As an Al-Mn (Aluminum-Manganese) alloy, 3003 provides a highly effective balance. It is stronger than 1000-series pure aluminum, offers excellent formability, and conducts heat efficiently. This guide explains how to select the right tempers (like H14 and H24) and thicknesses of 3003 aluminum for different EV battery components and how to avoid common manufacturing defects.
Standard Specifications for EV 3003 Aluminum Applications
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alloy Grade | 3003 Aluminum (Al-Mn Series) | Excellent corrosion resistance and formability |
| Common Tempers | H14 / H24 | H14: half-hard; H24: partially annealed after work hardening |
| Typical Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 2.0 mm | Suitable for battery enclosures and cooling plates |
| Typical Width | 1000 mm – 2000 mm | Custom precision slitting available |
| Surface Condition | Rolled finish / chemically degreased / cladded | Depends on stamping or brazing process |
| Manufacturing Standards | ASTM B209 / EN 485 | International standard compliance |
3003 H14 & H24 Aluminum Sheet for Battery Enclosures
The battery enclosure (or battery housing) is the outer shell that protects the sensitive lithium-ion cells. If a family SUV drives over a rock, or if it is involved in a minor collision, the enclosure must absorb the impact without fracturing.
Thickness and Temper Selection
For battery enclosures, manufacturers generally use 3003 H14 or 3003 H24 aluminum sheet with a thickness ranging from 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm.
Why choose 3003 H14 and 3003 H24?
Both 3003 H14 and 3003 H24 represent a half-hard state. They provide moderate strength combined with good ductility.
- 3003 H14 is strain-hardened. It offers excellent rigidity for the structural frame of the battery pack.
- 3003 H24 is strain-hardened and then partially annealed. It behaves similarly to H14 but often offers slightly better formability if the enclosure design requires deep bending without edge cracking.
Impact Resistance and Safety
Unlike rigid steel, which might transfer crash energy directly to the battery cells, 3003 aluminum has excellent energy absorption capabilities. It deforms under severe stress rather than shattering, protecting the internal cells from puncture and reducing the risk of a thermal runaway (battery fire).
Clad 3003 Aluminum Sheet for Liquid Cooling Plates
During fast charging or highway driving, EV batteries generate immense heat. If this heat is not removed, the battery degrades quickly. Liquid cooling plates sit beneath or between the battery modules, pumping coolant to absorb the heat.
Thickness and Temper Selection
Cooling plates require thinner materials to reduce weight and improve heat transfer. The standard thickness is 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. 3003 H14 is widely used here.
The Brazing Requirement
Liquid cooling plates are usually made by stamping a channel pattern into an aluminum sheet, placing another flat sheet on top, and joining them together. Because these channels hold liquid coolant, the seal must be perfect. Mechanical welding is too slow and risks burning through the thin metal.
Therefore, manufacturers use vacuum brazing. To make this work, you cannot use standard bare 3003 aluminum. You must use cladded 3003 aluminum sheet.
This means the 3003 core is clad (coated) with a thin layer of 4000-series aluminum-silicon alloy on one or both sides. When the plates pass through a brazing furnace, the 4000-series cladding melts at a lower temperature than the 3003 core, flowing into the joints and creating a perfect, watertight seal.
3003 H14 Aluminum Sheet for Battery Partitions
Inside the battery enclosure, individual battery modules are separated by metal partitions. These partitions serve two purposes: they provide internal structural support and act as a thermal barrier between modules.
Thickness and Temper Selection
Partitions do not face external road impacts, so they can be thinner. Standard thicknesses range from 0.6 mm to 1.5 mm. 3003 H14 aluminum sheet is the standard choice.
Formability and Lightweighting
The primary requirement for partitions is simple stamping and bending. 3003 H14 bends easily to a 90-degree angle without cracking. Because hundreds of partitions might be used in a single electric commercial van, keeping the thickness down to 0.6 mm or 0.8 mm saves significant vehicle weight, directly translating to extra miles of driving range.
Mechanical Properties Comparison of 3003 H14 & H24 Aluminum
| Property | 3003-H14 | 3003-H24 |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 140–180 MPa | 160–200 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥115 MPa | ≥130 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥10% | ≥8% |
| Formability | Good | Moderate |
At GNEE, we supply specialized 3003 aluminum materials directly to the new energy vehicle sector. We understand that a battery enclosure failure is catastrophic. That is why we strictly control our alloy composition, maintain precise temper ranges (H14/H24), and ensure our surfaces are clean and weld-ready. Whether you need custom slit coils for stamping partitions or cladded sheets for brazing cooling plates, we provide stable, repeatable quality batch after batch.
Are you sourcing aluminum for a new EV battery project? Let us simplify your supply chain. Please contact us with:
Your specific application (Enclosure, Cooling Plate, or Partition)
Required Temper (H14, H24, or Cladded)
Exact Thickness, Width, and Length/Coil specifications
Surface requirements (Degreased or standard)
Send us your requirements today. Our automotive metal team will provide an accurate material recommendation and a direct quotation within 24 hours.
