Aluminum 3103 is a non-heat-treatable aluminum-manganese alloy known for its excellent corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and good formability. As part of the 3xxx series, it is often used in architectural panels, food-grade containers, and chemical processing systems where long-term resistance to atmospheric or chemical corrosion is required.
Thanks to its easy forming and clean machinability, Aluminum 3103 is frequently selected for CNC machining of panels, brackets, housings, and piping components in the construction, food, and HVAC industries.
Element | Composition Range (wt.%) | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
Aluminum (Al) | Balance | Base metal for lightweight, corrosion-resistant applications |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.9–1.5 | Increases strength and improves corrosion resistance |
Iron (Fe) | ≤0.70 | Residual element |
Silicon (Si) | ≤0.60 | Residual element |
Copper (Cu) | ≤0.10 | Residual element |
Zinc (Zn) | ≤0.10 | Residual element |
Others | ≤0.15 (total) | Trace elements |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard/Condition |
|---|---|---|
Density | 2.73 g/cm³ | ASTM B311 |
Melting Point | 635–655°C | ASTM E299 |
Thermal Conductivity | 160 W/m·K at 25°C | ASTM E1952 |
Electrical Conductivity | 38% IACS at 20°C | ASTM B193 |
Coefficient of Expansion | 23.6 µm/m·°C | ASTM E228 |
Specific Heat Capacity | 900 J/kg·K | ASTM E1269 |
Elastic Modulus | 70 GPa | ASTM E111 |
Property | Value (Typical) | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 180–200 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Yield Strength (0.2%) | 160 MPa | ASTM E8/E8M |
Elongation | ≥10% | ASTM E8/E8M |
Hardness | 50–60 HB | ASTM E10 |
Fatigue Strength | 80 MPa | ASTM E466 |
Impact Resistance | High | ASTM E23 |
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Performs exceptionally in atmospheric, industrial, and mildly chemical environments, making it ideal for piping, ducting, and cladding in HVAC and food facilities.
Moderate Strength with Good Workability: Offers higher strength than pure aluminum (like 1050) without compromising on formability—suitable for CNC machined parts with both structural and aesthetic requirements.
Superior Weldability: Supports TIG/MIG and resistance welding with minimal cracking. It is ideal for fabrications that require post-weld dimensional accuracy.
Non-Heat Treatable Alloy: Strengthening is achieved through cold working to tempers like H14, H16, or H18. Properties remain stable during thermal cycling.
Environmentally Friendly: Fully recyclable with minimal performance loss, widely adopted in sustainable design and green manufacturing initiatives.
Soft Surface: Prone to scratching or galling if not handled and clamped properly.
Built-Up Edge (BUE): Material adhesion may reduce cutting-edge sharpness and surface finish.
Moderate Thermal Conductivity: This may require coolant optimization to maintain tight tolerances.
Parameter | Recommendation | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
Tool Material | Uncoated carbide or TiN-coated tools | Minimizes sticking and maintains tool sharpness |
Geometry | Large rake angle, polished edges | Facilitates clean chip formation |
Cutting Speed | 200–400 m/min | Balances surface finish and productivity |
Feed Rate | 0.10–0.25 mm/rev | Supports fine tolerances and smooth edges |
Coolant | Dry or mist coolant | Reduces friction without affecting surface finish |
Operation | Speed (m/min) | Feed (mm/rev) | Depth of Cut (mm) | Coolant Pressure (bar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Roughing | 200–300 | 0.15–0.25 | 2.0–4.0 | Dry or mist |
Finishing | 300–400 | 0.05–0.10 | 0.2–1.0 | Mist or light flood |
Anodizing: Accepts Type II and hard coat anodizing; ideal for improving the surface hardness and corrosion resistance. Typical oxide thickness is 5–25 µm.
Powder Coating: Provides 60–100 µm thick finishes with strong adhesion and UV resistance for architectural and consumer parts.
Electropolishing: Enhances surface finish to Ra ≤0.2 µm for cleanroom and aesthetic applications.
Passivation: Used to remove surface contaminants and improve post-machining corrosion performance prior to coating.
Brushing: Produces satin finishes of Ra 0.8–1.6 µm on panels, covers, and consumer interfaces.
Alodine Coating: Enhances corrosion resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity for aerospace and electronics housings.
UV Coating: Transparent film (5–15 µm) offers additional protection for visible and branded components.
Lacquer Coating: Clear, glossy protection commonly used in signage and architectural panels to resist handling wear and oxidation.
HVAC and Ventilation: Ductwork, piping, and structural brackets exposed to variable temperatures and humidity.
Architecture: Decorative panels, wall cladding, and outdoor signage due to its corrosion resistance and aesthetic finish.
Food and Beverage Processing: Containers, panels, and liners requiring hygienic and oxidation-resistant properties.
Consumer Products: CNC-machined casings, interface panels, and decorative hardware.
Transportation: Lightweight housings, supports, and protective panels for vehicles exposed to vibration and outdoor conditions.