3003 coloured aluminum sheets combine excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and attractive color finishes for architectural, decorative, and industrial applications. Made from the 3003 aluminum alloy (Mn as the main alloying element) and coated with high-performance paints or PVDF/polyster systems, these sheets deliver long-lasting aesthetics, weatherability, and ease of fabrication. Typical uses include cladding, signage, facades, soffits, roofing trims, and interior decorative panels.
Overview
3003 coloured aluminum sheets are produced from alloy 3003 (Al-Mn) and finished with factory-applied color coatings. The base alloy offers improved strength over pure aluminum, very good corrosion resistance, and excellent workability (forming, bending, stamping). The coloured coating systems (PVDF, polyester, fluorocarbon, coil-coated finishes) provide UV resistance, color stability, and additional protection for exterior or interior use.
Features
- Alloy: 3003 (Al-Mn) base metal — moderate strength, good formability
- Coatings: PVDF (70%+ Kynar), polyester, plastisol, or anodized + painted options
- Excellent corrosion resistance in typical atmospheric environments
- Superior formability: bending, roll forming, pressing, embossing
- Lightweight and non-combustible
- Good thermal reflectivity (depending on color)
- Long-term color stability when PVDF or quality fluoropolymer coatings are used
- Available in a wide range of standard RAL and custom colors
- Available pre-cut coils, sheets, and fabricated parts
Common Applications
- Architectural cladding and curtain wall panels
- Facade panels and composite panel outer skins
- Soffits, fascias, cornices and eaves
- Roofing trims, flashings, and gutters
- Interior decorative panels and ceilings
- Signs, nameplates, and display panels
- HVAC duct covers and appliance panels
- Furniture and fixtures where colored metal is required
3003 Alloy — Basic Characteristics
3003 is a wrought alloy with manganese (Mn) as the principal alloying element. It is non-heat-treatable and is commonly supplied in H14, H16, H18, H22 and soft O tempers depending on required forming and strength.
Table: Alloy Highlights
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Base metal | Aluminum (99%+ with Mn alloying) |
| Main alloying element | Manganese (≈1.0–1.5%) |
| Temper options | O, H14, H16, H18, H22 |
| Corrosion resistance | Very good for atmospheric environments |
| Formability | Excellent (drawing, bending, roll forming) |
| Weldability | Good (TIG, MIG; soldering possible) |
| Heat treatment | Non-heat-treatable (strengthening by cold work) |
Chemical Composition (typical)
Typical composition ranges for alloy 3003. Values are approximate and should be verified against supplier mill certificates for critical applications.
| Element | Typical % (mass) |
|---|---|
| Al | Balance (≈96.5–98.5) |
| Mn | 0.8–1.5 |
| Fe | 0.6–1.2 |
| Cu | ≤0.05–0.20 |
| Si | ≤0.6 |
| Zn | ≤0.1 |
| Ti | ≤0.15 |
| Others (each) | ≤0.05–0.10 |
| Others (total) | ≤0.15–0.20 |
Mechanical Properties (typical by temper)
Mechanical properties vary by temper. Below are representative values; consult supplier data for exact guarantees.
| Temper | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Yield Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| O (annealed) | 60–90 | 20–40 | 20–35 |
| H14 (quarter-hard) | 100–130 | 60–90 | 8–15 |
| H16 (half-hard) | 120–150 | 80–110 | 6–12 |
| H18 (three-quarter-hard) | 130–160 | 90–120 | 4–10 |
| H22 (full-hard) | 150–180 | 110–140 | 2–6 |
Physical Properties (3003 base metal)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.73 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | 640–650 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | ≈118 W/m·K (at 25 °C) |
| Electrical conductivity | ≈34–35% IACS |
| Modulus of elasticity | ≈69 GPa |
Coating Systems and Finishes
3003 coloured sheets are supplied with a variety of coating options. Selection depends on exposure, color fastness requirements, and budget.
Table: Common Coating Types
| Coating Type | Typical Thickness (μm) | Benefits | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVDF (70% solids) | 20–30 (topcoat) + primer 5–10 | Excellent UV/weather resistance, color retention, chemical resistance | Exterior cladding, architectural facades |
| Polyester (PE) | 15–25 | Economical, good color range, fair outdoor durability | Interior panels, soffits, signage |
| Silicon-modified Polyester (SMP) | 18–25 | Improved gloss and weathering vs. PE | Exterior trims, gutters |
| Plastisol | 200–300 (thicker) | Thick protective coating, textured finishes | Roofing, heavy-wear applications |
| Anodized + paint | Varies | Enhanced adhesion, decorative finish | Specialty applications requiring anodic substrate |
| PVDF Coil Coating (2-coat/3-coat) | Primer + finish total 25–40 | Factory-controlled quality, long-term performance | High-end architectural projects |
Available Dimensions & Tolerances
Standard sizes and thicknesses depend on mill capability and customer requirements.
