Aluminum alloys made by Almexa
3003 aluminum: sheet, coil and circles made in Mexico
3003 aluminum is the general purpose alloy of the 3000 series: it contains 1.0 to 1.5% manganese and 0.05 to 0.20% copper, per The Aluminum Association. It is stronger than 1100 and forms almost as easily. Almexa casts and rolls it in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Mexico, as coil, sheet, circles, strip and blanks from 0.0177 to 0.1575 in (0.45 to 4.0 mm), with a mill test report per lot.
Updated 2026-10-20
- Series
- 3000 (aluminum with manganese)
- Density
- 2.73 g/cm³
- ISO designation
- AlMn1Cu
- Tempers Almexa makes
- O, H1X, H2X and H3X
- Thickness
- 0.0177 to 0.1575 in (0.45 to 4.0 mm)
- Maximum width
- 48 in (1,219 mm)
The manganese in the 3000 series raises strength without giving up much formability, and 3003 keeps good corrosion resistance. That is why it is the general purpose sheet: it bends, draws and stamps without heat treatment.
Like every alloy Almexa makes, it is non heat treatable: strength is set by the temper.
3003 aluminum composition
| Element | Limit (%) |
|---|---|
| Silicon | 0.6 max. |
| Iron | 0.7 max. |
| Copper | 0.05 to 0.20 |
| Manganese | 1.0 to 1.5 |
| Zinc | 0.10 max. |
| Others, each | 0.05 max. |
| Others, total | 0.15 max. |
| Aluminum | remainder |
3003 aluminum sizes and forms
| Form | Thickness | Width, length or diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Coil | 0.0177 to 0.1575 in (0.45 to 4.0 mm) | 6.30 to 48 in (160 to 1,219 mm) wide |
| Sheet | 0.0197 to 0.1575 in (0.5 to 4.0 mm) | 11.97 to 48 in (304 to 1,219 mm) wide, up to 120 in (3,048 mm) long |
| Circles | 0.0220 to 0.1575 in (0.56 to 4.0 mm) | 5.51 to 48 in (140 to 1,219.2 mm) diameter |
| Strip and blanks | Within the coil range | Custom |
3003 or 1100
1100 is 99% pure aluminum: more ductile and a better conductor, with lower strength. 3003 is stronger with nearly the same formability. For deep drawing and spinning cookware, 1050 or 1100 in O temper is used; for parts that need stiffness, 3003 or 3105.
3003 or 3105
Both work for roofing. 3105 is the most common for roofing, gutters and sheet for painting: it contains manganese and magnesium, has equal or slightly higher strength than 3003 and takes paint well. 3003 fits parts with heavy forming or tight bends.
Which 3003 temper to order
O (annealed) for deep drawing and tight bends; H14 for general sheet, stamping and parts that need stiffness; H16 and H18 when the part is barely formed and must be stiffer. If you are not sure, quote with the end use and the sales executive will suggest the temper.
What 3003 aluminum is used for
- Stamped parts, brackets, transport bodies (Automotive and transportation: 3003 / 3105 H14)
- Trays, molds and non-round parts (Cookware: 1100 / 3003 blanks)
- Line coil for slitting and distribution (Service centers and re-rollers: 1050 / 1100 / 3003 / 3105)
- Request a quote for 3003 aluminum the form already carries the alloy
Product pages
Choosing alloy and temper
Sources
- The Aluminum Association: International Alloy Designations and Chemical Composition Limits (August 2018 revision) composition, density and ISO designation
Manufacturing ranges and tempers: Almexa's September 2026 technical sheet. The mechanical properties of each lot come in its mill test report.
Frequently asked questions
What is 3003 aluminum?
It is an aluminum alloy with 1.0 to 1.5% manganese and 0.05 to 0.20% copper, per The Aluminum Association. It is the general purpose sheet alloy of the 3000 series: stronger than 1100 aluminum and almost as easy to form.
What sizes of 3003 aluminum does Almexa make?
Coil from 0.0177 to 0.1575 in (0.45 to 4.0 mm) and 6.30 to 48 in wide; sheet from 0.0197 to 0.1575 in, up to 48 × 120 in; and circles from 0.0220 to 0.1575 in and 5.51 to 48 in in diameter, per the September 2026 technical sheet.
How much does 3003 aluminum sheet weigh?
Its density is 2.73 g/cm³ (0.099 lb/in³) per The Aluminum Association: 0.040 in sheet weighs about 0.57 lb per square foot. The site's weight calculator uses 2.71 g/cm³ for every alloy; the difference is under 1%.
Can 3003 aluminum be heat treated?
No. It is a non heat treatable alloy: strength is set by cold work and annealing, that is, by the temper (O, H14, H16 and the rest).