3003 Aluminum Round Tube
3003 seamless aluminum tube is a multifunctional and high-performance material widely used in multiple industries.
1. Material Composition & Standards
Conforming to ASTM B210, ASTM B491, and EN 573-3 standards, 3003 aluminum round tubing features a manganese-enhanced alloy formulation optimized for superior formability and corrosion resistance:
Primary Elements:
Manganese (Mn): 1.0-1.5% (increases strength without compromising ductility)
Magnesium (Mg): ≤0.10% (trace amounts for processing enhancement)
Base Material:
Aluminum (Al): ≥97.8% (balance)
Impurity Limits:
Iron (Fe): ≤0.7%
Silicon (Si): ≤0.6%
Copper (Cu): 0.05-0.20%
Zinc (Zn): ≤0.10%
Supplied in strain-hardened tempers including H14 (¼ hard), H18 (½ hard), and O (annealed) per ASTM B210 specifications. Certified to MIL-T-5062B for marine applications and NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water systems. Third-party verification confirms consistent intermetallic phase distribution critical for uniform corrosion resistance.
2. Strength Performance
3003 offers exceptional cold-formability with moderate strength for structural applications:
| Property | O Temper | H14 Temper | H18 Temper | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 110-145 MPa | 145-180 MPa | 170-215 MPa | ASTM E8 |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | 35-50 MPa | 125-150 MPa | 160-195 MPa | ASTM E8 |
| Elongation at Break (%) | 25-35% | 8-15% | 4-8% | ASTM E8 |
| Compression Yield | 40 MPa | 130 MPa | 165 MPa | ASTM E9 |
| Shear Strength | 75 MPa | 100 MPa | 130 MPa | ASTM B769 |
| Fatigue Endurance (10⁷ cycles) | 60 MPa | 75 MPa | 95 MPa | ISO 1099 |
| Deep Drawing Ratio (LDR) | 2.3 | 1.8 | 1.5 | ISO 12004 |
Maintains >90% ductility at -196°C and exhibits excellent forming properties in cold-working operations.
3. Heat Treatment & Processing
As a non-heat-treatable alloy, mechanical properties are achieved through strain hardening:
Cold Working Process
Hot Rolling: Initial processing at 370-480°C to 8mm thickness
Cold Drawing: Sequential reductions achieving:
O Temper: Full anneal at 415°C
H14: 7-15% area reduction
H18: 25-30% area reduction
Intermediate Annealing: 315-345°C for 2 hours per 50% reduction
Resulting Microstructure
Grain size: ASTM 6-9 (10-30μm equiaxed grains)
Dispersoids: Al₆(Mn,Fe) phase particles (<0.5μm)
Dislocation density: 10⁷/cm² (O) to 10¹⁰/cm² (H18)
Texture coefficient: <0.65 for deep drawing applications
Recrystallization threshold: 250-280°C
4. Dimensions & Customization
Manufactured to precise tolerances for HVAC and architectural applications:
| Parameter | Standard Range | Precision Tolerance | Custom Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outer Diameter | 3-400 mm | ±0.1% OD | Elliptical profiles |
| Wall Thickness | 0.3-8 mm | ±8% WT | Tapered sections |
| Length | 0.5-12 m | +2mm/-0mm | Coiled up to 60m |
| Straightness | - | 1.5mm/m max. | ±0.5mm/m |
| Ovality | - | ≤1.2% TIR | ≤0.5% TIR |
| Bend Radius (min) | 1.0× OD | - | Minimum 0.6× OD |
Special Fabrication:
Expansion forming for heat exchanger connections
Rotary swaging for taper reduction
Custom end forming (flare, bead, bulge)
Roll grooving for mechanical joints
Spiral tube configurations
5. Corrosion Resistance Properties
Environmental Performance Data
| Environment | ISO 9223 Rating | Corrosion Rate (μm/yr) | Protection Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Water | RC1 (Excellent) | <0.5 μm/yr | Internal passivation |
| Chemical Handling | RC2 (Excellent) | 1-3 μm/yr | Polyethylene lining |
| Coastal Atmosphere | RC3 (Good) | 3-8 μm/yr | Chromate conversion coating |
| Industrial Area | RC3 (Good) | 8-15 μm/yr | Powder coating |
