3003 / 3003-H14 Aluminum
Alloy 3003 is the most widely used of all aluminum alloys. It is a non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy. 3003 aluminum is highly workable, formable, and weldable, with exceptional corrosion resistance. Alloy 3003 is often used in applications that require excellent corrosion resistance but not necessarily high strength. 3003 aluminum is a softer, more formable aluminum that can scratch easily (when drilled and tapped, it is like chewing gum). It is an alloy that is particularly popular for outdoor projects that require extensive forming or joining. It is worth noting that long-term exposure to outside elements without painting or applying a clear coat finish will result in the material oxidizing (developing a white chalky surface).
Alloy 3003-H14 is a specific temper of Alloy 3003, indicating that it has undergone strain hardening to improve its mechanical properties while retaining the corrosion resistance and formability of the base alloy. It offers improved tensile strength and hardness compared to Alloy 3003 in its annealed state. It is commonly used in applications where both corrosion resistance and modest strength are required, such as in sheet metal applications.
Characteristics of alloy 3003:
Machinability = Good
Corrosion Resistance = Excellent
Weldability = Excellent
Bending/Forming = Excellent
Magnetic = No
Heat Treatable = No
Common applications of alloy 3003:
- General sheet metal work, including roofing, gutters, and siding.
- Cooking utensils and kitchen equipment.
- Trim, awnings, and architectural applications.
- Ductwork.
- Truck and trailer parts.
- Storage and fuel tanks.
- Chemical processing equipment and tanks.
- Pressure vessels.
- Signage and mailboxes.
- Heat exchangers in HVAC systems, radiators, and air conditioning units.
6061 / 6061-T651 Aluminum
Alloy 6061 is a heat-treatable aluminum alloy. It is known for its excellent strength and corrosion resistance. Alloy 6061 is a more machinable aluminum and is the workhorse of heat-treated alloys. It is often used in various structural and fabrication applications. It is worth noting that long-term exposure to outside elements without painting or applying a clear coat finish will result in the material oxidizing (developing a white chalky surface).
Alloy 6061-T651 is a temper condition indicating that it has been heat-treated and has had an added stress-relieving process used for plates which prevents warping while machining. The "-T651'' temper provides excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and improved stress corrosion resistance. It retains its formability to a certain extent. This temper is suitable for applications where high strength and corrosion resistance are critical.
Characteristics of alloy 6061:
Machinability = Good
Corrosion Resistance = Good
Weldability = Excellent
Bending/Forming = Fair
Magnetic = No
Heat Treatable = Yes
Common applications of alloy 6061:
- Aerospace: Aircraft components, including fuselages, wings, and structural parts.
- Automotive: Wheels, frames, suspension components, and engine parts.
- Structural applications.
- Production of sailboat, canoe, truck, and bus bodies.
- Scaffolding and transmission towers.
- Furniture.
- Marine fittings, hardware, boat hulls, and masts.
- Chemical equipment and hardware.
- Bike frames.
Finishes
What is a mill finish?
Mill finish means that items come to us exactly as they are finished at the mill. All materials can have some surface scuffs and scratches and may have a dull or matte finish.