3000 Series Aluminum Coils: 3003 & 3004 Aluminum Rolls for Versatile Industrial & Commercial Use
Our 3000 Series Aluminum Coils, featuring 3003 and 3004 grades, stand out as reliable, cost-effective aluminum-manganese alloy solutions designed for projects that demand a winning combination of formability, corrosion resistance, and moderate strength. As the most widely used non-heat-treatable alloy series, 3000 series aluminum coils leverage manganese as the primary alloying element to enhance mechanical properties without sacrificing workability-making them ideal for a broad range of fabrication processes and end-use applications. Whether you're producing architectural panels, automotive parts, heat exchangers, or packaging materials, our 3003 and 3004 aluminum coils deliver consistent quality, easy processing, and long-lasting performance. Below, we break down their core properties, technical specifications, key applications, and processing insights to help you select the perfect grade for your project.
Crafted from high-quality aluminum ingots with precisely controlled manganese content, our 3003 and 3004 aluminum coils undergo advanced hot rolling and cold rolling processes. We prioritize uniform thickness, smooth surface texture, and consistent mechanical properties across every coil-ensuring seamless compatibility with stamping, bending, welding, and surface treatment (anodizing, painting) processes. Trusted by manufacturers, fabricators, and contractors across Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America, our 3000 series aluminum coils are backed by rigorous quality control and customized solutions to match your specific production needs.
Core Properties of 3003 & 3004 Aluminum Coils
3003 and 3004 aluminum grades both belong to the 3000 series, characterized by manganese as the key alloying element (3003: ~1.0-1.5% Mn; 3004: ~1.0-1.5% Mn + ~0.8-1.3% Mg). This shared alloy foundation gives them excellent formability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. However, the addition of magnesium in 3004 enhances its strength and ductility, making it suitable for more demanding applications. Here are their key properties:
1. 3003 Aluminum Coils (Al-Mn Alloy)
Balanced Strength & Formability: 3003 aluminum coils offer moderate tensile strength (110-160 MPa, depending on temper) and exceptional formability. They can be easily bent, stamped, deep-drawn, and rolled into complex shapes without cracking-ideal for applications requiring both structural stability and design flexibility.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: The manganese content enhances 3003's resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, and mild industrial chemicals. It performs well in indoor and outdoor environments, making it a popular choice for architectural and industrial components that require long-term durability.
Superior Weldability & Workability: 3003 is one of the most weldable aluminum grades, compatible with MIG, TIG, and resistance welding techniques. It also accepts surface treatments like anodizing and painting easily, allowing for customized aesthetics and enhanced protection.
Cost-Effective Versatility: As the workhorse of the 3000 series, 3003 offers an unbeatable balance of performance and cost. It's widely used in general-purpose applications where high strength isn't required but reliability and workability are critical.
2. 3004 Aluminum Coils (Al-Mn-Mg Alloy)
Enhanced Strength with Magnesium: Compared to 3003, 3004 adds magnesium (0.8-1.3%) to the alloy composition, boosting tensile strength (140-210 MPa, depending on temper) and yield strength. This makes it suitable for applications requiring higher load-bearing capacity, such as automotive parts and pressure vessels.
Exceptional Ductility & Formability: Despite its higher strength, 3004 retains excellent ductility and formability. It excels in deep drawing and complex forming processes, making it ideal for seamless containers, automotive body panels, and curved architectural components.
Superior Corrosion Resistance: The combination of manganese and magnesium enhances 3004's corrosion resistance, especially against saltwater and marine environments. It's often used in coastal architecture, marine components, and automotive undercarriage parts exposed to road salt.
Excellent Impact Resistance: 3004 offers good toughness and impact resistance, even at low temperatures. This makes it suitable for applications that may be subject to mechanical stress or temperature fluctuations, such as refrigeration equipment and transportation components.
Key Differences Between 3003 & 3004 Aluminum Grades
Alloy Composition: 3003 is an Al-Mn alloy (1.0-1.5% Mn), while 3004 is an Al-Mn-Mg alloy (1.0-1.5% Mn + 0.8-1.3% Mg). The addition of magnesium is the primary differentiator.
Strength: 3004 (140-210 MPa) > 3003 (110-160 MPa). 3004's higher strength makes it suitable for more demanding load-bearing applications.
Ductility & Formability: Both grades offer excellent formability, but 3004 excels in deep drawing and complex forming due to its enhanced ductility from magnesium.
Corrosion Resistance: 3004 provides superior resistance to saltwater and marine environments compared to 3003, making it the preferred choice for coastal and marine applications.
Cost: 3003 < 3004. 3003 is more cost-effective for general-purpose applications, while 3004's higher performance justifies its slightly higher cost for demanding uses.
