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

### **Alclad 3003-H18 Aluminum Alloy Product Introduction** **Alclad 3003-H18** represents the highest strength variant in the 3003 aluminum alloy series, combining a fully hard **3003 alloy core** with a metallurgically bonded pure aluminum cladding. The H18 temper indicates a full hard condition achieved through severe cold working, providing maximum strength while maintaining the exceptional corrosion resistance of the Alclad coating. This material is engineered for applications demanding the highest possible strength from the 3003 alloy system while requiring superior corrosion protection. --- #### **1. Chemical Composition** * **Core Alloy (3003):** | 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 | | **Aluminum (Al)** | Balance | * **Cladding Layer:** High-purity aluminum alloy (AA1050, AA1060, or AA1100 series) comprising 2.5-5% of total thickness per side. --- #### **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) | | **Cladding Ratio** | 5-10% total thickness (2.5-5% per side) | --- #### **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 (t = thickness) --- #### **4. International Standards** * **ASTM:** * **ASTM B209** - Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate * **ASTM B928** - Standard Specification for High Magnesium Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate * **AMS:** **AMS 4003** - Aluminum Alloy 3003, Alclad Sheet and Plate * **ISO:** * **ISO 6361-2** - Wrought Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Sheets, Strips and Plates * **ISO 209** - Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys - Chemical Composition * **EN:** * **EN 573-3** - Chemical composition and form of products * **EN 485-2** - Mechanical properties --- #### **5. Product Applications** Alclad 3003-H18 is specified for applications requiring maximum strength with maintained corrosion resistance: * **Aerospace:** High-stress aircraft components, structural reinforcements, and stiffeners * **Marine:** High-performance boat hull plating, marine structural members, and deck hardware * **Transportation:** Heavy-duty truck trailer panels, railway car structural components * **Architecture:** High-strength architectural panels, structural supports, and building facades * **Industrial:** High-pressure vessels, chemical processing equipment, structural components * **Electrical:** Bus bar components and electrical conductors requiring high strength --- #### **6. Key Advantages** * **Maximum Mechanical Strength:** H18 temper provides the highest strength available in the 3003 alloy series * **Superior Corrosion Resistance:** Alclad layer offers sacrificial protection in aggressive environments * **Excellent Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** Maximum strength while maintaining aluminum's lightweight advantages * **Enhanced Surface Durability:** Cladding provides long-term protection against pitting and corrosion * **Good Electrical and Thermal Conductivity:** Maintains favorable conductivity characteristics * **Dimensional Stability:** Excellent stability under load due to high yield strength * **Low Maintenance Requirements:** Extended service life reduces maintenance costs --- #### **7. Fabrication Characteristics** * **Welding:** Good weldability using GTAW and GMAW processes; may require post-weld heat treatment * **Forming:** Limited formability; suitable only for simple bending operations * **Machining:** Fair machinability; requires sharp tools and appropriate cutting parameters * **Annealing:** 345°C (650°F) for 2-3 hours for complete softening to O temper * **Surface Treatment:** Excellent base for chemical conversion coatings and paint systems --- #### **8. Technical Notes** * The H18 temper provides approximately 15-20% higher strength than H16 temper * Not recommended for severe forming operations; consider annealing for complex shapes * The Alclad layer typically reduces overall mechanical properties by 3-7% compared to unclad 3003-H18 * Suitable for service temperatures from -70°C to +150°C (-94°F to +302°F) * Exhibits good resistance to atmospheric corrosion and industrial environments **Conclusion** Alclad 3003-H18 represents the premium high-strength solution in the 3003 aluminum alloy family, offering maximum mechanical properties combined with the proven corrosion protection of Alclad technology. This material is ideally suited for applications in aerospace, marine, and industrial sectors where both ultimate strength and long-term durability in corrosive environments are paramount. While its formability is limited due to the full hard condition, it provides unmatched strength characteristics for the 3003 alloy system, making it the material of choice for high-stress structural applications requiring reliable corrosion protection.

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 1650 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.