3003 belongs to the 3XXX series (Al-Mn) of rust-resistant aluminum alloys. It cannot be strengthened by heat treatment; instead, its strength is enhanced solely through cold working (strain hardening). Its strength is slightly higher than that of pure aluminum, making it a general-purpose, corrosion-resistant alloy.

Key characteristics: Excellent plasticity, superior corrosion resistance, and good weldability. It is easily bent, flared, and deep-drawn. It has relatively low strength and moderate machinability, making it well-suited for low-pressure fluid transport and the production of thin-walled formed tubular components. Manganese is the primary alloying element, providing solid-solution strengthening, inhibiting grain growth, and enhancing corrosion resistance. Density: 2.73 g/cm³.

Chemical composition

Delivery status

O (annealed/soft temper): Offers maximum plasticity, with a tensile strength of 95–130 MPa and a yield strength of ≥35 MPa; ideal for bending, flaring, and deep-forming operations.

H14 (1/4-hard temper): Commonly used for tubing, with a tensile strength of 145–185 MPa and a yield strength of ≥125 MPa; provides a balanced combination of strength and plasticity.

H24 (half-hard) and H18 (full-hard) tempers: Offer higher strength, though with reduced plasticity.

Product Types: Seamless cold-drawn aluminum tubes and extruded round aluminum tubes; square/rectangular thin-walled tubes can be customized (with particular advantages in small-diameter, thin-walled specifications).

Surface Treatment: Pickling, polishing, and clear (natural) anodizing. Not suitable for dark-colored anodizing (due to significant color variation). Anti-corrosion coatings can also be applied.

Applications

1. Fluid Piping and Heat Exchange Tubing (Primary Use)

HVAC/refrigeration piping, radiator tubing, lubricating oil lines, low-pressure gas/air transport lines, water tanks, small fluid storage containers, and heat exchanger core tubes.

2. Chemical & Food Processing Equipment

Tubing for food-contact containers and transport lines for mildly acidic media or fresh water. Suitable for food-processing machinery (compliant for food contact); not resistant to strong alkalis or concentrated hydrochloric acid.

3. Automotive Components

Automotive fuel lines, thin-walled interior trim components, and ventilation ducts for buses/coaches.

4. Medical Devices (External Use Only; Not for Implantation)

Cooling lines and ventilation ducts for external medical equipment, low-pressure fluid transport components, and thin-walled structural supports for cleanroom equipment. Restricted to non-pressurized or low-pressure, external-use applications.

5. Miscellaneous

Protective sleeves for insulation, lighting fixture components, substrates for signage, and shells for small, low-pressure vessels.