3003 and 3103 are non-heat treatable aluminium alloys from the 3000 series, alloyed with manganese. Strength comes from cold working rather than heat treatment, and what these alloys offer is a reliable combination of corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. They are a practical choice wherever a profile needs to resist corrosion and be formed or joined reliably, without the demands of a structural application.
3003 and 3103 are the right choice when corrosion resistance and formability are both on the requirements list and the application does not demand structural load-bearing performance. They work particularly well for components that will be welded or extensively formed during manufacturing, and they cover a wide range of environments from indoor fabrication to outdoor weather exposure.
The difference between the two is subtle but worth understanding. 3103 contains slightly more alloying elements, which gives it somewhat higher strength and improved performance in certain forming operations. In practice, the right choice depends on your profile geometry, required temper and fabrication process. If you are deciding between the two, it's worth discussing your specific requirements with our experts.
The combination of corrosion resistance and good thermal performance makes 3003/3103 a reliable choice for profiles that face moisture, condensation and cycling thermal loads.
Examples: Evaporator coils, condenser components, cooling fins
Formability and resistance to harsh weather conditions are elements that 3003/3103 handles well across a range of exterior applications.
Examples: Standing seam roofing profiles, facade cladding panels, rainscreen systems
Where profiles face daily exposure to moisture, cleaning agents, food acids and in some cases prolonged contact with liquids or mild chemicals.
Examples: Commercial kitchen surfaces, ventilation hoods, food storage containers, water treatment vessels
3003 and 3103 are general-purpose alloys with a well-balanced set of properties for non-structural applications. Corrosion resistance is great across most environments, including humid and chemically active conditions. Formability is excellent, which matters when the profile needs bending or shaping after extrusion. Weldability is also excellent, making these alloys well suited to fabricated assemblies. Cutting machinability is moderate, which should not be a deal-breaker, but worth factoring in early if significant machining is part of your downstream process. Neither alloy is heat treatable, so there is no route to increasing strength through ageing or heat treatment after extrusion.
No, both are non-heat treatable. Strength is achieved through cold working and temper selection, not ageing or heat treatment.
They are most commonly used in extruded profiles for HVACR components, heat exchangers, roofing and cladding, storage tanks and general fabrication where corrosion resistance and formability are the key requirements.
Yes, both alloys have great corrosion resistance in most outdoor environments, including exposure to rain and humidity. They are regularly used in roofing, cladding and exterior fabrication applications. For particularly aggressive environments such as coastal or industrial exposure, confirm suitability with our technical team before specifying.
3103 contains slightly more alloying elements, giving it somewhat higher strength and improved performance in certain forming operations. The right choice depends on your profile geometry, required temper and fabrication process. Contact our technical team with your requirements for a specific recommendation.