Key Technical Specifications of 3003 & 3004 Aluminum Coils
Our 3000 series aluminum coils are manufactured to strict industry standards, with customizable specifications to match your project's unique needs. Below are the detailed technical parameters:
1. Alloy Composition
3003 Aluminum: Aluminum (Al) ≥ 97.0%, Manganese (Mn) 1.0-1.5%, Copper (Cu) 0.05-0.20%, Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.70%, Silicon (Si) ≤ 0.60%, Zinc (Zn) ≤ 0.10%, Magnesium (Mg) ≤ 0.05%
3004 Aluminum: Aluminum (Al) ≥ 95.8%, Manganese (Mn) 1.0-1.5%, Magnesium (Mg) 0.8-1.3%, Iron (Fe) ≤ 0.70%, Silicon (Si) ≤ 0.30%, Zinc (Zn) ≤ 0.25%, Copper (Cu) ≤ 0.25%
2. Temper Options & Mechanical Properties
3003 Temper Options: O (annealed), H14, H16, H18, H24
Typical Mechanical Properties (O temper): Tensile strength = 95-120 MPa, Yield strength = 35-55 MPa, Elongation (in 50 mm) = ≥30%
Typical Mechanical Properties (H24 temper): Tensile strength = 140-160 MPa, Yield strength = 110-130 MPa, Elongation (in 50 mm) = ≥10%
3004 Temper Options: O (annealed), H14, H16, H18, H24
Typical Mechanical Properties (O temper): Tensile strength = 110-140 MPa, Yield strength = 40-60 MPa, Elongation (in 50 mm) = ≥35%
Typical Mechanical Properties (H24 temper): Tensile strength = 180-210 MPa, Yield strength = 150-180 MPa, Elongation (in 50 mm) = ≥8%
3. Dimensional Specifications
Thickness Range: 0.1 mm - 6.0 mm (common thicknesses: 0.1-0.5 mm for packaging, 0.5-2.0 mm for architectural/automotive use, 2.0-6.0 mm for heavy-duty industrial components)
Width Range: 800 mm - 2500 mm (custom widths available to minimize slitting waste and match production line requirements)
Coil Weight: Standard weight: 300 kg - 5000 kg (custom weights available for easy handling and storage, including small-batch coils for trial production)
4. Surface Finish
Mill Finish: Natural rolling texture (Ra: 0.3-1.0 μm), clean and free of defects (scratches, dents, oil stains) - ideal for subsequent anodizing, painting, or coating.
Anodized Finish: Optional clear or colored anodizing (10-20 μm thickness) for enhanced wear resistance and aesthetic appeal - popular for architectural and decorative applications.
Pre-Coated Finish: Optional polyester or PVDF coating (custom colors) for superior corrosion resistance and low maintenance - suitable for outdoor architectural and automotive applications.
Polished Finish: Optional mirror or brushed finish (Ra ≤ 0.05 μm for mirror polish) for high-aesthetic decorative applications.
5. Standards Compliance & Certifications
Standards: ASTM B209, EN 485-2, GB/T 3880
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001; Detailed material test reports (MTR) available for every coil; Corrosion resistance test reports (salt spray test) and surface finish test reports available upon request.
Key Applications of 3003 & 3004 Aluminum Coils
The tailored properties of 3003 and 3004 aluminum coils make them suitable for a wide range of industrial, commercial, architectural, automotive, and consumer applications. Below are the primary use cases, aligned with each grade's strengths:
1. Architectural & Construction
3003 Aluminum Coils: Architectural cladding, ceiling panels, decorative trim, gutter systems, and heat insulation panels. Its balanced formability and corrosion resistance make it ideal for indoor and outdoor building components, while its cost-effectiveness suits large-scale projects.
3004 Aluminum Coils: Exterior wall panels, roofing sheets, coastal architectural components, and curved architectural features. Its higher strength and superior saltwater corrosion resistance make it perfect for harsh outdoor and coastal environments, while its excellent formability allows for custom designs.
2. Automotive & Transportation
3003 Aluminum Coils: Automotive interior trim, heat shields, radiator tanks, and air conditioning ducts. Its lightweight properties help reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency, while its weldability simplifies assembly.
3004 Aluminum Coils: Automotive body panels, fuel tanks, wheel covers, trailer siding, and marine vessel components. Its enhanced strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance make it suitable for high-stress automotive and marine applications exposed to road salt and saltwater.
3. Packaging & Consumer Goods
3003 Aluminum Coils: Food packaging (aluminum foil containers, cans), beverage cans, cosmetic packaging, and kitchen utensils. Its non-toxicity, formability, and corrosion resistance make it safe for food contact, while its cost-effectiveness suits mass production.
3004 Aluminum Coils: Seamless beverage cans, deep-drawn food containers, and large-diameter packaging. Its excellent deep-drawing performance allows for complex container shapes, while its strength ensures durability during transportation and storage.
4. Industrial & Machinery Applications
3003 Aluminum Coils: Industrial ducting, ventilation systems, heat exchangers, and chemical storage tanks (for mild chemicals). Its thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance make it ideal for heat transfer and industrial fluid handling.
