At Southern Tool Steel, we supply high-quality aluminum 3003, one of the most widely used general-purpose aluminum alloys. Whether you need material for food-grade equipment, chemical processing components, or general fabrication, our inventory and team are ready to support your project.
Why Partner with Southern Tool Steel?
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Comprehensive Stock: Full range of Aluminum 3003 in flats, pipe, plate, rounds, sheet, structural, and tubing
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Custom Solutions: Precision-cutting and machining services available
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Fast Shipping: Nationwide delivery with quick lead times for in-stock items
What is 3003 Aluminum?
3003 is a manganese-alloyed aluminum grade widely used across sheet metal fabrication, tanks, and chemical processing equipment. As a non-heat-treatable alloy, its mechanical properties are determined by temper (e.g., O, H14, H16) rather than thermal treatment, so material selection should account for the specific temper required for your application.
Key Attributes of 3003 Aluminum
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Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in a wide range of environments without additional coating
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Good Weldability: Readily welded using common commercial welding methods
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Excellent Formability: Bends, deep draws, and spins without cracking
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Moderate Strength: Stronger than pure aluminum (1100 series) due to manganese content
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Non-Heat-Treatable: Strength is developed through cold working, not thermal treatment
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percent (%) |
|---|---|
| Silicon | 0.6 max |
| Iron | 0.7 max |
| Copper | 0.05 - 0.20 |
| Manganese | 1.0 - 1.5 |
| Zinc | 0.10 max |
| Aluminum | Remainder |
Applications for 3003 Aluminum
3003 aluminum's balance of corrosion resistance, formability, and moderate strength makes it suitable across a range of industries.
- Cooking Utensils and Food Containers: Corrosion resistance and formability make it well-suited for contact with food
- Food Processing Equipment: Used where hygiene and corrosion resistance are priorities
- Chemical Equipment: Resists corrosion from a range of chemical exposures
- Storage Tanks: Common material for tanks requiring moderate strength and corrosion resistance
- Hardware: Fabricated into a wide range of general-purpose hardware components
- Sheet Metal Fabrication: Formed into ductwork, trim, and similar products where weldability and formability are needed
Temper Designations for 3003 Aluminum
Because 3003 cannot be hardened through heat treatment, its mechanical properties are controlled through strain hardening (cold working) and annealing. The temper designation indicates how much cold work the material has undergone.
Common Tempers and Approximate Mechanical Properties
| Temper | Tensile Strength (ksi) | Yield Strength (ksi) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O | 16 | 6 | 30-40 |
| H12 | 19 | 17 | 10 |
| H14 | 22 | 21 | 8 |
| H16 | 26 | 25 | 5 |
| H18 | 29 | 27 | 4 |
Values are approximate and can vary based on product form and gauge.
How Strain Hardening Works
- Cold Working: Rolling or working the material at room temperature increases strength and hardness, producing the H-series tempers (H12 through H18)
- Annealing: Heating the material relieves the effects of strain hardening, returning it to the softer O temper for improved formability
- Partial Annealing: Intermediate H2X tempers provide a balance between the fully hard and fully annealed conditions
Shop Aluminum 3003
Southern Tool Steel stocks Aluminum 3003 in the following forms:
- Flats
- Pipe
- Plate
- Rounds
- Sheet
- Structural
- Tubing
Contact our experts today or check instant pricing and availability for Aluminum 3003.