3003 Aluminum Tube
3003 is a widely used manganese-alloyed aluminum (Al-Mn series) known for its good corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and excellent formability. It is commonly supplied in various tempers (O, H12, H14, H16, H18, etc.) to meet different application requirements.
1. Chemical Composition
| Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | ≥ 98.6 (Balance) |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0 – 1.5 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.20 |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.70 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.60 |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Others (each) | ≤ 0.05 |
Key Feature:
- Mn improves strength while maintaining good workability.
- Excellent corrosion resistance (better than pure aluminum in some environments).
2. Mechanical Properties by Temper
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HV) | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O (Annealed) | 110 – 130 | 40 – 50 | 25 – 30 | 30 – 40 | Deep drawing, bending, soft tubing |
| H12 | 130 – 160 | 110 – 130 | 10 – 15 | 40 – 50 | Light forming, general-purpose tubing |
| H14 | 150 – 180 | 130 – 150 | 8 – 12 | 50 – 60 | Structural parts, moderate strength |
| H16 | 180 – 210 | 160 – 180 | 5 – 8 | 60 – 70 | Higher-strength applications |
| H18 (Full Hard) | 200 – 220 | 185 – 200 | 4 – 6 | 65 – 75 | Rigid tubing, minimal forming required |
| H22 | 140 – 170 | 120 – 140 | 12 – 18 | 45 – 55 | Balanced strength & formability |
Notes:
- H18 is the strongest but least ductile (may crack if bent sharply).
- O temper is the softest, ideal for complex forming.
- H14/H16 offer a good balance for most structural uses.
3. Key Properties
✅ Corrosion Resistance – Excellent in atmospheric, marine, and chemical environments.
✅ Weldability – Good (TIG, MIG, resistance welding).
✅ Formability – Best in O temper; H tempers require careful bending.
✅ Thermal Conductivity – ~193 W/m·K (good for heat exchangers).
✅ Electrical Conductivity – ~40% IACS (lower than pure Al).
4. Common Applications
- Heat exchangers & HVAC tubing (O temper for bending/welding).
- Fuel/oil lines (H14/H16 for pressure resistance).
- Structural frameworks (H18 for rigidity).
- Food & beverage containers (corrosion-resistant).
- Architectural tubing (lightweight & durable).
5. Standards & Specifications
- ASTM B210 / B483
- EN 573 / EN 755:
- GB/T 4437 (China)
6. Comparison with Other Alloys
| Alloy | Advantages over 3003 | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| 3003 | Good formability, corrosion resistance | Lower strength than 5xxx/6xxx |
| 5052 | Higher strength, better fatigue resistance | More expensive |
| 6061 | Heat-treatable, much stronger | Poorer formability |
Conclusion
3003 aluminum tubes are a cost-effective, versatile choice for applications requiring moderate strength, corrosion resistance, and formability. The H temper selection depends on whether strength (H18) or formability (O/H12) is prioritized.
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