3003-H14 Aluminum Sheet Technical Material Specification
Comprehensive technical specification for 3003-H14 aluminum sheet, covering properties, sizing, machinability, defects, and handling guidelines for Canadian fabrication and woodworking operations.
Material Overview & Common Uses
3003-H14 is a non-heat-treatable, work-hardened aluminum alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, moderate strength, and superior formability. It is the most commonly used general-purpose aluminum alloy in sheet form, often specified for ductwork, signage, architectural cladding, fuel tanks, chemical equipment, and light structural components. In Canadian fabrication shops, it is a staple for custom sheet metal work, HVAC components, and decorative panels. The H14 temper indicates a strain-hardened condition to half-hard (approx. 50% of full hard), providing a good balance of strength and ductility for bending, stamping, and moderate forming operations.
Core Technical Properties & Sizing
| Property | Value / Specification |
|---|---|
| Alloy | 3003 (Aluminum Association designation) |
| Temper | H14 (strain-hardened, half-hard) |
| Tensile Strength | 145–185 MPa (21–27 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2% offset) | 125–165 MPa (18–24 ksi) |
| Elongation | 8–16% (in 2 in / 50 mm) |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 40–50 HB |
| Density | 2.73 g/cm³ (0.098 lb/in³) |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 69 GPa (10,000 ksi) |
| Thermal Conductivity | 190 W/m·K (at 25°C) |
| Electrical Conductivity | 50% IACS (annealed basis) |
| Melting Range | 643–654°C (1190–1210°F) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in atmospheric and chemical environments |
| Weldability | Excellent (TIG, MIG, resistance welding) |
| Formability | Good for bending, drawing, and stamping |
| Standard Sheet Sizes | 48 x 96 in, 48 x 120 in, 60 x 120 in |
| Thickness Tolerance (ASTM B209) | ±0.002 in (≤0.063 in), ±0.003 in (0.064–0.125 in), ±0.004 in (0.126–0.188 in) |
| Flatness Tolerance | 1/8 in over 4 ft (per ASTM B209) |
Machinability, Tooling & Feeds
| Parameter | Recommendation / Value |
|---|---|
| Machinability Rating | 90% of free-machining 2011-T3 |
| Tooling | Sharp, polished carbide or HSS with positive rake |
| Cutting Speed (Carbide) | 300–600 SFM (90–180 m/min) |
| Cutting Speed (HSS) | 150–300 SFM (45–90 m/min) |
| Feed (Turning) | 0.005–0.015 in/rev (0.13–0.38 mm/rev) |
| Feed (Milling) | 0.002–0.006 in/tooth (0.05–0.15 mm/tooth) |
| Depth of Cut (Roughing) | Up to 0.150 in (3.8 mm) |
| Depth of Cut (Finishing) | 0.010–0.030 in (0.25–0.76 mm) |
| Coolant / Lubricant | Water-soluble oil or kerosene |
| Drill Point Angle | 118°–135° with high helix |
| Bend Radius (Across Grain) | 0.5–1.0 x material thickness |
| Bend Radius (With Grain) | 1.0–1.5 x material thickness |
| Shearing Clearance | 5–10% of material thickness |
| Punching Clearance | 10–15% of thickness |
| Sawing TPI | 10–14 TPI (thin sheet), 6–10 TPI (thick stock) |
| Surface Finish (Achievable) | 32–63 microinches Ra |
Note: 3003-H14 is gummy due to high ductility. Use sharp tooling to minimize built-up edge. Chip formation is continuous and stringy; use chip breakers or high-pressure coolant.
Common Defects & Quality Control
| Defect | Description | Inspection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Scratches / Gouges | From handling or shearing | Visual inspection under bright light |
| Oil Canning | Wavy distortion from residual stress | Check flatness on granite table |
| Edge Burrs | From shearing | Measure burr height (max 0.005 in) |
| Roll / Die Lines | Repeating patterns from mill processing | Visual inspection |
| Delamination / Laminations | Rare, possible in thin gauges | Visual and ultrasonic inspection |
| Corrosion Pitting / White Rust | From moisture exposure | Check with 10x magnifier |
| Thickness Variation | Beyond ASTM B209 tolerance | Micrometer at multiple points |
| Camber / Twist | In long sheets | Measure with straightedge |
| Surface Contamination | Oil, dirt, adhesive residue | Wipe test with solvent |
| Heat Tint / Discoloration | From improper annealing | Visual check |
QC Protocol: Verify mill certificate (ASTM B209, EN 485), perform visual inspection on 100% of incoming sheets, measure thickness at 4 corners and center, check flatness with 0.010 in feeler gauge under straightedge, and test bend ductility on a sample (bend 180° over radius equal to thickness – no cracking). Reject sheets with cracks, severe scratches deeper than 0.002 in, or thickness out of spec.
Storage, Handling & Racking Guidelines
| Guideline | Detail |
|---|---|
| Environment | Clean, dry, humidity controlled (below 50% RH) |
| Stacking | Flat on wooden/plastic pallets with protective interleaving. Max height 4 ft. |
| Racking | Vertical racks with padded, non-marring supports. |
| Coil Storage | Cradles with protective wrapping. |
| Galvanic Prevention | Avoid direct contact with steel, concrete, or moisture-absorbing materials. |
| Handling | Clean, dry gloves; suction cups or padded clamps. Do not drag sheets. |
| Cutting | Dedicated aluminum blades and lubricants. |
| Stock Rotation | FIFO to prevent age-related surface degradation. |
| Winter Acclimation | Allow 24 hours to reach shop temperature (20°C ±5°C) before processing. |
| Long-Term Storage | Apply light rust-preventive oil (e.g., LPS-3) or store in climate-controlled area. |
| Inspection | Quarterly inspection for corrosion or mechanical damage. |