Jan. 07, 2025
For applications that require higher strength and better corrosion resistance, 3105-H14 is the preferred choice, while 3003-H14 is ideal for applications where formability is prioritized.
Both 3003-H14 and 3105-H14 aluminum alloys are widely used across various industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and cost-effectiveness. Both are in the H14 temper, meaning they have undergone strain hardening to achieve specific mechanical properties. Despite their similar alloy composition and performance, there are some key differences between the two.
Due to its higher magnesium and chromium content, 3105-H14 has enhanced corrosion resistance, especially in salt-laden or marine environments.
The thermal properties and electrical conductivity of both alloys are similar, with little difference in performance.
| Property | 3003-H14 | 3105-H14 |
| Alloy Composition | Contains aluminum, copper, and manganese | Contains aluminum, manganese, magnesium, chromium, and zinc |
| Tensile Strength (Ultimate) | Moderate | Higher |
| Tensile Strength (Yield) | Moderate | Higher |
| Elongation at Break | Higher (more ductile) | Lower (less ductile) |
| Brinell Hardness | Lower | Higher |
| Fatigue Strength | Lower | Higher |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Better (especially in marine environments) |
| Formability | Excellent (better for deep drawing) | Good (but slightly less formable) |
| Thermal Conductivity | Slightly better | Slightly lower |
| Electrical Conductivity | Equal for both | Equal for both |
| Thermal Shock Resistance | Lower | Higher |
| Applications | Roofing, siding, cooking utensils, heat exchangers | Building facades, automotive, structural applications, residential roofing |
Both alloys exhibit good corrosion resistance, especially in atmospheric and mild environments. However, the presence of magnesium and chromium in 3105-H14 gives it a corrosion resistance advantage in certain harsh conditions, such as marine environments or exposure to salt-laden air. 3105-H14 can better resist pitting and other forms of corrosion that may occur in these environments.
3003-H14 has better formability than 3105-H14, primarily because of its higher elongation at break. This makes 3003-H14 more suitable for deep drawing and other processes that require significant deformation without cracking.
While 3105-H14 still has quite good formability, its lower elongation may make it less suitable for applications that require deep or complex forming processes.
| Element | 3003-H14 Aluminum | 3105-H14 Aluminum |
| Aluminum (Al), % | 96.8 to 99 | 96 to 99.5 |
| Chromium (Cr), % | 0 | 0 to 0.2 |
| Copper (Cu), % | 0.050 to 0.2 | 0 to 0.3 |
| Iron (Fe), % | 0 to 0.7 | 0 to 0.7 |
| Magnesium (Mg), % | 0 | 0.2 to 0.8 |
| Manganese (Mn), % | 1.0 to 1.5 | 0.3 to 0.8 |
| Silicon (Si), % | 0 to 0.6 | 0 to 0.6 |
| Titanium (Ti), % | 0 | 0 to 0.1 |
| Zinc (Zn), % | 0 to 0.1 | 0 to 0.4 |
| Residuals, % | 0 | 0 to 0.15 |
| Property | 3003-H14 Aluminum | 3105-H14 Aluminum |
| Brinell Hardness | 42 | 48 |
| Elastic (Young's, Tensile) Modulus (x 10^6 psi) | 10 | 10 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 8.3 | 2.7 |
| Fatigue Strength (x 10^3 psi) | 8.7 | 9.9 |
| Poisson's Ratio | 0.33 | 0.33 |
| Shear Modulus (x 10^6 psi) | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| Shear Strength (x 10^3 psi) | 14 | 15 |
| Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS, x 10^3 psi) | 23 | 25 |
| Tensile Strength: Yield (Proof, x 10^3 psi) | 20 | 21 |
| Property | 3003-H14 Aluminum | 3105-H14 Aluminum |
| Latent Heat of Fusion (J/g) | 400 | 400 |
| Maximum Temperature: Mechanical (°F) | 360 | 360 |
| Melting Completion (Liquidus, °F) | 1210 | 1210 |
| Melting Onset (Solidus, °F) | 1190 | 1180 |
| Specific Heat Capacity (BTU/lb-°F) | 0.21 | 0.21 |
| Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h-ft-°F) | 100 | 98 |
| Thermal Expansion (µm/m-K) | 23 | 24 |
| Property | 3003-H14 Aluminum | 3105-H14 Aluminum |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Volume (% IACS) | 44 | 44 |
| Electrical Conductivity: Equal Weight (% IACS) | 140 | 140 |
Otherwise Unclassified Properties
| Property | 3003-H14 Aluminum | 3105-H14 Aluminum |
| Base Metal Price (% relative) | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Calomel Potential (mV) | -740 | -750 |
| Density (lb/ft³) | 170 | 170 |
| Embodied Carbon (kg CO2/kg material) | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| Embodied Energy (x 10³ BTU/lb) | 66 | 66 |
| Embodied Water (gal/lb) | 140 | 140 |
| Property | 3003-H14 Aluminum | 3105-H14 Aluminum |
| Resilience: Ultimate (Unit Rupture Work, MJ/m³) | 12 | 4.5 |
| Resilience: Unit (Modulus of Resilience, kJ/m³) | 130 | 160 |
| Stiffness to Weight: Axial (points) | 14 | 14 |
| Stiffness to Weight: Bending (points) | 50 | 50 |
| Strength to Weight: Axial (points) | 16 | 17 |
| Strength to Weight: Bending (points) | 23 | 25 |
| Thermal Diffusivity (mm²/s) | 71 | 68 |
| Thermal Shock Resistance (points) | 6.9 | 7.5 |
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