3004 Aluminum Coils: Pressure vessels, industrial tanks, mining equipment components, and offshore industrial platforms. Its higher strength and corrosion resistance ensure reliability in harsh industrial environments and under high-pressure conditions.
5. Heat Exchangers & HVAC Systems
3003/3004 Aluminum Coils: Heat exchanger fins, evaporator coils, condenser coils, and HVAC ducting. Both grades offer excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, with 3003 suitable for standard heat exchangers and 3004 for high-pressure or marine HVAC systems.
Processing & Fabrication Tips for 3003 & 3004 Aluminum Coils
To maximize production efficiency and end-product quality, here are practical processing tips tailored to 3003 and 3004 aluminum coils:
1. Coil Handling & Storage
Handle coils with soft slings or coil hooks to avoid edge damage and surface scratches. For thin-gauge coils (≤ 0.5 mm), use extra care to prevent deformation.
Store coils in a dry, clean, temperature-controlled warehouse (15-25°C, relative humidity ≤ 60%) away from moisture, dust, and corrosive substances. Wrap thin-gauge coils in moisture-resistant film for long-term storage to prevent oxidation.
Keep coils vertically on dedicated racks to prevent warping. Avoid stacking coils to prevent surface damage and deformation.
2. Cutting & Slitting
Use precision slitting equipment with sharp carbide blades to ensure clean, burr-free edges. For thin-gauge coils (≤ 0.5 mm), reduce slitting speed to avoid material tearing or deformation.
Adjust slitting pressure based on thickness and temper-hardened tempers (H18) may require slightly higher pressure than annealed (O) temper. For 3004 (higher strength), use slightly higher pressure than 3003 to ensure clean cuts.
3. Forming & Bending
3003: Offers excellent formability-use moderate pressure for bending, stamping, and deep drawing. Follow recommended minimum bend radii (2x material thickness for O temper, 3x for H14/H24 temper) to avoid cracking.
3004: Excels in deep drawing and complex forming. For bending, use a slightly larger minimum bend radius than 3003 (3x material thickness for O temper, 4x for H14/H24 temper) due to its higher strength. Pre-heating to 80-120°C can further improve formability for complex shapes.
4. Welding & Joining
Welding: Both 3003 and 3004 are easily weldable using MIG/TIG welding with matching filler metals (ER3003 for 3003, ER3004 for 3004). Use low to moderate welding current to avoid burn-through, especially for thin-gauge coils. For 3004, ensure proper shielding gas coverage to prevent weld porosity.
Mechanical Joining: Use rivets, screws, or adhesives compatible with aluminum. Ensure fasteners are made of aluminum or stainless steel to avoid galvanic corrosion. Pre-drill holes carefully to prevent material tearing, especially for thin gauges.
5. Surface Treatment
Clean mill finish coils thoroughly with a mild alkaline cleaner to remove oil and oxide layers before anodizing or painting. Ensure the surface is dry and free of contaminants to ensure strong coating adhesion.
For anodizing, 3003 produces a uniform, light gray finish, while 3004 may have a slightly darker tone due to its magnesium content. Both grades accept paint well-use a primer compatible with aluminum for maximum adhesion.
Our Quality Assurance & Customization Services
We understand that industrial and commercial projects require precise, reliable materials. That's why our 3003 and 3004 aluminum coils are backed by rigorous quality assurance processes and tailored customization services to meet your specific needs:
Strict Quality Control: Every coil undergoes multi-stage inspections, including raw material purity testing, chemical composition analysis (optical emission spectrometry), mechanical property testing (tensile, hardness), surface quality inspection (automated vision systems), and thickness uniformity checks (laser gauges). We also perform corrosion resistance tests (salt spray test per ASTM B117) to validate performance in harsh environments.
Full Traceability: Each coil is assigned a unique batch number, enabling full traceability from raw material to finished product. We provide comprehensive material test reports (MTR) with every shipment, detailing technical specifications, inspection results, and compliance certifications.
Tailored Customization: We offer custom thicknesses (0.1-6.0 mm), widths (800-2500 mm), and coil weights (300-5000 kg) to match your production line requirements. For surface finishes, we provide custom anodizing colors, pre-coating options (polyester/PVDF), and polished finishes. Our engineering team works closely with you to select the ideal grade and temper based on your project's environment, load, and processing needs.
Technical & Logistics Support: Our team of aluminum experts provides personalized technical guidance on processing, forming, welding, and surface treatment. We offer free technical samples for testing and validation, allowing you to verify performance before placing large orders. We use specialized packaging (protective film, anti-scratch liners, wooden crates) to ensure coils arrive in perfect condition and offer global shipping solutions with on-time delivery guarantees-critical for meeting project deadlines.
Whether you need cost-effective 3003 aluminum coils for architectural cladding and packaging, or high-performance 3004 aluminum coils for automotive parts and marine applications, our products deliver the performance, consistency, and durability you need. Trust our expertise in 3000 series aluminum alloys to provide tailored solutions that optimize your production efficiency and end-product quality. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements, request a technical sample, or get a customized quote.
