Aluminium 3003 H22 is a non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy and temper combination widely used for sheet and coil applications that require a balance of strength, formability, corrosion resistance, and cost. The 3003 alloy belongs to the 3xxx aluminum-manganese series, while H22 indicates a strain-hardened and partially annealed condition.
For buyers, engineers, and fabricators, understanding the difference between the 3003 alloy and its H22 temper is important when selecting aluminum sheet. This guide explains what Aluminium 3003 H22 is, its properties, common applications, available sizes, comparison with other 3003 tempers, and the main factors that affect 3003 aluminum sheet price.
1. What Is Aluminium 3003 H22?
Aluminium 3003 H22 combines the 3003 aluminum alloy with the H22 temper. 3003 is an aluminum-manganese alloy designed for good formability, corrosion resistance, and moderate strength. It is one of the most widely used non-heat-treatable aluminum alloys for general fabrication and industrial products.
The H22 temper means that the aluminum has been strain hardened and then partially annealed. This processing reduces some of the hardness created by cold working and restores part of the material's ductility. As a result, 3003 H22 offers a useful balance between strength and formability.
This makes aluminum 3003 H22 suitable for applications where a buyer needs more strength than the O temper provides but does not want the lower formability associated with harder H tempers.
2. What Is 3003 Aluminum?
3003 aluminum is an aluminum-manganese alloy. Manganese is the main alloying element and improves the strength of the aluminum while maintaining good workability and corrosion resistance.
Unlike heat-treatable alloys such as 6061, 3003 does not obtain its main strength from solution heat treatment and aging. Its mechanical properties are mainly controlled through cold working and annealing. This is why the temper designation is an important part of the product specification.
Item | 3003 Aluminum | 3003 H22 | Main Advantage |
Alloy type | Aluminum-manganese | Aluminum-manganese | Good balance of strength and formability |
Heat treatable | No | No | Properties controlled by cold working and annealing |
Formability | Good to excellent | Very good | Suitable for forming and fabrication |
Corrosion resistance | Very good | Very good | Suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications |
3. Aluminium 3003 H22 Properties
The main advantage of aluminium 3003 H22 is its balanced performance. It provides moderate strength while retaining good ductility and formability. The exact mechanical values depend on product thickness and the applicable material standard, so buyers should confirm the required specification with the supplier before ordering.
Property | Typical Characteristic | Benefit for Buyers |
Strength | Moderate strength for a non-heat-treatable alloy | Suitable for general structural and formed components |
Formability | Good | Works well for bending, forming, and fabrication |
Corrosion resistance | Very good | Useful for indoor and outdoor service |
Weldability | Good | Suitable for common aluminum welding processes |
Temper | H22, strain hardened and partially annealed | Balance between strength and ductility |
For engineering projects, the final mechanical properties should always be checked against the required ASTM, EN, or other applicable standard and the specific thickness of the material.
4. What Is the Difference Between 3003 H22 and 3003 H14?
Both 3003 H22 and 3003 H14 are strain-hardened tempers, but their processing routes are different. H14 is strain hardened to a quarter-hard condition without the same partial annealing step used for H22. H22 is strain hardened and then partially annealed.
In practical terms, 3003 H22 is often selected when the application needs a good balance of strength and formability. 3003 H14 can be preferred when a more consistently strain-hardened condition is required.
Feature | 3003 H22 | 3003 H14 |
Processing | Strain hardened and partially annealed | Strain hardened |
Formability | Good | Good, but generally less ductile than softer tempers |
Typical use | Formed parts and general fabrication | General sheet fabrication and formed components |
5. Aluminium 3003 H22 vs H112
3003 H112 and 3003 H22 are both non-heat-treatable tempers, but they represent different processing conditions. H112 is generally associated with material that has received limited strain from hot working, while H22 has been strain hardened and partially annealed.
If forming and maximum ductility are the main requirements, a softer temper may be considered. If the project requires a controlled balance of strength and ductility, Aluminium 3003 H22 can be a practical choice.
The correct temper should be selected according to the forming process, required mechanical properties, final component design, and applicable material standard.
6. Aluminium 3003 H22 Applications
Aluminium 3003 H22 is used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications because it combines good corrosion resistance with moderate strength and good formability.