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 0.20 mm to 3.0 mm (common: 0.7, 0.9, 1.0, 1.2 mm) |
| Width | 600 mm to 1600 mm (common: 1000, 1220, 1250, 1500 mm) |
| Coil ID | 508 mm or 610 mm |
| Length | Cut-to-length up to 4000 mm or supplied in coils |
| Flatness tolerance | As per ASTM/EN or supplier spec |
| Thickness tolerance | ±0.03–0.10 mm depending on nominal thickness/standard |
Surface Appearance & Color Options
- RAL and custom colors available
- Gloss levels: matte, semi-gloss, high gloss (typical 5–80 GU)
- Textures: smooth, stucco, woodgrain, or matted via coating selection
- Metallic and anodic-look finishes available with PVDF or special coatings
Performance & Durability
- Expected long-term color and gloss retention with PVDF coatings (often 10–20 years depending on environment)
- Excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, including marine environments with appropriate maintenance
- Good resistance to chemicals and pollutants; check compatibility for aggressive chemicals
- Thermal cycling and expansion: use appropriate fastening and design allowances to permit expansion (coefficient of thermal expansion for 3003 ~23.6 ×10^-6 /°C)
Fabrication & Handling
- Cutting: Shearing, slitting, saw cutting, or CNC is possible; use sharp tools to avoid coating edge damage
- Forming: Bending, roll forming, deep drawing possible (use suitable tempers for severe forming—O or H14 preferred)
- Welding: MIG/TIG compatible; pre-paint welding leads to local coil coating damage—touch-up or use mechanical joints for architectural visible areas
- Fastening: Rivets, screws, and concealed fastening systems widely used
- Cleaning: Mild detergent and water; avoid abrasive cleaners which may damage coating
- Storage: Store flat or on pallets in dry conditions; avoid contact with dissimilar metals that promote galvanic corrosion
Quality Standards & Certifications
- Can be supplied to meet EN, ASTM, JIS and other applicable national standards for base alloy and coating systems
- Coil coating processes typically conform to ISO 9001/14001 (manufacturer-specific)
- PVDF coatings often tested per AAMA 2605 for performance (confirm supplier certification)
- Pre-treatment (desmearing/etching and conversion coating) typically per customer or industry standards for adhesion and corrosion protection
Environmental & Sustainability Notes
- Aluminium is highly recyclable; coated 3003 sheets can be recycled though coating removal or incineration routes vary by recycling facility
- PVDF coatings contain fluoropolymers — evaluate environmental regulations and end-of-life options if relevant to project
- Lightweight nature reduces transported weight and embodied energy relative to many alternative materials
Ordering Guide (what to specify)
When requesting quotations or ordering, provide:
- Alloy and temper (e.g., 3003 H14)
- Thickness and width
- Coil or cut-to-length sheet
- Coating system and color (RAL number or sample)
- Coating thickness/specification (e.g., PVDF 25 μm topcoat, primer 7 μm)
- Surface finish (gloss, texture)
- Quantity, delivery schedule, testing/cert requirements
- Any special fabrication (pre-punched, slotted, formed parts)
Typical Technical Specification Table (Example)
| Item | Specification (example) |
|---|---|
| Alloy / Temper | 3003 / H14 |
| Thickness | 1.0 mm |
| Width | 1220 mm |
| Coating System | PVDF (Two-coat), primer 7 μm + topcoat 25 μm |
| Color | RAL 7016 (Anthracite) |
| Tensile Strength | 120 MPa (typical) |
| Yield Strength | 80 MPa (typical) |
| Elongation | 10% |
| Surface | Smooth, gloss ~30 GU |
| Packaging | Palletized with edge protection, weatherproof wrapping |
| Certificates | Mill test report, AAMA 2605 compliance (if requested) |
Maintenance Recommendations
- Regular washing with fresh water and mild detergent to remove dirt, salts, and pollutants (especially in coastal or industrial areas)
- Avoid prolonged contact with wet debris, non-ferrous metal filings, or abrasive materials
- Touch-up kits available for minor coating damage; larger damage should be re-coated or replaced
- Inspect fasteners, seals and joints periodically to prevent moisture ingress
Limitations & Considerations
- Not heat-treatable—strength increases only by cold working (choose temper accordingly)
- Coating selection crucial for long-term exterior performance—PVDF recommended for demanding outdoor exposure
- For marine installations, additional design considerations (fastener materials, drainage, edge protection) required
- Colors and gloss can vary slightly between production batches—order full project quantity in one batch if color uniformity is critical
Contact & Support
For project-specific data, mill certificates, color samples or fabrication advice, contact your supplier or engineering representative. Provide drawings, required finishes, exposure conditions and regulatory requirements so the manufacturer can recommend the correct temper, coating system and tolerances.
