3003 aluminum plate is made from the most common of the rust-proof aluminium alloys, the aluminium-manganese system. It has low strength, only slightly above that of industrial pure aluminium, and it cannot be strengthened by heat treatment, so cold working is used at the mill to raise its mechanical properties. In the annealed state it has high plasticity; in a semi-cold-hardened state plasticity is still good; after full cold hardening plasticity is low. It offers good corrosion resistance, good weldability and poor machinability.
Typical uses of 3003 aluminum plate. Because it combines high plasticity with good weldability, 3003 is mainly used for low-load parts that operate in liquid or gas media. Typical examples include mailboxes, gasoline and lubricating oil pipes, all kinds of liquid containers, and other small-load parts produced by deep drawing. Drawn wire is used to make rivets, and the alloy is chosen for such parts because of its formability, weldability and corrosion resistance.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Silicon (Si) | 0.60 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.70 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05-0.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0-1.5 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.10 max |
| Other elements, each | 0.05 max |
| Other elements, total | 0.15 max |
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties and Plate Parameters
| Property | Typical value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength (sigma b) | 142-178 | MPa |
| Yield strength (sigma 0.2) | 115 min | MPa |
The figures above refer to longitudinal mechanical properties measured at room temperature on the full range of wall thicknesses, so they should be verified against the finished form and temper of the actual product. Plate and sheet parameters are summarised below.
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.1-500 mm |
| Width | 100-2650 mm |
| Length | 500-16000 mm, fixed, cut or customized |
| Hot sale tempers | O, H14, H16, H18, H22, H24, H26, H28, H112 |
| Surface treatment | Mill finish, bright, polished, hairline, brushed, sandblasted, checkered, embossed, etched |
| Lamination | Blue film, transparent film, black and white film, paper (50 or 80 micron film) |
| Product standards | AMS 4008, ASTM B209, QQ-A-250/2 |
Processing and Heat Treatment Temperatures
Homogenisation annealing: 590-620 C.
Hot rolling: 480-520 C.
Extrusion: 320-480 C.
Soft annealing: about 413 C, followed by air cooling.
These temperatures apply to 3003 in the aluminium-manganese system. Because the alloy is not heat treatable, none of these steps produces precipitation hardening; the only way to raise its strength is cold deformation, and the only reason to anneal is to restore ductility for further forming.
Equivalent Standards and Grades
| Standard system | Designation | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| China (GB) | 3003 | GB/T 3190 |
| International (ISO) | AlMn1Cu | ISO 209 |
| Japan (JIS) | A3003 | JIS H4000 / JIS H4100 |
| Europe (EN) | EN AW-3003 / AlMn1Cu | EN 573-3 |
| Germany (DIN) | AlMnCu / 3.0517 | DIN 1725-1 |
| United Kingdom (BS) | 3103 (N3) | BS 1470 |
| France (NF) | 3003 (A-M1) | NF A 50-411 / NF A 50-451 |
| United States (AA / UNS) | 3003 / A93003 | AA registration |
Equivalent designations are close in composition but not always identical in the limits applied, so a substitution should be confirmed against the relevant standard before it is used in a pressure or corrosion-critical part.
Corrosion Behaviour
3003 offers good corrosion resistance, comparable to that of industrial pure aluminium. It performs well in the atmosphere, fresh water, seawater, food, organic acids, gasoline, neutral inorganic salt solutions and dilute acids, which is why it is common in containers, pipework and heat-exchange equipment. Two limits are worth noting. First, in the cold deformation stage the alloy can suffer peeling and corrosion, and the greater the degree of deformation the more severe the effect, so heavily formed parts need care. Second, anodising is normally avoided because the anodic film on 3003 does not produce a uniform colour.
FAQ
Q: Can 3003 aluminum plate be strengthened by heat treatment?
No. 3003 is a non-heat-treatable aluminium-manganese alloy. Cold working is the only method used to raise its mechanical properties.
Q: What are the mechanical properties of 3003 plate?
Tensile strength is typically 142-178 MPa with a yield strength of at least 115 MPa, measured longitudinally at room temperature.
Q: Which standards cover 3003 aluminum plate?
AMS 4008, ASTM B209 and QQ-A-250/2 are common references, with international equivalents such as GB/T 3190, ISO 209, EN 573-3 and JIS H4000.
Q: What tempers are available?
Common tempers are O, H14, H16, H18, H22, H24, H26, H28 and H112. Tempers from the T series do not apply, because the alloy is not heat treatable.
Q: Why is 3003 described as a rust-proof alloy?
Its corrosion resistance is comparable to industrial pure aluminium in the atmosphere, fresh water, seawater, food, organic acids and neutral salt solutions.
Q: Should 3003 plate be anodised?
Usually not. Anodising 3003 gives an inconsistent colour, so mill finish, lamination or painting is preferred when appearance matters.
Q: What is the main limitation of 3003?
Low strength and poor machinability. It suits low-load, deep-drawn or welded parts rather than highly stressed machined components.
