Choosing the right aluminum alloy is critical for performance, cost efficiency, and long-term durability. Among the most widely used alloys, 3003 aluminum and 6061 aluminum serve very different purposes across industries such as construction, automotive, marine, and machinery.
What is 3003 Aluminum?
3003 aluminum belongs to the 3xxx series (Aluminum-Manganese alloys) and is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and formability.
Key Characteristics of the 3003 aluminum sheet:
- Non-heat-treatable alloy
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Outstanding workability and formability
- Ideal for deep drawing and bending
Common Tempers:
3003-H14 aluminum sheet
3003-H16 aluminum sheet
3003-H18 aluminum sheet
What is 6061 Aluminum plate metal?
6061 aluminum is part of the 6xxx series (Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon alloys) and is one of the most versatile structural aluminum alloys.
Key Characteristics of 6061 aluminum plate metal:
- Heat-treatable alloy
- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Good machinability
- Excellent weldability
Common Tempers:
6061-T6 aluminum plate metal
6061-T651 aluminum plate metal
International Alloy Designation Equivalents
| Standard System | 3003 Equivalent Designation | 6061 Equivalent Designation |
|---|---|---|
| China (GB) | 3003 | 6061 / LD30 |
| USA (AA/ASTM) | 3003 / A93003 | 6061 / A96061 |
| Europe (EN) | EN AW-3003 | EN AW-6061 |
| ISO | AlMn1Cu | AlMg1SiCu |
| Japan (JIS) | A3003 | A6061 |
| Germany (DIN) | AlMnCu / 3.0517 | AlMgSi1Cu / 3.3211 |
| UK (BS) | 3103 (N3) | H20 / N20 |
3003 vs. 6061 Aluminum: Chemical Composition Differences
| Element | 3003 Aluminum Alloy | 6061 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Al) | Remainder (approx. 97–99%) | Remainder (approx. 95.9–98.6%) |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.0–1.5% (Primary) | ≤ 0.15% (Trace) |
| Magnesium (Mg) | ≤ 0.05% | 0.80–1.20% (Primary) |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.60% | 0.40–0.80% (Primary) |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.05–0.20% | 0.15–0.40% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.70% | ≤ 0.70% |
| Chromium (Cr) | None | 0.04–0.35% |
| Zinc (Zn) | ≤ 0.10% | ≤ 0.25% |
| Titanium (Ti) | ≤ 0.15% (Added as needed) | ≤ 0.15% |
Mechanical Properties of 3003 Tempers
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Brinell Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O (Annealed) | 110 | 40 | 28–30 | 28 |
| H12 (1/4 Hard) | 130 | 100 | 11 | 36 |
| H14 (1/2 Hard) | 160 | 130 | 8 | 42 |
| H16 (3/4 Hard) | 180 | 170 | 5 | 49 |
| H18 (Full Hard) | 210 | 180 | 4–5 | 56 |
Mechanical Properties of 6061 Tempers
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Brinell Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O (Annealed) | ≤ 150 | ≤ 110 | 16–25 | 33 |
| T4 (Solution + Natural Aging) | ≥ 210 | ≥ 110 | 16–18 | 63 |
| T6 (Solution + Artifical Aging) | ≥ 290 | ≥ 240 | ≥ 10 | 93–95 |
| T651 (T6 + Stress Relieved) | 310–320 | 270–276 | 10–12 | 93–95 |
3003 vs. 6061 Aluminum: Physical Properties
| Parameter | 3003 | 6061-T6 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.73 | 2.70 | Almost identical; weight difference is negligible. |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 180–193 | 151–167 (Typical ~167) | 3003 has superior thermal conductivity. |
| Electrical Conductivity (% IACS) | 44 | 43 | Very similar. |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (µm/m·K) | 23.2 | 23.6 | Minimal difference. |
| Elastic Modulus (GPa) | 68.9–70 | 68.9–69 | Almost identical. |
| Melting Point (°C) | 643–654 | Solidus 580, Liquidus 650 | 6061 has a wider crystallization range. |
Specifications of 6061 and 3003 Aluminum Plate
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Alloy Grade | 6061, 3003 |
| Available Tempers | T6, T651, T4, O, H12, H14, H16, H18 |
| Thickness Range | 0.3 mm – 200 mm (1/4" – 16") |
| Width Range | 300 mm – 2650 mm |
| Length Range | Up to 6000 mm |
| Surface Finish | Mill finish, smooth surface, free from oil stains, cracks, and deep scratches |
| Standards | ASTM B209 / AMS 4027 / EN 573 |
Industry Applications of 3003 vs. 6061 Aluminum plate
Common Uses for 3003 Aluminum Plates:
- Chemical & Food Storage: Chemical tanks, piping, and food handling equipment (due to excellent rust resistance).