Application | Why 3003 H22 Is Used | Typical Products |
Cookware | Good formability and corrosion resistance | Pans, pots, lids, and formed cookware components |
Food containers | Easy forming and good corrosion resistance | Containers, covers, and formed components |
Heat exchangers | Good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance | Components and fabricated heat-transfer parts |
General fabrication | Good balance of strength and workability | Panels, covers, brackets, and fabricated parts |
Industrial equipment | Corrosion resistance and easy fabrication | Equipment covers, ducts, tanks, and components |
7. Aluminium 3003 H22 Sheet Specifications
The dimensions of Aluminium 3003 H22 sheet should be selected according to the customer's processing equipment and final application. Thickness, width, length, surface finish, flatness, and dimensional tolerance can all affect the final product specification.
Specification | Available Options |
Alloy | 3003 |
Temper | H22 |
Product form | Sheet and coil |
Thickness | Available according to production capability and customer requirements |
Width | Standard or customer-specified width |
Surface | Mill finish or other agreed surface requirements |
For an accurate quotation, buyers should provide alloy, temper, thickness, width, length, quantity, application, and required standard. These details allow the manufacturer to confirm production feasibility and pricing.
8. 3003 Aluminum Sheet Price
3003 aluminum sheet price depends on several factors rather than the alloy number alone. The main factors include the aluminum market price, alloy surcharge, temper, thickness, width, order quantity, surface requirements, packaging, and delivery terms.
Alloy and temper
The alloy and temper determine the production route and processing requirements. 3003 H22 may have a different price from O, H14, H24, or H112 material even when the dimensions are similar.
Thickness and dimensions
Very thin sheet and special-width material may require additional rolling or slitting processes. Large or non-standard dimensions can also affect production efficiency and the final quotation.
Order quantity
Large-volume orders usually provide better production efficiency and can result in a more competitive price per kilogram. Packaging and shipping costs also have a greater impact on small orders.
Because aluminum prices change with market conditions, buyers should request a current quotation instead of relying on an old online price. A complete RFQ should include the exact 3003 H22 specification and delivery destination.
9. Why Choose Aluminium 3003 H22?
Good balance between strength and formability
Very good corrosion resistance for general applications
Good weldability and fabrication performance
Non-heat-treatable alloy with stable processing characteristics
Suitable for sheet and coil production
Suitable for cookware, containers, heat-transfer components, and general fabrication
Competitive material choice for applications that do not require high-strength heat-treatable aluminum
10. Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminium 3003 H22
What is Aluminium 3003 H22?
Aluminium 3003 H22 is a non-heat-treatable aluminum-manganese alloy in the H22 temper. H22 means the material has been strain hardened and partially annealed to obtain a balance of strength and ductility.
What are aluminum 3003 H22 properties?
The main aluminum 3003 H22 properties include moderate strength, good formability, good weldability, and very good corrosion resistance. Exact mechanical properties depend on thickness and the applicable material standard.
What is 3003 aluminum used for?
3003 aluminum is commonly used for cookware, food containers, heat-transfer components, equipment covers, ducts, panels, and general fabricated products that require good formability and corrosion resistance.
What is the difference between 3003 H22 and H14?
3003 H22 is strain hardened and partially annealed, while 3003 H14 is strain hardened to a quarter-hard condition. H22 is often selected when a useful balance of strength and ductility is required.
What is the difference between 3003 H22 and H112?
H22 and H112 are different temper conditions. H22 is strain hardened and partially annealed, while H112 is associated with a hot-worked condition. The correct choice depends on the required strength, formability, and manufacturing process.
How much does 3003 aluminum sheet cost?
3003 aluminum sheet price depends on the current aluminum market, thickness, width, temper, quantity, surface requirements, packaging, and shipping terms. Contact the supplier with a complete specification for a current quotation.
11. Buy Aluminium 3003 H22 From a Reliable Manufacturer
Choosing the correct alloy and temper is only the first step. For industrial purchasing, buyers also need stable quality, accurate dimensions, reliable packaging, and complete product documentation.
Henan Zhongxin Aluminum supplies aluminum sheet and coil for international customers. We can discuss Aluminium 3003 H22 requirements based on thickness, width, quantity, application, and delivery destination.
When sending an RFQ, please provide the following information:
A complete specification helps the manufacturer confirm the suitable material, production schedule, packing method, and current price more efficiently.