| Food Processing | RC1 (Excellent) | 0.2 μm/yr | Electropolishing |
Protection Systems:
Passivation: Nitric acid treatment per ASTM B580
Coatings:
Epoxy-phenolic coatings: 30-60μm DFT
Polyurethane: 40-80μm for UV resistance
Galvanic Protection: Zinc spray metallization + sealant
Biocidal Treatments: Silver-ion impregnation for microbial control
6. Machinability Characteristics
Optimization Parameters
| Operation | Tool Material | Speed (m/min) | Feed (mm/rev) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turning | Carbide K10 | 250-450 | 0.25-0.45 | Sharp positive rake |
| Milling | Carbide K20 | 300-500 | 0.15-0.30 | High helix tools |
| Drilling | HSS-Co5 | 100-150 | 0.12-0.20 | 130° point angle |
| Tapping | HSS-Co5 | 25-40 | Pitch matched | 90% thread depth |
Performance Metrics:
Machinability index: 95% (baseline: 2011-T3=100%)
Surface roughness: Ra 0.5μm achievable dry machining
Built-up edge resistance: Excellent (Grade 1 per ISO 3685)
Chip formation: Continuous spiral chips
Tool life: 50% longer than 6061 alloy
Coolant recommendation: Minimal (5-7% emulsion)
7. Weldability & Joining Methods
Excellent Weldability Across Processes
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
Filler wire: ER4043 (AlSi5) or ER1100
Shielding gas: Ar + 25-30% He mixture
Wire speed: 8-12 m/min (OD 12-50mm)
Heat input: ≤0.8 kJ/mm
Joining Methods
Soldering:
Zinc-aluminum solders: 390-450°C
Flux type: Non-corrosive organic
Adhesive Bonding:
Polyurethane adhesives: 18-25 MPa shear
Epoxy systems: 30-40 MPa tensile
Mechanical Fastening:
Beaded end connections
Push-to-connect fittings
Clinching for permanent joints
8. Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.73 g/cm³ | ASTM B311 |
| Thermal Conductivity (25°C) | 193 W/m·K | ASTM E1461 |
| CTE (20-100°C) | 23.2 μm/m·°C | ASTM E228 |
| Electrical Conductivity | 51% IACS | ASTM B193 |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 69.0 GPa | ASTM E111 |
| Specific Heat (100°C) | 897 J/kg·K | ASTM E1269 |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 0.55 m/m°C | ASTM D696 |
| Reflectivity (visible) | 85% | ASTM E903 |
| Emissivity (polished) | 0.05 | ASTM E423 |
9. Surface Quality Standards
Finishing options:
Mill finish: Ra 0.8-1.2μm
Brushed finish: Ra 0.3-0.6μm
Mirror polish: Ra <0.1μm achievable
Satin anodizing: Ra 0.4μm
Inspection criteria (ASTM B491):
Surface imperfections: ≤0.005mm depth
Die marks: ≤0.05mm height
Discoloration: None
Oxide uniformity: >95% coverage
Cleaning protocols:
Alkaline cleaning per AMS 2647
Bright dipping for decorative applications
Steam cleaning for food-grade tubing
10. Certifications & Testing
Quality Assurance Protocols
Chemical Verification:
Optical emission spectrometry
ICP mass spectroscopy for impurities
Physical Testing:
Flattening test to 60% OD reduction
Reverse bend test: 180° without cracking
Hydrostatic pressure testing: 3× working pressure
NDT Methods:
Eddy current testing per ASTM E309
Ultrasonic wall thickness verification
Helium leak testing
Industry Certifications
NSF/ANSI 61 for drinking water systems
ASME BPVC Section VIII compliance
FDA CFR 21.177.1500 (Food contact)
MIL-T-5062B naval specification
PED 2014/68/EU Annex I
Lloyd's Register Type Approval
Primary Applications: Heat exchanger components, condenser tubes, drip irrigation systems, furniture frameworks, decorative structures, chemical transfer lines, and cryogenic vessels where corrosion resistance and formability are critical.
Packaging: VCI paper interleaving + PE wrap bundles, crating with reinforced corners. Standard lead time: 3 weeks for stocked sizes.
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