- Sheet Metal Work: Roofing, siding, and acoustic ceilings.
- Automotive & Transport: Truck trailer panels and fuel tanks (parts that need to be bent into shape but don't hold the main chassis weight).
- HVAC: Heat exchangers and ductwork.
Common Uses for 6061 Aluminum Plates:
- Heavy Structures: Machine base plates, industrial automation frames, and heavy-duty brackets.
- Marine Applications: Boat decks, marine fittings, and gangways.
- Transportation: Motorcycle and bicycle frames, truck chassis components.
- Custom Parts: Any fixture, jig, or custom component that requires precise CNC machining.
Comprehensive Summary Table
| Dimension | 3003 | 6061 | Who is better suited? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alloy System | Al-Mn (3000 Series) | Al-Mg-Si (6000 Series) | - |
| Strengthening | Cold Work Hardening | Solution & Aging | - |
| Max Tensile Strength | ~210 MPa (H18) | ~310 MPa (T6) | 6061 has higher absolute strength. |
| Max Yield Strength | ~180 MPa (H18) | ~276 MPa (T6) | 6061 has superior load-bearing capacity. |
| Annealed Elongation | 28–30% | 20–25% | 3003 has better plasticity. |
| Formability | Excellent | Fair(temperaturer sensitive) | 3003 is much easier to form. |
| Post-Weld Strength | No loss | ~40% loss in HAZ | 3003 is more stable post-weld. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good | 3003 has superior baseline resistance. |
| Machinability (CNC) | Fair | Excellent | 6061 is ideal for precision machining. |
| Anodizing Effect | Poor (Not recommended) | Excellent | 6061 is much better for aesthetics. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 180–193 W/m·K | 151–167 W/m·K | 3003 is better for heat transfer. |
| Material/Process Cost | Lower | Higher (Requires heat treatment) | 3003 is more cost-effective. |
| Common Tempers | O, H12, H14, H16, H18, H24 | O, T4, T6, T651 | - |
GNEE Supply Capabilities
- Available Thickness: From ultra-thin sheets (0.5mm) to extremely thick plates (up to 300mm).
- Temper States Provided: We supply 3003 in O, H14, H18, H24 tempers; and 6061 in O, T4, T6, T651 tempers.
- Custom Cutting Services: You don't have to buy standard full-size plates. We use precision CNC saws and laser cutters to cut plates into your exact required blocks or shapes.
- Surface Protection: All plates can be supplied with one-sided or two-sided PVC protective film to prevent scratches during shipping and handling.
- Quality Assurance: Every shipment is accompanied by a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) to guarantee chemical composition and mechanical properties.
What to Tell Us When You Order
To help GNEE quote you accurately and quickly, please confirm the following details in your inquiry:
Alloy & Temper: (e.g., 6061-T6 or 3003-H14)
Exact Dimensions: Length x Width x Thickness (Please specify mm or inches).
Quantity: Total weight (tons/kg) or total number of pieces.
Processing Needs: Do you need standard raw plates, or do you need us to cut them to custom sizes?
Application / End-use: Tell us what you are making. If you are not sure about the alloy, knowing your product helps our engineers recommend the best option.