3003-H18 Aluminum alloy,Aluminum 3003-H18 alloy,E FORU

### **Aluminum 3003-H18 Alloy Product Introduction** **Aluminum 3003-H18** is a strain-hardened aluminum-manganese alloy in the full-hard temper condition, representing the highest strength level achievable in the 3003 alloy series through cold working. This temper offers maximum strength and hardness while maintaining the excellent corrosion resistance characteristic of the 3000 series alloys. The H18 condition is specified for applications where superior mechanical properties are paramount and where minimal forming is required after temper designation. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** | Element | Content (%) | | :--- | :--- | | **Manganese (Mn)** | 1.0 - 1.5 | | **Copper (Cu)** | 0.05 - 0.20 | | **Iron (Fe)** | 0.7 max | | **Silicon (Si)** | 0.6 max | | **Zinc (Zn)** | 0.10 max | | **Other Elements** | each 0.05 max, total 0.15 max | | **Aluminum (Al)** | Balance | *Material Characteristics:* - **Manganese** as primary strengthening element through solid solution - Tight chemical control ensures consistent high-strength properties - Optimized for maximum strain hardening response --- #### **2. Physical Properties** | Property | Value / Description | | :--- | :--- | | **Density** | 2.73 g/cm³ (0.098 lb/in³) | | **Melting Range** | 643 - 654 °C (1190 - 1210 °F) | | **Modulus of Elasticity** | 69 GPa (10,000 ksi) | | **Thermal Conductivity** | 155 W/m·K (107 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F) | | **Electrical Conductivity** | 42% IACS | | **Coefficient of Thermal Expansion** | 23.2 × 10⁻⁶/°C (20-100°C) | | **Specific Heat Capacity** | 900 J/kg·K | --- #### **3. Mechanical Properties** The H18 temper provides full-hard characteristics with maximum strength: * **Tensile Ultimate Strength:** 185 - 240 MPa (27 - 35 ksi) * **Tensile Yield Strength (0.2% Offset):** 175 - 225 MPa (25 - 33 ksi) * **Elongation:** 1 - 4% (in 2 inches) * **Shear Strength:** 140 MPa (20 ksi) * **Fatigue Strength:** 90 MPa (13 ksi) * **Brinell Hardness:** 50 - 60 HB * **Bending Characteristics:** Limited bendability with minimum bend radius of 3-4t --- #### **4. International Standards** * **ASTM:** * **ASTM B209** - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate * **ASTM B210** - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes * **ASTM B211** - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Bar, Rod, and Wire * **ISO:** * **ISO 6361-2** - Wrought Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Sheets, Strips and Plates * **ISO 6362-2** - Extruded Rod/Bar, Tube and Profiles * **EN:** * **EN 573-3** - Chemical composition and form of products * **EN 485-2** - Mechanical properties * **JIS:** **JIS H 4000** - Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Sheets and Plates --- #### **5. Product Applications** 3003-H18 is used in applications requiring maximum strength: * **Transportation:** Heavy-duty vehicle panels, trailer skins, structural reinforcements * **Construction:** High-strength architectural panels, roofing systems, structural components * **Industrial:** High-pressure vessels, chemical equipment, machinery parts * **Marine:** Structural boat components, marine hardware, deck applications * **Electrical:** High-strength bus bars, electrical enclosures, transformer components * **Consumer Goods:** Appliance panels, high-strength containers, industrial hardware --- #### **6. Key Advantages** * **Maximum Strength:** Highest mechanical properties in 3003 alloy series * **Excellent Hardness:** Superior surface durability and wear resistance * **Good Corrosion Resistance:** Maintains excellent corrosion performance * **High Stiffness:** Excellent dimensional stability under load * **Good Weldability:** Compatible with standard welding techniques * **Thermal Conductivity:** Maintains good heat transfer capability * **Cost-Effective:** Economical high-strength aluminum solution --- #### **7. Fabrication Characteristics** * **Welding:** Good weldability using GTAW and GMAW processes * **Forming:** Limited to simple bending and minimal forming operations * **Machining:** Fair machinability; requires sharp tools and proper parameters * **Strain Hardening:** Represents maximum practical cold working level * **Annealing:** 345°C (650°F) for 2-3 hours for complete softening * **Springback:** Significant springback requires compensation in tooling design --- #### **8. Technical Specifications** * H18 temper indicates strain hardening to full-hard condition * Suitable for service temperatures from -70°C to +150°C * Excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion * Good response to anodizing for enhanced surface properties * Compatible with standard chemical conversion coatings --- #### **9. Corrosion Performance** * **Atmospheric Exposure:** Excellent * **Marine Environment:** Good * **Stress Corrosion Cracking:** Excellent Resistance * **Pitting Resistance:** Good * **Industrial Atmospheres:** Good Resistance --- #### **10. Quality & Certification** * Consistent high-strength properties throughout material * Excellent surface quality and dimensional accuracy * Reliable performance in demanding structural applications * Full material traceability and certification available **Conclusion** Aluminum 3003-H18 represents the ultimate in strength achievement for the 3003 alloy system through cold working processes. While offering limited formability compared to lower tempers, it provides maximum mechanical properties for applications where strength and hardness are primary requirements. The alloy maintains the excellent corrosion resistance and weldability characteristic of the 3003 series, making it suitable for demanding applications in transportation, construction, and industrial sectors where high strength-to-weight ratio and durability are essential. 3003-H18 serves as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive high-strength aluminum alloys when maximum cold-worked strength is required within the aluminum-manganese alloy system.

Packing of Standard Packing: Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 1656 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.