| | Aluminium (Al)| Balance (~96.8-99.0) | | Manganese (Mn)| 1.0 – 1.5 | | Copper (Cu) | 0.05 – 0.20 | | Iron (Fe) | 0.7 (max) | | Silicon (Si) | 0.6 (max) | | Zinc (Zn) | 0.1 (max) | | Others | < 0.15 |
Mechanical Properties:
- Tensile strength: 130-180 MPa
- Yield strength: ~ 60-110 MPa
- Elongation: 10-25%
- Density: 2.73 g/cm³
- Thermal conductivity: ~160 W/m.K
- Excellent corrosion resistance especially in atmospheric conditions
- Excellent formability and weldability
Features of 3003 Aluminium Alloy for Hollow Aluminium Strips
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance
In the fabrication of hollow aluminium strips, maintaining structural integrity over time is crucial. The presence of manganese provides improved corrosion resistance compared to many other aluminium alloys. Particularly, 3003 alloy demonstrates excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, making it very suitable for outdoor and coastal uses.
2. Outstanding Formability
The inherent ductility of 3003 alloy makes it highly workable. This enables manufacturers to produce hollow strips with complex shapes and varying cross-sections without compromising the structural integrity, which is critical for applications requiring aerodynamic or engineered profiles.
3. Good Welding and Joining Characteristics
3003’s composition allows ease in common welding processes such as TIG, MIG, and resistance welding, important in multi-component assembly manufacturing which hollow strips often need.
4. Moderate Strength
While not the highest strength aluminium alloy, 3003 has balanced mechanical strength sufficient for many structural and semi-structural hollow strip applications where lightweight combined with reasonable load-bearing capacity is desirable.
5. Excellent Thermal Conductivity
The alloy’s thermal properties support applications where heat dissipation or thermal management within the hollow strip design is beneficial.
Applications of 3003 Aluminium Alloy Hollow Strips
1. Architectural and Construction Industries
- Window and Door Frames: The corrosion resistance and formability contribute to durable, attractive, and lightweight window and door frame hollow strips.
- Curtain Walls and Facades: Hollow strips allow for intricate profiles aiding insulation and weather resistance.
- Structural Components: Used in lightweight frameworks, support structures, and partitions.
2. Electrical Industry
Hollow aluminium strips of 3003 alloy serve as bus bars, electrical conductors, or protective casing owing to its thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity enhancements.
3. Automotive Industry
- Heat Exchangers: Hollow strips form the basis of lightweight and corrosion-resistant heat exchangers.
- Chassis and Body Parts: Moderate strength combined with weight savings make it fit for semi-structural hollow components.
4. Packaging Industry
The alloy’s ability to be formed into very thin hollow strips supports packaging applications such as aerosol cans, tubes, and containers when sealed with internal liners.
5. Transportation
Railways and aeronautic interior parts often require lightweight yet relatively sturdy hollow profiles. 3003 alloy hollow strips are excellent choices for such applications due to favorable strength-to-weight ratios.
6. General Manufacturing
Hollow aluminium strips made from 3003 alloy can be custom extruded or rolled for:
- Decorative trim bars
- Furniture components
- Cooling fin assemblies
- Lighting fixtures and reflectors
