(m·K), varying with temper) and electrical conductivity of approximately 40–44% IACS. Its density is 2.73 g/cm³, and the melting range is 643–654°C. These properties make 3003 suitable for heat exchanger fins and thermal management applications where moderate thermal performance is sufficient.
| Industria | Aplicaciones | Why 3003 Is Used |
|---|---|---|
| Building & Construction | Roofing sheets, siding panels, gutters, downspouts, flashing | Corrosion resistance, formability, cost-effectiveness |
| Food & Kitchen | Cooking utensils, pots, pans, baking sheets, food processing trays | Food-safe, excellent deep drawability, good thermal conductivity |
| Chemical & Industrial | Storage tanks, chemical processing equipment, pressure vessels, drums | Resistance to mild chemicals, weldability, non-toxic |
| HVAC & Thermal | Heat exchanger fins, radiator tubes, air conditioner components | Thermal conductivity, formability into thin gauges |
| General Manufacturing | Sheet metal enclosures, signage, nameplates, trim, furniture | Low cost, easy fabrication, paint acceptance |
| Automoción | Fuel tanks, oil pans, air intake components, non-structural body panels | Corrosion resistance, formability, weldability |
3003 aluminum supports a wide range of processing and surface treatment options:
When selecting aluminum for your project, 3003 is often compared with nearby alloys. Here is how it stacks up against the most common alternatives:
| Comparison | Key Difference | When to Choose 3003 |
|---|---|---|
| 3003 vs 1100 | 3003 is ~20% stronger; 1100 has slightly better corrosion resistance and higher electrical conductivity | Choose 3003 when you need more strength than pure aluminum without sacrificing formability |
| 3003 vs 3004 | 3004 adds ~1% Mg for higher strength; 3003 is slightly more formable and less expensive | Choose 3003 for general sheet metal work; choose 3004 when higher strength is required |
| 3003 vs 3103 | 3103 has slightly tighter Mn range (0.9–1.5%) and is the European equivalent; nearly identical in practice | 3003 and 3103 are functionally interchangeable for most applications |
| 3003 vs 5052 | 5052 has ~40% higher strength and better saltwater corrosion resistance; 3003 is lower cost and more formable | Choose 3003 for cost-sensitive sheet metal; choose 5052 for marine or higher-strength applications |
| 3003 vs 6061 | 6061 is heat-treatable and ~2x stronger; 3003 is more formable and corrosion resistant | Choose 3003 for forming and corrosion resistance; choose 6061 for structural strength |
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, see our 3003 vs 6061 guide y 3104 vs 3003 vs 3004 comparison.
Every order of 3003 aluminum from Linsy includes quality documentation to support your procurement and compliance requirements:
Linsy Aluminum is a Shenzhen-based aluminum factory with more than 20 years of industry experience. We supply 3003 aluminum sheet, coil, plate, tube, bar, and wire across the full range of tempers — from O to H18 and H112. Our broad inventory of 3003 standard specifications supports fast fulfillment for common orders, while our low-MOQ custom production capability (10–60 days lead time) handles non-stock sizes, special tempers, and mixed-spec project purchasing.
Our in-house processing capabilities — CNC machining, laser cutting, TIG and MIG welding, anodizing, and polishing — mean you can source both material and downstream processing from a single supplier. Every 3003 order ships with a factory-issued MTC, and SGS third-party test reports are available on request.
We serve buyers worldwide including Europe, South Africa, Brazil, Singapore, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and other Asian markets, offering factory-direct pricing and traceable quality from raw material to finished product.
A: 3003 aluminum is most commonly used for roofing and siding panels, cooking utensils and food processing equipment, chemical storage tanks, heat exchanger components, and general sheet metal fabrication. Its combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and moderate strength makes it suitable for any application where deep drawing, spinning, or roll forming is required without the need for heat treatment.
A: No. 3003 is a non-heat-treatable alloy — it belongs to the 3000 series (Al-Mn). Its strength is developed through cold working (strain hardening), not through solution heat treatment and aging like 6061 or 7075. The only thermal process applicable to 3003 is annealing (heating to 340–410°C then cooling), which returns the material to its soft O temper condition.
A: 3003-O is the fully annealed (soft) temper with the lowest strength (~110 MPa tensile) but maximum formability and deep drawability. 3003-H14 is strain-hardened to half-hard condition, offering roughly 40% higher tensile strength (~150 MPa) while retaining good formability for most sheet metal operations. H14 is the most commonly stocked temper for general-purpose 3003 sheet.
A: Yes. 3003 is rated as highly weldable using TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), oxyacetylene, and resistance welding methods. Filler metal 4043 or 1100 is typically recommended. However, be aware that the heat-affected zone will soften in cold-worked tempers — the welded area reverts to near-O temper strength after welding.
A: Yes. The addition of 1.0–1.5% manganese in 3003 provides approximately 20% higher strength than 1100 (commercially pure aluminum) in all tempers, while retaining very similar corrosion resistance and formability. This makes 3003 the most common upgrade from 1100 when slightly higher strength is needed.
A: Yes, 3003 can be anodized, but the finish will have a gray or yellowish appearance rather than the bright, clear finish of purer grades like 1100 or 6063. This is due to the manganese and iron content. 3003 anodizing is suitable for protective or decorative applications where a bright or color-matched finish is not required.
A: Yes. Linsy issues a factory Mill Test Certificate (MTC) with every 3003 aluminum order, documenting the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and dimensional inspection results for the specific material shipped. SGS third-party test reports are also available on request.
A: The European equivalent of 3003 is EN AW-3003, with the chemical symbol designation EN AW-AlMn1Cu. It is covered by EN 485 (sheet, strip, and plate), EN 573-3 (chemical composition), EN 754 (cold-drawn tube), and EN 755 (extruded bar and tube). A closely related European grade is 3103 (EN AW-AlMn1), which has a slightly wider manganese range (0.9–1.5%). In most applications, 3003 and 3103 are functionally interchangeable.
A: Linsy supports low MOQ for standard stock items and custom production orders. MOQ varies by product form, size, and temper. Contact our sales team with your specification for a specific MOQ quote.
A: Standard stock items ship within 3–7 days. Custom production orders typically require 10–60 days depending on alloy, dimensions, temper, processing requirements, and order complexity.
A: Yes, we provide small sample pieces for quality evaluation. Sample availability depends on stock and specification. Contact us with your requirements.
A: We accept T/T (bank transfer) and L/C (letter of credit). Standard payment terms are 30% advance with order and 70% before shipment. Custom terms can be discussed for long-term partnerships.
A: We ship worldwide including Europe, South America, Africa, Middle East, and Asia. Freight options include sea freight, air freight, and courier services depending on order size and urgency.
A: Yes. All Linsy aluminum products are backed by our quality management system (ISO 9001). Each order is traceable through its MTC, and we stand behind the material specification and dimensional tolerances documented in the order confirmation.
Ventajas de Linsy
Linsy Aluminum es un proveedor líder de productos de procesamiento de aluminio, que presta servicio a diversas industrias, como la aeroespacial, la ingeniería general, la automoción, la marina, la construcción naval y otras aplicaciones industriales especializadas.
Nos comprometemos a mantener los más altos estándares de calidad y responsabilidad medioambiental, como demuestran nuestras certificaciones: ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 y SGS.